Issue - meetings

Matthew Chislett, Service Manager Corporate Parenting Permanence and Care Leavers, to update the board.

Matthew Chislett (Service Manager Corporate Parenting Care Leavers) updated the board on the care leaver update. Members were informed of care leavers using the Reece foundation for numerous reasons such as counselling and specialist advice regarding housing and financial advice. The Service Manager informed the board of Dorset being the first local authority nationally to action this. Members were informed of coproduction and the work being undertaken in collaboration with care leavers. Members were informed of a successful care leaver week and how the team continue to make progress.

The following points were discussed

·       Members praised the support for care leavers and questioned top up payments for those on apprenticeships or a lower wage. Members were assured that they would step in financially to ensure that they could complete their training. Young people are also offered financial support and advice from Personal Assistants.

·       Members discussed potential to help with funding driving lessons. They were assured that children have personal budgets which could be used as well as through charity organisations. Members wanted to know if a budget could be considered to help pay for driving licences due to the challenges of living rural and limited public transport in certain areas.

·       Cllr A Parry declared an interest in respect of his work with a motor group.

·       Agreed that a small group of councillors would look at options around transport. Members to include Cllr C Jones and Cllr A Kerby.

·       Members were informed of the Care Leaver Delivery group, actioning the plans which helped keep on target. Currently planning business events for young children with different talents to showcase their skills and the potential with them.

Decision

Members supported the charter.