Kent County Council has unveiled a pledge which outlines a number of commitments that will help ensure that children and young people’s time in care is a fulfilling and positive experience.

Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education Standards Chris Wells will be visiting parts of the county to present the pledge to children and young people, answer any questions they may have and thank them for their input in developing the objectives. The first visit is to Ramsgate Youth Centre this afternoon (7 May).

The pledge has six main themes to ensure children and young people have:

a sense of belonging;
a consistent adult in their life;
a good education;
good memories for the future;
preparation for adulthood;
people to champion their needs and interests.

Chris Wells said: “In developing our pledge we have consulted with our Looked After Children and Care Leavers, who have produced two DVDs outlining their views of what they would want to see in our pledge.

“We have listened to this and also used the messages in ‘Care Matters’. In addition, we have looked at the findings from a review of practice and services for Looked After Children and Care Leavers provided by KCC’s Children, Families, Health and Education directorate and its partners.

“This has enabled us to develop a pledge, which establishes the county council at the forefront of best practice.”

There are two separate pledges. One for children in the care of KCC and one for children in care placed in Kent by another council.

Elements of the pledge include arranging a national insurance number and passport by a young person’s 16th birthday, a saving account accessible from their 18th birthday and help to build a photo album of key people and places in their life.

Chris Wells added: “The children and young people now know what they can expect from KCC. The Kent Pledge goes to the very heart of what we are committed to do.”

KCC had begun to look at how it might improve service for Looked After Children ahead of the government green paper ‘Care Matters’ and, following its publication in October 2006, a formal review commenced which led to the production of the Kent Pledge.

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