Further support for young adults leaving care
A member of the Children in Care Council has backed the Oldham Council’s support for care leavers, which has been further strengthened following a decision by councillors.
At last night’s cabinet meeting (December 16) it was agreed that any care leaver who becomes homeless will receive the full support of the council up to the age of 25 – and would not face being made ‘intentionally homeless’.
Under current homelessness legislation, young people who were formerly in care aged 18-20 are automatically in ‘priority need’ – this is not guaranteed for those aged 21-24, unless they are found to be ‘vulnerable’.
Furthermore, councils may consider whether young people have made themselves intentionally homeless through their own deliberate act or omission – thus limiting the support they will be entitled to.
By agreeing that all care leavers under the age of 25 are in priority need and not looking at whether they have become homeless intentionally, there will be a duty to provide temporary and permanent accommodation for all these young people.
By raising this to 25 it will potentially mean the chances of care leavers becoming homeless as they get older will decrease.
‘Personal Advisers to 25’ are in place to give support and help.
This support has been put in place after listening to what care leavers want help with through Oldham’s Children in Care Council.
Councillor Hannah Roberts, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “We know that care leavers face unique and difficult challenges as they grow into adults.
“It is our duty to support these young people, some of which have faced tough challenges early in life, especially when it comes to housing as everyone deserves a warm and decent roof over their heads.
Councillor Amanda Chadderton, Cabinet member for Children’s Services, said: “As a council we’re committed to taking as much pressure away from care leavers and ensuring they have independent and healthy lives.
“We take our role as Corporate parents seriously which is why we have put in place a wide package of support to help care leavers live a healthy and independent life – this includes not having to worry about becoming homeless.”
This latest measure is part of Oldham’s Care Leavers offer.
This includes free prescription charges – a national first in the UK* – as well as council tax exemption, discounted leisure passes and much more for those up to the age of 25.
Sam Coupe, is part of the local Children in Care Council that helped develop the support package.
The 23-year-old said: “This extra support means a lot to care leavers. It’s good that the council is listening to us and taking our ideas on board.
‘When you leave care, it’s very daunting as you don’t have or earn much money. You have to live on a tight budget, so every little helps.
The full package of support for care leavers is at www.oldham.gov.uk/careleavers
Visit www.oldhamccg.nhs.uk/careleaversprescriptions if you are a care leaver who needs apply for free prescriptions.
Author: Jude Gidney - Editor
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