Everyone in society has a responsibility to help those who have been in Local Authority care overcome the difficulties they experienced in their childhoods, so that they can lead successful lives. 

More than anything else, at Barking and Dagenham Council we recognise that the help and support you receive from your Social Worker and Leaving Care Advisor is critical to whether you make the transition from care to independence successfully.

That's why all who work for the Council will act as your ‘Corporate Parents’ which means it is our responsibility to be good parents to all young people in our care until you are 21, or 25 if you are in education or your needs require an ongoing service.

We believe that being a good parent means keeping you safe and helping you gain the best access to housing, financial support, education, training, work experience, employment and health services with your pathway plan.

We take our responsibilities very seriously and our team of Leaving Care Advisors and Social Workers will support, encourage and advise you throughout every step of your journey to independent living and achieving your goals!

Enhanced local offer for care leavers (PDF, 990KB)

A guide to understand and explore housing options for care leavers (PDF, 340KB)

If you have any comments or questions, please contact your Leaving Care Advisor or email us at careleavers@lbbd.gov.uk