Employing care leavers as Child in Care Ambassadors, to help them actively participate in the development of Warrington’s leaving care service.

Why?

To ensure that the role of care leavers in the development of the local authority’s services (and engagement across Warrington) is valued.

What did they do?
    • Employed two care experienced young people to join the Participation Service, as Child in Care Ambassadors.
    • Paid them the ‘Living Wage’.
    • Agreed full membership to the Corporate Parenting Forum.
    • Ensured they were ‘first’ on the Corporate Parenting Forum agenda and that they agreed with the topics they planned to discuss.
    • Set up regular meetings with the Lead Member for Children’s Services.
    • Engaged them with the Elected Members & Senior Leadership Team.
    • Ensured they had a voice at local Education, Employment and Training Events.
    • Involved them in key strategic groups and meetings (No Wrong Door & Mockingbird projects).
    • Supported them to actively promote and run the Children in Care groups. Projects: Language / Photo-voice / Renewed ‘No Bin Bag’ policy. Drama and Empowerment Workshop.
Impact

Their presence and voice within Warrington’s service is changing the way in which Care Leavers are viewed, and driving forward the agenda on how professionals, elected members and businesses across Warrington can support them.

I want to be involved/included in decisions about my life such as which school I go to.

 

What would make care better?

Having more of a say.

 

Young person (11-18yrs)