Renfrewshire is making strong progress in efforts to transform the lives of care-experienced children, young people and adults across the area.
Progress made by Renfrewshire Council and its partners was outlined in a report discussed by elected members at the latest Education and Children’s Services Policy Board.
One of the key developments has been giving care-experienced young people a central role in helping shape decisions.
Young people have taken part in local campaigns, creative projects, service design and events including the Promise Youthy Fest and Winter Fest, which was held as part of the Promise Champs Christmas Gift Drive.
The council has also launched a Promise Human Library, designed to link care-experienced young people with staff working in careers they are interested in. Young people can ask questions by email or phone and may also have the chance to visit workplaces.
Care-experienced young people also took part in a Promise Keeper Conference focused on employment opportunities. The event featured a short film with care-experienced employees speaking about their own experiences.
A new Guaranteed Interview Scheme has also been introduced, meaning care-experienced people applying for jobs with Renfrewshire Council are now guaranteed an interview.
More than 400 council staff and partners are now part of Renfrewshire’s Promise Keeper Network. Those involved help raise awareness of care experience, reduce stigma and improve services.
Housing Services has also expanded its support for care-experienced young people, with personalised pathways and early help aimed at reducing the risk of homelessness.
Projects at Johnstone High School and St Andrew’s Academy are continuing, with a focus on supporting care-experienced young people and their wellbeing.
All 63 schools in Renfrewshire have now completed the Communities That Care programme, which aims to reduce stigma and improve inclusion for care-experienced pupils.
Work is also continuing through Family Wellbeing Services, digital inclusion support with YMCA Scotland and Community Justice.
Education Convener Councillor Emma Rodden 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.”