Harrow Council has refreshed its 'Local Offer' for care leavers, aiming to make the support available to young people leaving the care system clearer, more accessible, and more meaningful. The update was informed by Ofsted findings, which stressed the importance of ensuring care leavers clearly understand their entitlements, making information accessible and relevant, demonstrating how corporate parenting responsibilities translate into real-world support, and strengthening the consistency of support across services.
The updated offer, developed in collaboration with care-experienced young people, features simplified language, improved navigation, and a stronger emphasis on entitlements and how to access them. New sections have been added to specifically address the needs of care leavers who are parents and those leaving custody.
Samantha Jeffery, Head of Service for Corporate Parenting, explained that the refreshed offer is a two-stage process. The first stage involved updating the content, which is currently in a test format before being published. The second stage will involve developing short videos (maximum 90 seconds) for each section, easy-read versions, and translations, followed by a relaunch to services and partner agencies.
Young people told us they wanted information that is easy to understand without jargon,
Ms. Jeffery stated. Clear answers to 'What do I get?' and 'Who helps me?' Practical guidance rather than long descriptions. A format that is simple and easy to navigate.
Councillor Hitesh Karia, Chair of the Corporate Parenting Panel, emphasised the collaborative nature of the work. This is very much an evolving process. There's a lot of complex elements to this, but what we want to do is simplify it. We want to make sure that young people, it's a co-production with young people.
The refreshed 'Local Offer' is expected to improve young people's understanding of their rights and entitlements, increase engagement with services, and support smoother transitions to independence. The offer will be kept under regular review to ensure it remains relevant, and feedback will continue to be gathered from young people through ongoing mechanisms to ensure the 'Local Offer' continues to evolve.
Beyond the 'Local Offer', care leavers are supported by Personal Advisors (PAs) who provide ongoing support, advice, and guidance. Pathway Plans are co-created with young people and updated regularly, covering areas such as health and wellbeing, education/employment, finances, accommodation, identity, and relationships. The council also offers support for financial help, council tax exemptions, emergency payments, rent assistance, a setting up home allowance, travel costs for training and interviews, and budgeting skills training. For accommodation, options include supported accommodation, supported lodgings, 'Staying Put' arrangements with foster carers, YMCA accommodation, Housing First & Floating Support, training flats, independent accommodation, and returning to family where appropriate. The 'Family Business Model' aims to create employment and training opportunities within the council and with local businesses. Health and emotional wellbeing support is available through various services, including access to gyms, swimming, mental health services, and support for smoking, drugs, and alcohol. Sexual health services are also accessible. For unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, there is specific support related to their immigration status, pathway planning, accommodation, financial support, education, employment, and training, and immigration support. Advocacy services are available through Coram Voice. The council also pledges to support care leavers in seven key areas as their 'corporate parent', including promoting their wellbeing, ensuring they have a safe space to express views, helping them access community services, promoting high aspirations, ensuring safety and stability, supporting them with family members and professionals, and preparing them for adulthood and independent living. Access to personal information is also a right.
This initiative is part of Harrow Council's commitment to its corporate parenting responsibilities, as outlined in documents such as the Public reports pack Monday 29-Jun-2026 18.00 Corporate Parenting Panel.
