care-experienced young people
Councils are currently focusing on housing provision for care leavers and improving foster care recruitment to support care-experienced young people.
Croydon Council's Corporate Parenting Board conducted a deep dive into housing provision for care leavers in September 2026, reviewing performance and practice for children in care. In July 2026, the Board also discussed performance reports and updates from the Children's Participation Team. Richmond upon Thames Council's Education and Children's Services Committee recommended in February 2026 that care-experienced young people be granted priority in the borough's housing allocations scheme.
Lewisham Council is intensifying efforts to recruit more foster carers, endorsed by the Mayor and Cabinet in March 2026, aiming to reduce reliance on external agencies and residential care. This initiative has the potential to release up to £6 million into the Council's budget. Kensington and Chelsea Council's Family Services Select Committee addressed rising youth violence and exploitation in March 2026, noting increased demand for Children's Services.
Councils are working to support care-experienced young people, defined as individuals who have spent time in the care system. Current discussions focus on ensuring their wellbeing, with particular attention to housing provision and the creation of stable care environments.
Key facts
- Lewisham Council's Mayor and Cabinet endorsed intensifying foster carer recruitment efforts in March 2026. Source
- Lewisham's initiative aims to release up to £6 million into the Council's budget by halving the use of residential children's homes. Source
- Kensington and Chelsea Council's Family Services Select Committee addressed rising youth violence and exploitation in March 2026. Source
- Richmond upon Thames Council's Education and Children's Services Committee recommended housing priority for care-experienced young people in February 2026. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.