Councils give backing to care leavers' charter

Speaking at the Who Cares? Trust’s Listen Up event last night, Timpson confirmed that since its launch last October 110 of the 152 English local authorities have pledged to incorporate the measures in the charter into their own care leaver policies and practice.

The charter, produced by the Department for Education but developed by young people themselves, sets out the principles that underpin good quality support for care leavers to smooth their transition to adulthood.

Last year, the minister wrote to directors of children’s services (DCS) asking all local authorities to sign up to the charter, and to discuss with their local children in care council what needs to be done to embed the principles in their day-to-day practice.

Timpson said: “When I wrote to DCSs I explained the importance of listening to what young people have to say. We want to make sure what’s being said [by DCSs] isn’t just platitudes but that they are listening and understanding.”

To that end, the Listen Up project aims to educate young people in care and care leavers about their right to receive high-quality services, and trains them how to express their views and challenge professionals and policymakers if they feel they aren’t getting the help they need. 

Timpson praised the young people involved in the project and added: “You will be in a better position to challenge the prejudices and stigma out there whether in schools, the community or closer to home.”

Click here to view a list of councils that have signed up to the charter.