§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary for Health what action he is taking to ensure the welfare of young people leaving care. [35012]
§ Mr. BowisLocal authorities have a statutory duty to prepare young people for leaving care and give them continuing support. The Department has commissioned studies which will assist in determining how best an effective service can be delivered and a national inspection by our social services inspectorate of leaving care and aftercare is planned. We have also funded conferences on care leavers and work with care leavers by organisations such as First Key, Who Cares? Trust and the Royal Philanthropic Society.