Case studies

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council has built on links with partner organisations in the community to be able to offer a more holistic package of support to Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC) moving into their area. This includes providing essentials to children and young people as they arrive, through to suitable accommodation as well as providing ongoing community support networks.

As the number and regularity of Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC) arriving in Sutton increases, the council have reviewed how best to support these young people in their community. The authority have looked at how the same high standards of support their social care team provides to all children and young people can be tailored to meet the particular needs of UASC.

Stockport proactively and strategically responded to the introduction of the mandatory National Transfer Scheme (NTS) in July 2022 in readiness to meet the demands of caring for increasing numbers of Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC). Stockport have worked in partnership to redesign their processes, including efficiently managing referrals, finding placements swiftly, and upskilling their teams.

Under the umbrella of their City of Sanctuary work, Portsmouth City Council are providing broader outreach and support for their Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children. This is known as the 'starting out' programme.

Barnet has increasing numbers of Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC) moving into their area, all needing tailored support from social, welfare and educational services up to the age of 25. Based on experience, the council is developing a specialist team particularly skilled and experienced to work with UASC. This team has identified gaps in UASC support locally, such as educational engagement and access to finances, and has taken steps to address these.

Wiltshire Council hosted Health T Level industry placements in partnership with the Integrated Care Board to highlight the career opportunities available in social care.

Parents are children’s first teachers, but we know that many parents need support in this really important role if their child is to reach their full potential. The London Borough of Bexley are using the BBC’s Tiny Happy People (THP) resources universally across the Local Authority and with partners to share key messages and learning opportunities.

In Herefordshire we knew that we had rising numbers of EY children with SEND. Our ambition was to have an Early Years SEND service that encompasses a holistic approach to the early identification, support of, provision for and placement of Early Years children with SEND.

Council tax support was given to a young person placed out of authority in need of financial assistance. This had a positive impact and has since been rolled our further.

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council has been working hard to gain funding for free prescriptions for care leavers.