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Reconnect Programme Aims to Transition Children in Care to Family-Based Settings in Plymouth

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The city of Plymouth is tackling the growing number of children in care and the national shortage of foster carers by introducing a new programme aimed at transitioning children from residential placements to family-based settings. Reconnect, a specialist organisation, will be working with Plymouth City Council to deliver intensive support to children and their prospective carers over a 14-month period. The programme is designed to be cost-effective, with payment only made once savings are achieved through successful transitions. The goal is to provide children with the opportunity to thrive in a supportive family environment, improving their wellbeing and reducing the reliance on high-cost residential placements.

Key Takeaways:

  • Reconnect, a specialist organisation, will be working with Plymouth City Council to help transition children in care from residential placements to family-based settings.
  • The programme aims to deliver intensive, trauma-informed support to children and their prospective carers over a 14-month period.
  • The programme is designed to be cost-effective, with Plymouth City Council only paying for services once savings are achieved through successful transitions.
  • Foster carer recruitment is a key element of the programme, with targeted campaigns to recruit and support foster carers capable of meeting the complex needs of children and young people.
  • The programme includes a "Step Forward" scheme, which offers enhanced financial allowances and wraparound support to foster carers who can look after children leaving residential care.
  • Councillor Jemima Laing, Cabinet Member for Children's Social Care, stated that the programme is about giving children the opportunity to thrive in a supportive family environment.

Statistics:

  • The programme will run for 14 months.
  • Reconnect will provide experienced practitioners to work alongside Plymouth's social workers.
  • The programme is designed to be cost-effective, with payment only made once savings are achieved through successful transitions.
  • Foster carer recruitment is a key element, with targeted campaigns to recruit and support foster carers.
  • The 'Step Forward' scheme offers enhanced financial allowances, starting at £840 per week.

Sources:

  • Plymouth City Council
  • Reconnect
  • Councillor Jemima Laing

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