Leaving care – our local offer for care leavers

Our local offer to care leavers is here to share all the support available to our children in care as they step into adulthood.

It covers our legal duties, to provide help and guidance with our partners. This is important to make their journey to independence smoother.

We’ve shaped this offer by listening to care-experienced young people in Wakefield. Each year, we review and improve it. We make sure we’re doing the best we can based on feedback and experiences with our services.

Who can access this support?

To qualify as a care leaver, you need to have been in care for at least 13 weeks between the ages of 14 and 18.

Our responsibility as corporate parents

The Children and Social Work Act 2017 requires us to consult on and publish our local offer. We're asked to think about our corporate parenting principles.

It's our job to make sure our looked after children are safe, happy, and have all the opportunities they need. We aim to:

• look after their health and wellbeing
• listen to their views and wishes. To include them in decision-making
• provide access to services and support from the council and other organisations
• encourage and support them in achieving their goals
• ensure safety and stability—whether in your home, relationships, education, or finances
• help them to prepare for adulthood and independence

In short, we want to them to have the best possible start in life and to reach their full potential.

How we support care leavers

• from age 16, our looked after children will create their Pathway Plan with the help of their social worker
• Next Steps is our leaving care service, which supports care leavers until they’re 25
• through Next Steps they’ll meet their Personal Advisor (PA) who will help to navigate life after care

Key areas of support for our care leavers

Independence skills

Help to develop the skills needed to live independently. Ensure they are prepared for life after care.

Education, training, and employment

Explore further education and job opportunities that align with their interests and goals.

Accommodation

Supported to find safe and stable housing.

Health and wellbeing

Ensure our care leavers physical and emotional wellbeing. Access to the right health services and resources to help care leavers stay healthy and well.

Relationships

Support to build and maintain positive relationships that contribute to their wellbeing.

Participation

The voices of care leavers are important. We encourage our children to share their thoughts, and help shape our services. 

Finance

Provide guidance to help them manage their money, with access to financial support. 

For more information, visit the Care4Us website.