The Children and Social Work bill is at the final stage – awaiting Royal Assent, having passed all Commons stages. The third reading in the House of Commons took place on 7 March 2017. To read the debates and amendments from all stages visit here.
The Care Leavers Association worked alongside other sector charities to campaign for changes to the bill. The key successful outcomes are:
- Standards for how local authorities should act as a ‘corporate parent’ to support children in care and as they move into adult life.
- A requirement on local authorities to consult on and publish a ‘local offer’ to care leavers, setting out the services they are entitled to.
- An extension to the right to a Personal Adviser, someone who will make sure care leavers receive the support they need as they transition into adulthood, to all who want one up to the age of 25.
We were also successful in campaigning for the removal of the clause allowing local authorities to request to exempt themselves from statutory requirements in the name of innovation.