We are committed to nurturing and sustaining a positive future for all care experienced children and young people. We have a duty of care to make sure that we offer a range of services and support to help you get ready for adult life. Read through the information below to find out more about our local offer for care leavers and follow @WeCare_Warks on X (previously Twitter) for regular updates.
X (previously Twitter) - @WeCare_Warks
What does it mean to be a “Child in Care”?
Because you are in England without your parents and you are unaccompanied, it is the government’s responsibility to look after you. This means you are “looked after” under “section 20” of the Children Act 1989 (this is legislation in England).
View the Welcome to Warwickshire document
Questionnaire for Children and Families
This questionnaire will help us to know whether we are currently providing a good service to young people/adults. We are interested in your honest opinions, whether they are good or bad. By completing this questionnaire you will be helping us to ensure that you get the right support, at the right time in the future.
Complete the Children and Families feedback questionnaire
The House Project
Commissioned by Warwickshire County Council (WCC), The Warwickshire House Project works closely with care leavers to identify the learning and support they need to move out of care and into their new home. This home then becomes a base for them to become independent and transition into adulthood.
The House Project ensures that the young people maintain and sustain their tenancies by developing a community of support around them. The project is currently supporting its fifth group of young care leavers who joined at the beginning of September.
The House Project helps young people to:
- Continue their education
- Find employment and training
- Learn to cook a variety of meals
- Manage budgets by providing financial training and advice
- Maintain their housing by providing a range of support and advice.
For more information visit The House Project website or email houseproject@warwickshire.gov.uk for more information.
Find out more about The House Project
We offer a bursary to young people in or leaving care who remain in education or attend university, supporting attendance at open days.
More information on Education, employment and training
Events are organised throughout the year to bring care experienced young people together, such as summer BBQs, Christmas parties and celebratory events. The Leaving Care team provide advice on health, wellbeing and registering with a GP, as well as ensuring care leavers are visited in accommodation, have regular contact if desired and have access to personal advisors until the age of 25.
With the support of a social worker or personal advisor, young people are encouraged to plan for the future, set up homes and apply for identification documents and bank accounts.
As well as work experience opportunities, care leavers are guaranteed an interview for Warwickshire County Council jobs and apprenticeships and can access the support of careers advisors. A number of our care leavers are now working as part of our participation and impact teams.
Along with all these opportunities, we also encourage care experienced individuals to join the Children in Care Council (CICC) or the Care Leavers Forum to champion their voices and those of their peers, helping the council continue to improve the experience of all those in care across the county.