A recent examination of youth services has uncovered evidence of helpful connections and successful transitions to adult life for care leavers in Hackney.
Inspectors from Ofsted visited Hackney Council over two days in June to evaluate how well the local authority supports young people leaving care. Their findings revealed that the majority of these young individuals are achieving meaningful development as they progress toward independence, receiving assistance that addresses their practical requirements, emotional wellbeing and therapeutic needs.
The inspection highlighted the significance of genuine, reliable and goal-oriented connections between care leavers and the professionals who work with them. Inspectors also noted the council’s dedication to supporting care leavers through its duties as a corporate parent, as well as through coordinated working arrangements involving housing services, health organisations and various council departments.
The review found that most young people leaving care in Hackney reside in appropriate and secure housing. They receive encouragement and assistance to pursue their aspirations by accessing educational opportunities, employment options and training programmes.
The document also observed that care leavers appreciate the backing of professionals who speak up on their behalf and remain present with them during difficult times.
Inspectors praised Hackney’s overall approach as comprehensive, sensitive to past trauma and actively anti-racist, noting that these principles are woven into the organisation’s leadership, policies and daily operations.
Staff members were characterised as dedicated individuals whose manageable caseloads enable them to invest quality time with the young people they support. Health requirements are regularly factored into planning documents, and care leavers receive help and encouragement to attend medical appointments. Internal therapeutic services and productive joint working with health professionals contribute to addressing emotional needs.
Inspectors pinpointed several aspects that could be strengthened, including providing care leavers with health summaries as they approach independent living and establishing more regular supervision arrangements for staff members.
The review also discovered that not all care leavers between the ages of 18 and 21 had been assigned a dedicated worker at the time of the visit, which is a legal obligation.
The council took swift action in response to this finding, making certain that every affected care leaver was partnered with a professional to evaluate their requirements and deliver appropriate assistance.
Senior management oversight was characterised as robust, giving staff opportunities to consider potential risks, track advancement and determine optimal ways to help care leavers.
However, the document indicated that supervision sessions are not always carried out within the anticipated timeframes.