Councils are required to publish a Local Offer for care leavers, providing information about services which could help care leavers in, or in preparing for, adulthood and independent living. This includes services relating to health and well being, relationships, education and training, employment, accommodation and participating in society.
Wolverhampton's Local Offer was developed in partnership with care leavers and includes a wide range of support which they are entitled to by law, as well as additional services that the council has been able to secure with the help of partner organisations.
It features online counselling to support care leavers' health and wellbeing, weekly support groups to help them build relationships and support around education, employment and training - including help from work coaches and guaranteed interviews for apprenticeships.
Care leavers can also access practical, 1 to 1 support from advisors and mentors, and enjoy a wide range of benefits including free haircuts and free membership to the City of Wolverhampton Council's WV Active leisure centres, while those aged 19 or under also qualify for free membership to The Way Youth Zone. In addition, care leavers also qualify for Council Tax exemption until they are 25.
Councillor Paul Sweet, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "Through our Corporate Parenting Strategy we are committed to improving outcomes for children and young people who are or have been in the council's care, and giving them the best possible chance in life.
"It's important that we are able to make the transition from childhood to adulthood as smooth and easy as possible, and we have worked closely with partner agencies to maximise the support which is available to care leavers.
"There are plenty of ways in which the council and other organisations can help care leavers with their health and wellbeing, education, training and employment, relationship building, and managing money and accommodation, and I would encourage them to speak to their Young Person's Advisor to find out more."
- released: Wednesday 19 September, 2018