New support service for vulnerable young people launched in Norfolk
New support service for young people launched in Norfolk.
A new support service for vulnerable young people in Norfolk has been launched to try and offer them stability and prevent the need for long-term residential care.
New Roads has been set up by Norfolk County Council and will operate out of two hubs in Norwich and Dereham.
The idea is that young people will have access to dedicated support teams who will be able to help with education, life coaching, and speech and language therapy.
There will also be short-term residential beds and foster care placements available under the scheme.
It's to try and prevent the need for long-term residential care and reduce risk-taking behaviour in vulnerable young people.
The service is being jointly funded via the Department for Education's Strenghtening Families and Protecting Children's programme.
Cllr John Fisher, Cabinet Member for Children's Services at Norfolk County Council, said: "This service gives enhanced and dedicated support to some of our most vulnerable young people, with a whole team of specialist staff working directly with them to help understand exactly what they need to achieve their potential and lead fulfilling adult lives.
"It is adapted from the successful model created in North Yorkshire, which has helped to reduce the number of young people in residential care, as well as the numbers getting arrested or going missing.
"New Roads also builds on the significant work we have been doing to further strengthen our support to young people who are in care or have had experience of care, as well as those at risk of coming into care.
"This has included developing our own semi-independent accommodation, recruiting specialist foster carers, providing family therapy and coaching and developing a new targeted youth support service."