Decision details

Approval to award a block contract for 60 units of semi-independent accommodation and support for 16+ Looked After Children and Care Leavers aged 18+.

To award the block contract to Centrepoint Soho for Semi-Independent Accommodation for Looked After Children aged 16+ and Care Leavers aged 18+ for a period of 3 years, with the option to extend for a further 2 years.

On 15^th January 18, Cabinet delegated authority for the Strategic Director of Children and Young People (in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children & Young People) to award the final tender for a block contract for the Semi Independent Living for Looked After Children aged 16+ and Care Leavers aged 18+.  This decision seeks approval to award the contract following completion of the formal tender process.

In accordance with the Children Acts 1989 and 2004 and the Children Leaving Care Act 2000, local authorities have a duty to assess and meet the needs of young people aged 16+ and 18+ who are in care or care leavers. Wherever the young person lives, the duty will rest with the local authorities to keep in touch with care leavers until they are at least 21 (in some instances this is extended to age 25).  The local authority has a statutory duty to ensure that every Looked After Child and Care Leaver is properly prepared in making the transition to adulthood in a planned and effective way to achieve the best possible outcomes for the individual young person.

The duties that local authorities have towards their care leavers are set out in the statutory guidance called Planning Transition to Adulthood for Care Leavers and can include the provision of accommodation.  The provision of semi-independent living is seen as an effective method of assisting a smooth transition to adulthood for 16+ Looked After Children (“LAC”) and Care Leavers.

The decision to award the contract has been based on a formal tender process with the results of the evaluation used as the basis for the recommendation set out in the report.

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