Reform for children's social care

The Department of Education has announced that 27 new local authority areas will join the staying close programme, meaning thousands more young people will be able to receive additional support when leaving care.

The staying close programme provides a package of continued support and guidance to young people leaving care, such as ensuring they have accommodation, resources and practical and emotional help provided by a member of staff from their former children’s home.

The 27 local authorities have been awarded £27 million to run the programme.

There are now 47 local authorities on the programme.

The government has also launched  a consultation, seeking feedback on the national advocacy standards and statutory guidance. The standards seek to improve advocacy provision for children in care and care leavers and address gaps and barriers to services, to ensure all voices are heard.

A new standard on non-instructed advocacy for very young and non-verbal children and young people has also been introduced. These updates set expectations for what high quality advocacy provision should look like and place the voice of children and young people at the heart of the system.

Children and Families Minister, David Johnston, said: "We are making significant strides in our ambition to transform children’s social care services for some of our most vulnerable children and young people across the country.

"At the heart of today’s developments are the needs of children in care and care leavers. Our work on advocacy standards will make sure they’re listened to and supported, while the fantastic Staying Close programme is helping give them the tools they need to thrive as young adults."

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