§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to ensure local authorities provide written guidance to persons leaving care. [74724]
§ Mr. HuttonEvery local authority should provide an easy to read guide to its services for young people when they leave care. The Government will address this subject in the guidance on leaving care they intend issuing later this year.
§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what(a) advice and (b) amenities are available to persons leaving care at 18 years; and if he will make a statement. [74725]
§ Mr. HuttonLocal authorities have duties and powers under the Children Act 1989 to advise, befriend and assist care leavers up to the age of 21. Extensive guidance on the exercise of these responsibilities was issued to accompany the Children Act but further guidance will be issued later this year, as announced in the Government's Response to the Children's Safeguards Review.