Housing & Social Work
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REPORT TO SOCIAL WORK & HOUSING COMMITTEE - 19 FEBRUARY 2009
“MORE CHOICES, MORE CHANCES” STRATEGY – DEVELOPING THE LINK TO
CORPORATE PARENTING
1
Purpose of Report
1.1
The purpose of this report is to inform Elected Members of the progress made
by young people who where previously ‘looked after’ and of their successes in
terms of being in Education, Training and Employment and highlighting links
between the “More Choices, More Chances and Corporate Parenting
strategies.
1.2
There are two appendices to this report;


Appendix 1 – Sample information and statistics for Looked After Children
and Young People
Appendix 2 – Two case studies to illustrate this area of work
2
Background
2.1
The initial report on corporate parenting was presented to Social Work &
Housing Committee on 6 November 2008, item 3, and Education, Learning &
Leisure Committee on 11 December 2008, item 4. Elected members
welcomed the guidance contained in “These Are Our Bairns”, the Scottish
Government/COSLA guidance for community planning partnerships on being
a good corporate parent. The following were agreed at previous committee
meetings:
2.1.1 Proposals to facilitate Elected Member involvement, exchange of information
and views with Looked After children and young people will be developed in
conjunction with children and young people and brought back for agreement.
2.1.2 A Draft Corporate Parenting Policy Consultation One Day Event involving all
stakeholders will be arranged for 2 April 2009.
2.1.3 Regular 6 monthly progress reports giving a data set that will enable
monitoring of outcomes for Looked After Children, young people and care
leavers.
2.2
A progress report on the “More Choices, More Chances” strategy to reduce
the number of young people who are not in employment, education or training
was presented to the Education, Learning & Leisure Committee on
30 October 2008. The key points from this progress report are;
2.2.1 The MCMC strategy is being taken forward by a multi-agency sub-group of
the Lifelong Learning Theme Forum within Community Planning.
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2.2.2 The main aim of the partners implementing the MCMC strategy is to increase
the number of young people who have positive destinations when they leave
school, through their participation in education, employment or training.
2.2.3 Aberdeenshire have an established body of quality provision aimed at young
people needing more choices and more chances both pre and post 16 years
and robust partnership working is in place (Eddy Adams research – 2007)
2.2.4 Several specific projects have been established by the MCMC strategy group
to support young carers, poor attendance at school, young people with
substance misuse issues, young parents and potential college dropouts.
2.2.5 A system for early identification (within schools) of children and young people
who are at risk of needing “More choices, More Chances” is being developed.
This will involve an identified ‘key worker’ and will further ensure that
employability support is in place before a young person leaves school.
2.2.6 Very good progress has been made in achieving the main aims of the MCMC
strategy. The young people requiring ‘More Choices, More Chances” rate has
dropped across Scotland over the last 4 years, but the reduction rate in
Aberdeenshire has been quite significant.
2.2.7 Approximately 830 young people fell into the MCMC category in 2003 –
representing 7.3% of our 16-19 population. Scotland had an estimated 10.7%
at this time. Since 2003, Aberdeenshire have achieved a further 2.1%
reduction, with the Scottish figure at 1.8%. Approximately 620 young people
in Aberdeenshire where deemed in need of MCMC in 2006 and the most
recent figures for 2007 show a further drop to 560 or 4.7% of the 16-19
population.
2.2.8 It is important to highlight that all figures are produced from school leaver
destination figures combined with the Department of Work and Pensions
benefits statistics. The overall MCMC figure for Scotland is now 8.0%.
2.2.9 The Scottish Government produced guidance in 2008 on its new model to
ensure young people have a positive and sustained post school destination,
the 16+ Learning Choices offer.
2.2.10 The Aberdeenshire MCMC partnership was one of the 21 Community
Planning Partnerships who introduced this offer to winter leavers in December
2008. All 32 Community Planning Partnerships are required to participate in
the 16+ Learning offer by summer 2010. The offer is a universal one and
must be one of the following;




Full or part-time education in school, further or higher education;
National training programmes (Get Ready for Work, Skillseekers,
Modern Apprenticeships);
Non-formal learning including personal and social development
opportunities or;
Volunteering.
2.2.11 Key partners in Aberdeenshire are well placed to participate in the first round
of the new 16+ model. Our Further Education/Higher Education and schools
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links are some of the best in Scotland, as highlighted in the INEA report
(Inspection of Education Authorities). Aberdeenshire has;

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

A strong voluntary sector input and commitment
The Careers Service has been recently strengthened
Personal and social development and volunteering opportunities are
available through Community Learning and Development
There are monies available from the ‘Fairer Scotland’ fund to employ
someone to co-ordinate Aberdeenshire’s 16+ offer
Young people are engaged in developing services through the Youth
Engagement Strategy
2.1.12 Case studies (success stories) of two young people receiving and benefiting
from our Throughcare and Aftercare service can be found in Appendix 2.
3
Proposal
3.1
To endorse the progress made on implementing the MCMC strategy, in
particular, the successful multi-agency approach. This would include support
for the continued development of links between the Corporate Parenting and
MCMC strategies.
3.2
Supporting the introduction of the 16+ Learning Choices offer across
Aberdeenshire.
3.3
Giving a commitment to increasing opportunities for employment and training
in Aberdeenshire that could be achieved by agreeing promotion of
Aberdeenshire as an active employer as part of the MCMC implementation
plan.
3.4
Supporting an event in the spring which plans to celebrate the successes of
young people, hearing young people’s voices.
4
Discussion
4.1
The proposed data set previously agreed by Social Work & Housing
Committee will give Elected Members the information they require to
scrutinise services for Looked After children and young people and care
leavers and enable them to monitor the progress of this group.
4.2
The Children’s Rights Service is setting up a reference group of young
people. The intention is to support a group of young people who are Looked
After and Accommodated so that they are aware of the development of
services that affect them and can input their views.
4.2.1 The reference group will also have a role to play in eliciting the views of other
Looked After Children and young people. We are aware that elected
members wish to hear directly from children and young people in
Aberdeenshire and we would like to speak to them about the best way to take
this forward before bringing proposals back to Committees.
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4.3
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The proposed Corporate Parenting Policy consultation event previously
agreed by Social Work & Housing Committee will be the main way that we will
consult with all stakeholders on an Aberdeenshire Policy based on “These Are
Our Bairns”. Members of the Community Planning Board, representatives
from the voluntary sector and other interested groups such as church
representatives as well as Elected Members will be invited. Input from
children and young people will be facilitated.
4.3.1 Following the consultation, a final Draft Corporate Parenting Policy will be
presented to the Social Work & Housing Committee and the Education,
Learning & Leisure Committees for approval.
4.3.2 The Corporate Parenting Strategy linked with the MCMC Strategy will assist
Elected Members to fulfil their responsibilities and promote a positive view of
Looked After children and young people and care leavers.
4.3.3 A sample of statistics can be found in Appendix 1 – showing;

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4.4
The percentage of young people previously looked after who were
engaged in Education/Training/Employment at 18/19 years (who had
been looked after/accommodated at 16/17 years
Number of young people supported in Aberdeenshire in partnership
with Barnardos 16+ as part of Throughcare and Aftercare service
Accommodation type for young people eligible for Throughcare and
Aftercare service
Legal status of Aberdeenshire Council’s responsibilities towards young
people as part of Throughcare and Aftercare service
Geographical area from which young people eligible for Throughcare
and Aftercare originated
Academic Attainment – 2006/07
Academic Attainment – 2007/08
This committee report has been very positive in achievements for the MCMC
population of Aberdeenshire however, we cannot ignore the fact that
Aberdeenshire is a large rural authority, which can pose particular challenges
for the development of solutions for the MCMC population, incorporating
young people who are previously looked after. Although numbers are low,
those needing support face significant difficulties in fulfilling their potential.
Future commitment should therefore be given to increasing the opportunities
in Aberdeenshire for employment and training.
4.4.1 One way of doing this would be to agree to the promotion of Aberdeenshire as
an active employer as part of the More Choices More Chances initiative.
Giving commitment for employment and training opportunities for our more
vulnerable young people, thus ensuring they have opportunities to become
successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors and
responsible citizens.
5
Area Implications
5.1
There are no area implications arising directly from this report.
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6
Policy, Staffing and Financial Implications
6.1
There are no staffing or financial implications arising directly from this report.
6.2
The MCMC Strategy and Corporate Parenting Strategy have clear links to the
Lifelong Learning, Community Wellbeing and Jobs and Economy themes of
the Community Plan. There is also the wider Employability Strategy which is
currently under development as part of the Single Outcome Agreement.
6.3
This report does propose significant links be made between the Corporate
Parenting and MCMC Strategies and policy.
7
Sustainability Implications
7.1
Improved Corporate Parenting will contribute to the Council’s stated aim of
“maintaining and improving the quality of life for everyone in Aberdeenshire”.
7.2
The Corporate Parenting Strategy, linking the MCMC Strategy, fully endorsed
by elected members will improve the life chances of the most vulnerable
children and young people in Aberdeenshire. This will help to achieve the
vision for Aberdeenshire’s children that they are “valued and helped to reach
their potential”.
8
Equality Impact
8.1
Looked After Children and young people generally have fewer educational
attainments and poorer life chances than their peers. A strong commitment to
Corporate Parenting, and focus on the 16+ age group in terms of employment
and training will provide the support that will help them to succeed, particularly
when they have problems to overcome, and to have successful, productive
lives.
8.2
Corporate Parenting will have a neutral effect on Race, Disability and Gender.
9
Consultations
9.1
Consultations on this report have been undertaken with the Directors of
Education, Learning & Leisure, Personnel & ICT, Law & Administration and
Finance. All are supportive of the recommendations.
10
Recommendations
The Social Work & Housing Committee is recommended as part of their
support for Corporate Parenting and linking the More Choices, More
Chances Strategy to:
1
Agree to support an event in 2009 which celebrates the success
of young people in Aberdeenshire – welcoming young people who
were previously looked after and therefore deemed as requiring
More Choices and More Chances to speak directly with elected
members.
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2
Consider the progress made on implementing the More Choices,
More Chances strategy and agree to endorse the successful
multi-agency approach to address this issue in Aberdeenshire.
5
Agree to support the continued development of the More Choices
More Chances strategy, and in particular the introduction of the
16+ Learning Choices offer in Aberdeenshire
6
Agree to support increasing opportunities in Aberdeenshire for
employment and further work training opportunities for our more
vulnerable young people
7
Agree to the promotion of Aberdeenshire as an active employer
as part of the More Choices More Chances initiative.
Bruce Robertson, OBE
Acting Director of Housing & Social Work
Report prepared by Marie McElhill, Strategic Development Officer (Children's Services)
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11 February 2009Final Version
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Appendix 1
Sample of information and statistics (as of January 2009)
The percentage of young people previously looked after who were engaged in
Education/Training/Employment at 18/19 years (who had been looked after/
accommodated at 16/17 years;
2008
No young people
June
September
53
75
% in
Education/Employment/Training
41.2%
33.3%
Aberdeenshire is performing well in this area in Scotland wide terms. Although the
performance percentage has dropped, the base number of young people who are
engaged in Education, Employment and Training at 18/19 years has risen sharply.
The data required to report this information as one of Aberdeenshire Performance
Indicators is supplied by Barnardos, who supply a throughcare and aftercare service
on our behalf.
Number of young people supported in Aberdeenshire in partnership with Barnardos
16+ as part of Throughcare and Aftercare service;
(As at October 2008)
Age
15
16
years
years
No of
7
33
Young
People
17
years
51
18
years
50
19
years
21
20
years
6
21
years
3
Total
22
years
1
172
Legal status of Aberdeenshire Council’s responsibilities towards young people as
part of Throughcare and Aftercare service;
(As at October 2008)
Legal Status
Compulsorily Supported
Compulsorily Supported and
Financed
Currently Looked After (young people
beyond school leaving age)
Discretionally Supported
Looked After (young people who have
not reached school leaving age)
None
Previously Looked After (prior to
01/04/04)
Unknown (including young people
from other local authorities and new
referrals awaiting assessment)
No of Young People
61
42
20
15
10
4
1
19
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Geographical area from which young people eligible for Throughcare and Aftercare
originated;
Area
Banff and Buchan
Buchan
Formartine
Garioch
Kincardine and Mearns
Marr
Number of Young People
55
39
21
23
25
6
Academic Attainment – 2006/07 – Percentage of 16/17 year olds who attained;
1
At least one SCQF level three any subject
(a)
(b)
2
Looked after at home
Looked after away from home
90.9%
52.9%
At least SCQF level in English and Maths
(a)
(b)
Looked after at home
Looked after away from home
45.5%
47.1%
Academic Attainment – 2007/08 – Education and Children’s Services – Looked
After Children;
(a)
(b)
Number of 16 or 17 year olds ceasing to be looked after at home
Away From Home
Total
15
14
29
Number and percentage attaining at least one SCQF level three (any subject);
(a)
(b)
At Home
Away from home
Total
11 young people 73.3%
7 young people 50.0%
18 young people 62.1%
Number and percentage attaining at least SCQF level three in English and
Maths;
(a)
(b)
At home
Away from home
7 young people
7 young people
Total 14 young people
46.7%
50.0%
48.3%
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Appendix 2
Current Case Studies (Success Stories)
Robert – 18 years old
Robert’s family had social work involvement from his early childhood. In 2003 Robert
was placed on supervision and was placed in a residential school in Tayside, this
was as a result of social, emotional and behavioural difficulties as well as nonattendance at school. Robert left school in December 2006 and returned to the
family home. He was given access to Aftercare support from Barnardo’s in 2007.
As a result of Robert being unable to obtain employment, his lack of motivation and
the fact that Robert had not been in the family home for almost three years he
experienced a family breakdown. Robert left the family home to reside with his
girlfriend’s family where he continues to remain. Robert was provided with support
at this crucial time in his life. Barnardo’s and Careers Scotland provided a high level
of support to look at his training and development opportunities. Robert was
successful in obtaining a place with ITCA training providers in Aberdeen. ITCA
Limited is a quality assured company founded in 1988. They have a training centre
with fully qualified trainers and assessors. They offer a ‘Get Ready for Work’
programme in partnership with Careers Scotland. Robert attended and quickly
gained a placement with a hydraulics company and worked to obtain his level II
maintenance engineering. On completion of his ITCA 12 week programme his
placement provider offered Robert a probationary period with the company. Robert
has now secured permanent employment with them. Robert continues to advance
his training skills and has also passed his driving test, which has further enhanced
his position with the company he works for. Robert continues to engage with
Barnardo’s for ongoing advice, guidance and support when required.
Robert recognises and acknowledges that Barnardo’s and Careers Scotland
provided him with the direction and motivation he required at that time in identifying
his training needs and future occupation which has enabled him to achieve some of
his goals. Roberts feels he is now ready to secure accommodation for himself and
his fiancé. It has been commented on by friends, family and other agencies how
much Robert has matured into a lovely young man.
Mary – 20 years old
Mary was in and out of foster care throughout her childhood. Her mother suffered
from chronic alcoholism and her father committed suicide when she was very young.
There was no extended family for support. Mary’s foster placement became
permanent when she was 14 years old. This placement was described as very
supportive and settled. Mary decided to stop all contact with her mother when she
was 17 years old as she described her mother’s drinking as too distressing. Mary’s
mum died a year later due to her chronic alcoholism.
Following school, Mary went to college for a year and then on to Robert Gordon
University to study nursing. She completed this course in August 2008 and is now
working in a hospital in Sheffield.
Mary received financial support from Aberdeenshire Council for part of her rent
payments whilst studying. She also received financial support for travelling whilst
studying as well as some financial support for text books and household items from
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her leaving care grant. She also received practical, emotional and some financial
support from Barnardo’s Through Care and Aftercare Team.
Mary did have some difficulties with accommodation whilst studying and moved from
a number of private rented houses, with the local authority and housing associations
not able to offer her suitable accommodation.
However, Mary decided to move away from the area and is now living in England
with her fiancé and they plan to marry in March 2009. Mary continues to have
contact with her foster carers and their family. This would indicate that Mary’s foster
family are very important to her. Her foster family in partnership with other supports,
i.e. Throughcare and Aftercare as well as thorough assessment from Social Work,
would have been intrinsic in her ability to thrive as a young woman. She was
provided with a safe, caring and supportive environment, which would have helped
her make sense of her traumatic childhood.