Care Experienced Children and Young People Fund: operational guidance 2023 to 2024

Misconceptions

There are some commonly held misconceptions around the use of Care Experienced Children and Young People Funding which are addressed below.

“Only children aged between 5-15 can benefit from Care Experienced Children and Young People Funding.”

False. Although allocations are based on those aged between 5-15, children and young people aged between 0-26 can benefit from the funding.

“Funding can only be used if a young person is on the child protection register.”

False. Funding can be used to support anyone who has been or is currently in care or from a looked-after background at any stage in their life, no matter how short.

“Funding cannot be used for young people who have been adopted.”

False. The term care experienced is used to be as inclusive as possible and includes children and young people who have been adopted.

“Children and young people on the edges of care cannot be supported.”

False. Preventative approaches such as targeting resources to support young people on the edges of care are encouraged.

“Spending decisions should only be made in either social work or education departments, not together.”

False. Spending decisions should be made collaboratively between local Directors of Education and Chief Social Work Officers.