We provide the following support to all children looked after in our care aged 0 to 18 years:
- accommodation
- maintenance
- support and encouragement in education
- training and employment
- advice and support to maintain a healthy lifestyle
Accommodation
Based on a needs assessment, accommodation for children and young people looked after can be:
- with foster carers
- supported lodgings
- semi-independent
- independent shared accommodation
Financial support
We offer financial support to all young people until they are eligible to apply for benefits.
If the young person attends full time education, they qualify for education incentive money.
A financial support bursary is provided for care leavers attending university.
Education
The Virtual College is responsible for promoting the educational achievements of children and young people looked after from the ages of 0 to 25, regardless of where they are placed.
The team works to secure the best quality education and training to meet the needs and aspirations of children and young people looked after and equip them with the qualifications and skills needed to progress and participate fully in society. The team also work with young people aged 16+ ‘not in education or employment’ (NEETs) and supports young people who have difficulties understanding English.
Contact the Virtual School principal:
- phone: 020 8583 2745
Immigration status
Social workers and personal advisors work with young people around their immigration status if they are not British citizens. Young people can have the following immigration statuses:
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)/ Humanitarian Protection (HP)
- Discretionary Leave to Remain (DLR)
- Asylum Pending (waiting for an answer from Home Office)
- Out of Time applicants (turned in application too late to file an asylum claim)
- exhausted all appeals (no longer eligible for support and likely to be deported)
Listening to children and young people looked after
Children and young people in care have a right to be listened to and participate in decisions that affect their lives. The level of involvement depends on the ability and age of the child.
Our participation service runs a wide range of activities for children and young people in the care of Hounslow to promote rights and responsibilities. We aim to positively engage children and young people to help shape the service we provide and promote listening.
See: Our pledge to children and young people looked after (PDF)
Contact our participation officer Chloe Regis:
- phone: 07855 975756
Support team
Our through care team provides support to children looked after from zero to 18 years old.
This team works to ensure that children in our care are well looked after. They look to secure permanence for these children quickly, working closely with children, parents, carers and all key professionals.
The team prepares and implements pathway plans for young people to help them develop independent living skills and prepare them for leaving care.
To contact the team:
- phone: 020 8583 3182 or 020 8583 3173
For emergencies outside office hours: Out of hours emergencies
