Local Offer to Care Leavers
Becoming an adult involves changes for you like leaving school, getting a job, finding a place to live, setting up home and building relationships, maybe even becoming a parent. It can be an exciting but challenging time and events don’t always happen in an ideal order. It’s a big step and we want you to know that you're not alone. We're here to encourage and support you, guide you, and provide resources and advice.
You qualify for our 'Local Offer for Care Leavers' if you were in care for at least 13 weeks (or periods amounting to 13 weeks). And where this care began after the age 14 and included some time after your 16th birthday. Your Personal Advisor can explain this to you, or you can call the Leaving Care Team on 07773 576 469.
Peterborough local authority is your ‘corporate parent.’ This means as a young person leaving care, you should count on having the same sort of care and support that a good parent would provide. We will ensure you have opportunities and second chances. We know adulthood can be challenging. Don't hesitate to ask for help. That's why we're here.
The following sections explain the support that is on offer to you from Peterborough City Council, when you leave care.
What is 'The Local Offer for Care Leavers'?
Young people in Peterborough helped shape this local offer and we will continue to listen to your views to make sure the services we provide are what you need.
“It's important that our care leavers know they are not alone and should not be worried about asking for help in dealing with things. It's key that they know about the local offer and the opportunities and support this provides.” (Chair of Peterborough Care Leaders).
We are committed to provide a good quality and aspirational local offer, and pledge our ambition and dependable, far-reaching support as part of our assurance to becoming the best corporate parents we can be.
As corporate parents we recognise the responsibilities upon all of us at Peterborough City Council – a responsibility for every employee. Guided by our Children in Care Council and Peterborough Care Leaders, we have carefully considered the knowledge, skills, and dedication we need, to be strong champions in our ‘parental’ role.
Along with our staff in the leaving care and participation teams, we are passionate and focused about supporting our children and young people to succeed and want the absolute best for them always. We look forward to seeing and hearing about the positive outcomes our young people experience as they take up the support contained in this offer.
The law (The Children and Social Work Act 2017) places a legal responsibility on all local authorities to write and publish the services and support that all care-experienced young adults will be able to access after they reach 18 years old and leave care, up to the age of 25. This is called ‘The Local Offer for Care Leavers.’
The law and the support we must give you
Core principles within the Children and Social Work Act 2017 are outlined below: