The Pledge
A pledge is a commitment or promise to do something. We asked children and young people in care in Herefordshire what really matters to them in their relationships with the council when it is acting in the role of corporate parent.
They told us, and we worked together to agree The Pledge which sets out what you would like and how we will work with you to achieve it. The council pledge says that:
You will listen to me
We will:
- Listen to you and make sure what you say makes a difference
- Help you understand the position you are in
- Give you real choices when making plans for your future
- Make sure you have someone who you decide to talk to
- Decide with you how and who is best to give you the information you need
You will know we have done this because:
- You will be involved in developing your plan
- You will be able to see that we have responded to what you say
- We will do what we say and keep promises made to you
- We will tell you if we can't do something you ask us to
You know me
We will:
- Support you in developing a range of interests and activities outside school
- Help you recognise your skills and abilities and develop a plan to get the most out of your life, particularly as you get older and leave school
- Make sure you have an allocated social worker and that you know how to contact them at all times
- Support you to maintain contact with friends and family who you want to see
- Recognise your achievements and important events in your life
You will know we have done this because:
- You will have had the chance to try the different activities you talk about at your LAC Review
- We will treat you in the way you want us to
- You will be able to recognise yourself in reports that are written about you
You support me when I need it
We will:
- Be consistent in the things we do for you
- Make sure you have a school to go to and which will help you do well
- Work with your school to help you make progress and catch up if you fall behind
- Do our best not to move you out of a school you are happy in
- Make sure you have someone you choose to talk to
- Work with you to make sure you have all the information you need to make choices about education and work
You will know we have done this because:
- You will have a small number of people involved in your care
- You will not move when you are settled and happy
- You will leave school knowing where you are going to next
- You will know what your choices are and how to make good decisions.
Care Leavers Covenant
We have also have our own Care Leavers Covenant which is a promise by us to provide support to you and to help you to live independently.