SEVEN key pledges on the welfare of children in care are to be put before Redditch Borough Councillors in the hope they will be unanimously adopted by the authority.
The pledges, from Worcestershire Children First, ensure children in care in the county have their voices heard, have a safe, secure and stable home, support for life-long learning, stay healthy, stay in touch with family and friends, celebrate progress and achievement, and help build trusting relationships with key people in their lives.
The vision of Worcestershire Children First is that the county ‘be a wonderful place for all children and young people to grow up’.
The pledges were presented to members of the council’s executive committee last Tuesday, December 7, by Councillor Nyear Nazir (Con, Batchley & Brockhill), the borough’s representative for corporate parenting at County Hall.
Speaking after the meeting, she said: “We know that children’s services sit with Worcestershire County Council and our role is therefore limited, but we can look at things like providing affordable housing for youngsters coming out of care, through regeneration create more jobs and opportunities for young people.”
She added that the borough council was a part of the ‘Redditch Collaborative’ – a group of professionals including local doctors, Heart of Worcestershire College, schools and charities working for the betterment of the town.
Redditch has also received funding to help pilot an integrated care system in the town.
“This is all in conjunction with what we are trying to do in Redditch,” said Coun Nazir.
“And mental health, this is one of the priorities of this council, we know there are people struggling out there and hopefully we can help address this through the integrated care system.”
