Funding boost for vulnerable young people in the care system

THE education secretary on Monday (24) announced a £51m funding to help thousands of vulnerable young people in the care system.

Gavin Williamson said the support package unveiled by the government will fund a range of schemes to support those that are either in or leaving care, as well as proposals to meet accommodation settings for 16 and 17-year-olds.

The proposal also builds on the government’s confirmation that from September, placing children under the age of 16 in unregulated accommodation will become illegal.

The measures come ahead of ministers convening today (24) for the third meeting of the Care Leaver Covenant Board, to discuss actions to support care leavers in securing and maintaining suitable accommodation.

“Every young person in care deserves to live in accommodation that meets their needs and keeps them safe – anything less is unacceptable, and so continuing to prioritise children in care or leaving care is absolutely vital.

“The measures being announced today build on our shared ambition across government to level up outcomes and opportunities for everyone, but especially the most vulnerable – by providing safer homes, reducing isolation among young people leaving care, and by making sure they have a strong support network to rely on as they take steps into adult life,” Williamson said.

Moreover, the Department for Education is set to provide more than 5,000 more laptops for care leavers through the Get Help with Technology scheme, which will help to prevent loneliness and isolation among this group of young people.

Alongside the ongoing Independent review of children’s social care, announced in January and chaired by Josh MacAlister, Monday’s additional funding and continued support for care leavers will help to improve outcomes for some of the most vulnerable children and young people in society.