Renfrewshire Council advances support for care-experienced people

Renfrewshire Council and its partners shared updates on their work in a report discussed by members at a recent meeting of the Education and Children’s Services Policy Board.

The report highlights key steps taken to improve opportunities and support for children, young people, and adults with care experience.

A central part of the council’s work has been giving care-experienced young people a greater say in decisions and services that affect them.

These young people have contributed to campaigns, creative projects, service design, and events, including Promise Youthy Fest and Winter Fest.

The council’s Promise Human Library links care-experienced young people with professionals in fields they are interested in, offering the chance to ask questions, connect by phone or email, and arrange office visits.

More than 400 council staff and partners are now part of the Promise Keeper Network, which works to embed a care-aware culture, reduce stigma, and improve services.

The council has also strengthened housing support for care-experienced young people to help prevent homelessness, and has continued targeted education programmes at Johnstone High and St Andrew’s Academy.

Councillor Emma Rodden, convener for education, said: "Renfrewshire is making remarkable progress to Keep The Promise to care-experienced children, young people and adults.

"Over the last year, our services and partners have listened to care-experienced people and made real changes that support them.

"Care-experienced young people have taken a leading role in shaping creative projects and events and influencing decisions.

"All of our schools have completed the first stage of a whole-school programme on reducing stigma and improving inclusion for our care-experienced young people.

"The Council has also made a significant commitment to care-experienced people through the new Guaranteed Interview Scheme.

"This will help remove barriers and improve employment outcomes for care-experienced applicants.

"We have also expanded practical support, including personalised housing pathways and digital inclusion programmes.

"In addition, our Promise Keeper Network and Promise Human Library continue to grow and grow.

"I am incredibly proud of the commitment shown across Renfrewshire to Keep The Promise.

"Together, we are building a more inclusive, compassionate and ambitious future for our care-experienced children, young people and adults."