The 16+ Leaving Care Team provides help and support to children and young people who have been looked after by Bromley social services and are leaving care.
Who can benefit from/use this service?
Children and young people 16 or over living in the Borough of Bromley who meet the legal criteria of the Children Leaving Care Act 2000 and 1989 Children Act. For more information about eligibility for this service and how to obtain help from social services please select the following links Eligibility for services provided by the 16+ Leaving Care Team and Social Services Support for Children and Families.
Details:
The 16+ Leaving Care Team employs a range of staff reflecting the services provided. These include social workers, young persons advisors and an accommodation team. There is also a separate Leaving Care Centre that provides support groups and health, employment, training and life skills advice. Unaccompanied asylum seeking children are supported by a specialist social worker within the team.
The services provided vary according to the legal status of the young people involved but include the following core services:
- a needs assessment;
- a Pathway Plan (setting out goals and progress);
- a Young Persons Advisor;
- help with accommodation, maintenance, education goals and financial support for those in higher and further residential education who need vacation accommodation.
In carrying out these responsibilities the Leaving Care Team will need to take into account the following issues:
- nature and level of contact required and support to be provided;
- details of accommodation;
- an education or training plan;
- how the Borough will assist in relation to employment;
- support to be provided to allow the young person to develop and sustain appropriate family and social relationships;
- a program to develop independent living skills;
- financial support including meeting accommodation and maintenance needs;
- support to meet any health needs, including mental health needs of the young person;
- a contingency plan should the Pathway Plan for any reason cease to be effective.
Care Leavers have produced a guide called Movin' On covering the concerns young people may have when leaving care.
Next Steps:
If you want to find out more details about the 16+ Leaving Care Team or are interested in receiving their support please contact them directly (see Contact Details section below).
The team provides a service to care leavers, Looked After Children who are 16 years and over as well as to Unaccompanied Minors who are aged 16 years and under.
For support relating to children and young people under 16 years please contact one of the Referral and Assessment Teams.
Contact Details
Telephone: 020 8313 4108
Fax: 020 8313 4400
Address: Leaving Care Team, Joseph Lancaster Hall, Civic Centre, Rafford Way, Bromley, Kent. BR1 3UH.
Opening Times: 8.45am - 5.pm Monday - Friday
Children & Families Referral & Assessment Teams: