The Government has
earmarked more than £1million for the rest of this year and next to give better support to Suttons young people who are leaving or have left care.
The money is part of the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 which comes into
effect on October 1 and is in response to evidence revealing young people leaving care fare badly when they become independent.
Under the plans, councils will have more responsibility for 16 and 17 year olds in the area who have left foster or residential care. These young people will no longer be eligible for state benefits but will claim financial
support from the council.
The council will also make assessments of all its looked-after 16 and 17 year olds leading to a Pathway Plan, which maps the young persons future including their objectives, accommodation and education until they are 21.
The ethos behind the Act is that local authorities should act as caring parents and the Government money will finance more staff including personal advisors to help those in care
successfully bridge the transition to living on their own. More emphasis will be placed on suitable accommodation for young people leaving care and they will be encouraged to continue with their education.
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