1. The local authority view: current looked after children policy and outcomes Andrew Christie Director of Children’s Services London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham

2. The Hammersmith & Fulham Story 28 care leavers attending HEIs 180 care leavers being supported by the borough 16% of the care leaver population at HEIs 82% are unaccompanied asylum seekers

3. The support we provide Social workers: support applying for grants; accommodation; applying for jobs Specialist Education Worker and Benefits Adviser £3k p.a. grant Choice of HEIs: affordable accommodation; support networks; career choices

4. LOOKED AFTER CHILDREN Total today 265 over a year 385 By agreement 90 CONTACTS 8861 REFERRALS 1719 Initial Assessment 1421 Core assessment 692 Child protection enquiry 453 Initial child protection Conference 153 CHILDREN’S SOCIAL CARE SIFT, ASSESS RESPOND SIGNPOST CHILD PROTECTION AND SUPPORT IN COMMUNITY CARE FOR LOOKED AFTER CHILDREN Support to Families Where children In Need 244 And Disabledchildren 200 Child protection Plan 210 40 Return home ( 35 ) Adoption and permanent placement ( 20 – 25 ) 1 st option 2 nd option 3 rd and Final option If children can’t return home or be placed permanently Looked after till 18 th birthday 35 turn 18 a year) Care orders 100 Care proceedings 90 POST CARE SUPPORT Post care support 220 Ex care population aged 18 to 24 Public Law Outline Increasing concern permanency order financial support 180

5. The care population in Hammersmith & Fulham 237 children in care 14% attain 5 A*-C inc English & Maths (cohort 28 – 7 didn’t take exams – “second time around”) Virtual School – Head (ex-Special School Head) staffed by teachers Outcomes for children in care?

6. Policy / Practice / Issues 28% cut in funding over next 3 years No funding following ‘Staying On’ Increasing use of “Special Guardianship” in “Permanency” Increasing proportion of children in foster care, not placed with relatives/friends in Independent Fostering Agency placements Secure attachment a key issue – facing the challenges of Higher Education “Learn to Earn” Social Work courses in HEIs