New strategies unveiled to support children in our care and care leavers

The documents, revealed at an event at Grimsby Town Football Club last week, aim to improve the life chances and aspirations for young people who have experienced growing up in the care of the Council.

This includes children living in our children’s homes and in foster care.

Representatives from organisations across the area, including health, education, police, local government, and local employers and businesses, attended the event to share their insights on how they can contribute as ‘corporate and community parents’.

The new Corporate and Community Parenting Strategic Plan embraces the Council’s unwavering commitment to children in care and care leavers and setting out how their needs are prioritised and how they are supported.

Meanwhile, the new Care Leaver Employability Strategy is aimed at supercharging the career chances of people with experience of growing up in care.

This collaborative approach underscores North East Lincolnshire's commitment to ensuring that children in our care and care leavers have the necessary support to succeed in all aspects of life.

Margaret Cracknell, Portfolio Holder for Children and Education said:

“These strategies are a testament to the extensive work that has been undertaken by professionals, stakeholders, partners, children and young people and their families.”

“Fostering a safe, healthy and loving environment for children to grow up and thrive is the responsibility of all of us. We are all corporate and community parents.”

Ann-Marie Matson, Director of Children’s Services opened the event and highlighted how important it is to have a supportive network around our care experienced young people:

“It is imperative that we offer additional support to our young people that leave our care as they embark on their journey into adulthood.”

“We, as corporate and community parents can support and help care experienced people overcome the many barriers and challenges they face.”

“These strategies aim to ensure that our children and young people are equipped to thrive in every aspect of their lives.”

Sharon Wroot, Executive Director Place and Resources added:

“Achieving our ambition for our children and young people in our care requires us to be stronger together and working innovatively and collaboratively to fulfil their potential. It’s about understanding our communities, it’s about making it work.”