The company will run the practice, which launches in October, until March 2012. Liverpool is one of six areas in the UK piloting the "GP-style" social work practices, which will involve independent teams of social workers overseeing services for young people instead of local authorities.
The 120 young people whose support will be taken over by Liverpool Personal Service Society are mostly in foster care and vary in age. The new practice will provide young people with 24-hour access to their allocated social worker and allow them to keep the same social worker throughout their time in care, including leaving care.
Councillor Ron Gould, Liverpool council's executive member for social care, said: "The aim is to improve life for children and young people and develop innovative, new ways of providing social care. The council has a lot of experience working with the independent and voluntary sectors and we feel this approach will best meet the needs for our young people.
"It means we can press ahead and transform children's social care services. We are looking forward to providing tailor-made services which fit the individual requirements of each and every one of the 120 young people transferred to the charity's care."
The council has appointed three teenagers in care aged 16 and 17 as advisers for the pilot.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here