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Our commitments in Bexley

There are 7 principles for a corporate parent set out in legislation. These are the areas of support the Government expects us to provide. 

As a result, we have developed our own commitments for all young adults leaving our care, developed with our Children in Care Council, Care Leaver’s Forum and Positive Journeys Seniors, using the Government’s 7 principles for Corporate Parenting.

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7 principles

  1. to act in the best interests, and promote the physical and mental health and well-being, of those children and young people
  2. to encourage those children and young people to express their views, wishes and feelings
  3. to take into account the views, wishes and feelings of those children and young people
  4. to help those children and young people gain access to, and make the best use of, services provided by the local authority and its relevant partners
  5. to promote high aspirations, and seek to secure the best outcomes, for those children and young people
  6. for those children and young people to be safe, and for stability in their home lives, relationships and education or work
  7. to prepare those children and young people for adulthood and independent living

Getting ready for adulthood

  • we will help you with the changes that happen when you stop being a child who is in our care and become a young adult leaving care. We will do this in asupportive and positive way, making sure that you have the time it takes to be ready
  • we will help you remain with your foster family for as long as possible. We will only start thinking about independent living with you when you are practically, mentally and emotionally ready
  • we will help you maintain relationships with your carers, family, friends and social networks so that you have help and support during and after you leave our care
  • we will help you to understand what you need to be able to successfully live on your own and to be happy. We will also show you that we understand that leaving our care is a big step and that you need our patience and understanding, even when you make mistakes

Practical help

  • we will make it our priority to help you to find and keep a safe and welcoming home. We will make sure that you understand and
    take part in making your personal housing plan
  • we will help you learn how to take care of yourself, stay healthy and safe, manage your money, take care of your home, go to school, college or university, find a job, and have good relationships, able to raise families of your own if that is what you would like to do
  • we will understand that just because you become18, this does not mean you will suddenly know all there is to know about being a responsible adult. We will help you to work out what being a responsible adult means, support you when you make mistakes and when we feel worried about you. We will make sure especially during the tough times, that we stand ready to help you
  • we will make sure that we see you every month (more regularly if we can) and more often when you first leave our care. We respect your choice to see us less if that is what you would like
  • we will help you to understand how to deal with conflicts and challenges without getting angry and frustrated at others or making things worse. We will help you through our own example, being patient and understanding. When things don’t go according to plan, we will help you make a plan B to fall back upon
  • we understand that as an adult you may make choices that are not good for you and may even mean that you are unsafe. We know that you are free to make such a choice, but we will always act to help you to protect yourselves and others around you. There may be times that we need to make contact with other services or people who can help you. If we need to do this, we will make sure that you know and are clear about what will happen next
  • we will help you to find special support, like therapy, an independent visitor, mentor or counselling when the time is right for you and if you tell us that this would help you
  • we will make sure that you feel part of our Bexley “Corporate family” and like other families, we understand that you need to have a sense that you belong and are valued
  • we will help other people in the Council understand this when you may need their support, for example with housing or other services

Our relationship together

  • we will always help you dream and aspire to be better than you are today
  • we will help you to believe that you will continue to grow and to succeed
  • your pathway plan will be something that inspires you to achieve great things in your life, whatever that means for you
  • we will always listen to you, even when we don’t agree with one another
  • we will hear you out and help you to speak your mind in a way that helps you be heard by others who need to listen
  • we will respect the times when you need some personal space or may not be ready to see or speak with us. We will always leave the door open so that you know you can seek us out when you are ready to receive our help or advice
  • you will receive help and support from us up to the age of 25
  • we will make sure that your current social worker or PA does not leave you without saying goodbye and introducing you to the new adult who will be supporting you. All our new PAs will understand that getting to know you and to earn your trust will take time

 

  • we will help you identify the triggers that may lead you to become angry, lash out, hurt yourself or turn to drugs or alcohol to cope. We will help you plan for these situations and identify who you can turn to for help when you need it. If it is helpful, we will help you to make a safety plan so that you have some control at times when you feel vulnerable and worried
  • we will not make commitments to you unless we know we can honour them. We know that our honesty will be important if you are to trust and work with us. That may mean that sometimes we have to say things to you even when it may not be what you want or like to hear
  • we will help you to understand your history and how it is you came to be in our care. We recognise that having your life story book, pictures and mementoes are all important to your recalling important people and events in your life. We will support you if you find this upsetting and if you want to see your case files, we will make sure that your PA is available to help you read through papers and to ask questions
  • we will make sure that you understand your rights and your responsibilities. This will include knowing who else can help you to express your views if you want to make a complaint because you feel you have been treated unfairly. If we are not able to keep these commitments to you, we understand that this will mean you may need to complain.
  • we will always offer you a hug or a shoulder to cry on if that will help. It’s ok for you to say no though!