Kent has an integrated service that includes a variety of
professional working together.
We aim to improve the life chances of looked after children
and care leavers. We look at promoting health,
educational achievement and wellbeing, and in
addition improving the services to meet their
needs. We improve services by:
- providing direct services to children and young people,
including health assessments, mental health assessments and
treatment (for children looked after by KCC), advice and guidance
regarding education, training and employment
- providing advice, support and training for schools, colleges,
early years settings, carers, health professionals, social workers
and others working with looked after children
- facilitating access to specialist health, education and other
services
- facilitating access to early education and child care, out of
school hours learning and leisure opportunities
- influencing policy and services for looked after children and
care leavers
- supporting and shaping practice of partner services.
We support all looked after children and young people who are
living in Kent, regardless of their local authority or country of
origin.
We are a team of staff who work with looked after
children but come from different partner services. Our core
team works with the public, voluntary and private sector where
necessary to deliver the service.
Different members of our team support different groups of
looked after children, depending on the statutory
responsibilities of the agency they work for.
We work in partnership with social workers who are
the 'lead professional' for looked after children and young
people. The social workers are responsible for ensuring
that children have up to date care plans, including health care
plans and personal education plans (PEPs).
We work together as this reflects the nature of looked
after children and young people's needs. Emotional wellbeing
and mental health are key to a stable and successful school
place. Getting a good education is a linked to future
economic success, health and wellbeing. All services in Kent have a
role in promoting better outcomes for looked after children.
The teams that work together include:
Local teams:
The service is divided in to 3 teams across Kent. Please
view the
map for details of membership (this link opens in a new window.
Each team has a Co-ordinator.
Contact
Sarah Skinner
Service Development Manager
Kent County Council
Brook House
Reeves Way
Whitstable
CT5 3SS
Tel:01227 598500