Croydon Council is enhancing its support system for children leaving care, focusing on health, transitions, and independent living skills. The Corporate Parenting Board met on 17 September 2025, to discuss updates and improvements to services for children in care and care leavers.

Key areas of improvement include health services, transition support, and the provision of independent living skills. The board received updates on the Children's Participation Team, health initiatives like the NHS App project (Health for Life), and performance data indicating positive trends in pathway plans.

Health and Well-being

Performance data for Children in Care and Care Experienced Young People in Croydon, July 2025, showing statistics on health, accommodation, education, placements, and foster care.
Performance data for Children in Care and Care Experienced Young People in Croydon, July 2025, showing statistics on health, accommodation, education, placements, and foster care.Source: Corporate Parenting Board papers, 17 September 2025

Significant attention was given to health assessments for children in care. Dr Julia Simpson, the Children Looked After Professional, and Charity Kanotangudza, the Designated Nurse for Children Looked After, highlighted the importance of initial health assessments within twenty working days of a child entering care. The board agreed to review the health assessments at the next meeting.

Transitions to Adulthood

A group of young people and adults are seated around a long table, sharing a meal and conversation.
A group of young people and adults are seated around a long table, sharing a meal and conversation.Source: Corporate Parenting Board papers, 17 September 2025

The council is also focusing on improving the transition process for young people leaving care. The Director of Adult Social Care Operations, Simon Robson, mentioned joint efforts between children's and adult services to address gaps in transitioning. This includes improving awareness through honest conversations with young people with disabilities, promoting understanding and appreciation of disability, and providing development training.

Young people shared their experiences with the board, highlighting the importance of independent visitors. One young person, JD, explained how their independent visitor helped them connect in different areas, such as going to the theatre and using public transport. Another young person, K, felt that their independent visitor helped them to express themselves and encouraged them to try new things.

Support for Neurodiversity and Physical Disabilities

The board also addressed the challenges faced by neurodiverse young people and those with physical disabilities. One young person, DJ, shared with the Board about being on the internal podcast and talking about their neurodiverse challenges faced in care and the impact this had had. DJ, who has ADHD, spoke about feeling like an outsider and the challenges of social communication. They highlighted the need for better support for neurodiverse needs within the care environment, with different ways to listen without judgement.

Another young person, S, shared a difficult experience in an emergency foster placement that did not meet their needs related to a physical disability.

Performance and Future Plans

Shelley Davies, the Director of Education, presented the performance report, noting continued improvement in pathway plans. The data showed that 83% of pathway plans reflected positive engagement and support from the service. This figure reflects the additional work with partner teams and feedback from audits on how positively young people felt about the engagement and support they had received from the service.

The board agreed to receive an update on the transitioning work at a future meeting. The Care Leaver Offer 2025-27 item was deferred to a later Board meeting.

Additional Support and Resources

Croydon Council offers various resources to support care leavers, including:

  • Staying Close Initiative: Provides accommodation and tailored support for young people leaving residential care.
  • Croydon Cares App: A digital platform offering advice on money management, housing, health, and employment.
    Screenshot of the 'Croydon Cares' app interface, offering support and resources for young people.
    Screenshot of the 'Croydon Cares' app interface, offering support and resources for young people.Source: Corporate Parenting Board papers, 17 September 2025
  • Free Gym Membership: Access to Pure Gym for eligible care-experienced young people. As a care-experienced young person with Eligible, Relevant or Former Relevant status, you can access a free Pure Gym membership. Your initial membership will be for six months which can be extended for a further six months if you evidence that you have accessed the gym a minimum of twice a week for the first six months. If you are no longer supported by the 16+ Young People's Service but have not yet turned 25, you will still be entitled to this offer. You will be provided with a gym membership for one year with the option to extend it for a further year if you provide evidence that your gym membership is being actively used – again, at least twice a week.
  • Travel for London (TfL) Care Leaver's Oyster Card: Provides a 50% discount on buses and trams.
  • Legacy Youth Zone: Offers various activities for young people aged 8-19.
  • Esther Outreach: Provides practical support, advice, and advocacy.
  • The King's Trust: Offers support for those aged 16-30, including the 'Step Into Adulthood' programme.

For more information on the support available, refer to the Croydon 16 Young Peoples Service Local Offer 25-26.