Businesses asked to provide training for children in care

Jul 25 2008 by David Bartlett, Liverpool Daily Post

Leader of Liverpool City Council, Cllr Warren Bradley _158

LIVERPOOL council’s leader last night called on businesses to do their part in helping children in care get vital work experience and training.

Cllr Warren Bradley said it was crucial businesses in Liverpool started to help the 850 children currently being looked after by foster carers or the local authority.

He said it was a scandal that around 30% of children leaving care are classed as not in education, employment or training (Neet).

The Liberal Democrat leader’s call to businesses forms part of a five point plan to improve the lives and chances of children in care.

Cllr Bradley said: “A lot of these young people are not given opportunities because they are forgotten about.

“We need the private sector, which is making a lot of money in this city, to engage with them.”

Last night Jack Stopforth, chief executive of Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, said he would work with the council to encourage business to help children in care.

He said the chamber was already engaged in helping children in care, and in doing so companies were required to offer placements.

“It is not something companies can be expected to have high on their agendas unless it’s put to them, but if businesses can help, generally they will.”

He said it was important there was a business as well as a social rationale behind children being offered placements or training.

“The chamber would be more than happy to talk to the city council about approaching our 1,800 members.”

The Lib-Dem administration also called on the government to fund care for young people up to the age of 21 instead of 17. Executive member for education Keith Turner said that proposed pilot projects to extend care until the age of 21 do not go far enough.

“I believe young people should be able to remain in care until they are 21, if they choose to,” he said.

“Separating young people from their carers at 17 has a potentially devastating effect upon a young person’s life.”

Other elements of Cllr Bradley’s five point plan include targeting help at looked after children to make sure they get the encouragement and support they need.

Regulation 33 visits, from councillors to care homes, will also be pushed up the agenda, as well as promoting initiatives to encourage fostering and adopting.

Children in care are also to be asked for their views on the services provided.

davidbartlett