The Corporate Parenting Committee of Southwark Council met on Wednesday 28 February 2024 to discuss the progress of young people in care, review the council's commitment to supporting care leavers with immigration issues, and plan future work. The committee noted improvements in care leaver services following an Ofsted visit and formally adopted an immigration support pledge.

Speakerbox Update

Dechaun Malcolm, Children's Rights and Participation Officer, presented an update on Speakerbox, a group that ensures the views of looked-after children and care leavers influence decision-making. The committee heard that over 1,000 young people participated in mentoring for care leavers, a significant increase from the previous year. The Care Free kitchen initiative was highlighted, with young people finding it a memorable experience, particularly after meeting journalist and food critic Jay Rayner. Speakerbox aims to provide young people with opportunities to develop new skills and confidence in public speaking. Looking ahead, Speakerbox plans to rebrand its website and undertake more outreach work.

Workshop on Careers and Wellbeing for Care Leavers

Matthew, a Southwark Careers Advisor for those aged 18 and over, discussed a recent careers and wellbeing event. The event's primary objectives were to create an environment with minimal barriers for care leavers to interact with external organisations and peers, and to provide a platform for individuals with varied abilities to engage with tailored opportunities. The event facilitated interactions with organisations in sectors such as hospitality and construction, and included representatives from the armed forces and the Metropolitan Police. Nineteen external organisations offered employment and training support, with a focus on assisting young people with no qualifications to gain employment. The event also featured a Bounce Back initiative for ex-offenders and support for those with autism and female genital mutilation (FGM). The council's careers service also provides support for Southwark apprenticeships. The committee agreed to invite an HR representative to a future meeting to discuss apprenticeships and interview skills for young people.

Update: Outcome of Focussed Visit on Care Leavers

Khalil Campbell, Service Manager for Fostering, Children's and Adults Services, presented a report on the outcome of a focused visit by Ofsted to assess care leaver services. The committee noted the contents of the Ofsted letter, which indicated continued improvement in the Care Leaver Service since the last inspection in September 2022. Ofsted found that the needs of most care leavers were being met well, with tailored provision for those with specific or complex needs. The report highlighted the invaluable support provided by specialist experienced practitioners. Ofsted also noted that care leavers are involved in service development and their voices are heard, with a clear local offer co-produced with them. The corporate parenting committee was described as active and inclusive for care leavers. The report positively acknowledged the role of Personal Advisers (PAs) and the independence hub for care leavers over 21. Mental health provision for care leavers was also noted as being well-met through access to counselling services. The report commended the support for young people to access secure and suitable housing and the skilled practitioners supporting disabled care leavers. The provision for unaccompanied young people was also found to be good, with effective advocacy and legal advice helping them progress their asylum claims. Ofsted made two recommendations for improvement: improving access to health histories and ensuring accommodation is well maintained.

Brief Paper on the Immigration Pledge

Helen Woolgar, Assistant Director of Safeguarding and Care, introduced a report on the Immigration Support Pledge. The pledge commits the council to identifying all looked-after children and care leavers with immigration and nationality issues, connecting them with legal support, taking a proactive role in their applications, and enabling eligible individuals to apply for permanent status and British citizenship. The report highlighted that as of 19 February 2024, 401 children were in care, with 273 confirmed as British citizens. It also noted that 52 were unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. The report emphasised that the issue of unresolved immigration disproportionately affects children from Black backgrounds. The committee resolved to note the contents of the immigration support pledge.

Update on Special Guardianship - Including Update on Mental Health Support

Dr Jenny Taylor, Head of Clinical Service, presented an update on mental health support for children subject to Special Guardianship Orders (SGOs). The report detailed the work of a group convened to address timely mental health support for these families. While specific data on the population of children and families under consideration was still being gathered, epidemiological data suggested that approximately 24% of children with SGOs might require mental health intervention. The report outlined current provision, noting that children on SGOs are primarily supported by local CAMHS services. It also detailed recent and proposed developments, including improvements to referral forms and training for CAMHS colleagues. The committee resolved to note the contents of the report.

Corporate Parenting Committee Work Plan

The committee reviewed and agreed on the work plan for the Corporate Parenting Committee. The plan includes regular updates on Speakerbox, the Southwark Homes Programme, Lifelong Links, and the Care Leaver and Housing Protocol. Future agenda items will also include the annual health report for looked-after children, foster annual report, and the annual virtual headteacher's report. The committee resolved to note the work plan and agreed to include the proposed items for future meetings.