16+ Forum

The 16+ Next Steps Forum is a discussion group where we can meet with the decision makers to talk about our experiences of Leaving Care

More than this we try to improve the service provided for other Care Leavers by encouraging positive change in the community. Care Leavers will run the forum and choose what items are put on the agenda. The group is supported by Personal Assistants from the Next Steps Service and your Participation Worker.

We meet monthly, have a meal together and we talk about making things better for care leavers. We also have an online discussion group to keep in touch and support each other.

If you’re passionate about making a difference then come and join us!

Below are the financial arrangements in place from Wakefield Council based upon your situation.

*Allowance*	Entitlement
Personal allowance	£60 minus £16.50 utility costs
Setting up home grant	Yes - up to £2000 based on assessed need
Clothing	TBC
Birthday	£82 until you are 21
Festival	£82 per year until you are 21
EET Equipment/Clothing	Discretionary based on need. Proof and receipts required
Travel/Bus Pass	Discretionary based on need
Hobbies/Interests	Discretionary - based on assessed need
Passport	Based on assessed need – ID need
Rent	Yes paid by Local Authority
Driving license and 10 lessons	Available from age 17 but up to 21 – based on assessment*

*Allowance*	Entitlement
Personal allowance	£ apprentice top up only if young person receives less than PA+bursary
Setting up home grant	Yes - up to £2000 based on assessed need
Clothing	Discretionary based on individual assessed need
Birthday	£82 until you are 21
Festival	£82 per year until you are 21
EET Equipment/Clothing	Discretionary based on need. Proof and receipts required
Travel/Bus Pass	Discretionary based on income and whether paid by employer/other
Hobbies/Interests	Yes - based on assessed need
Passport	Based on assessed need – ID need
Rent	No - Claim Housing Benefit or Universal Credit (housing element) if low income
Provisional Driving license & theory	Available from age 17 but up to 21 – based on assessment*
10 driving lessons	50% payment from LA
Apprenticeship Bursary	Paid by training provider £500 at 3 months and £500 at 12 months

*Allowance*	Entitlement
Personal allowance	£60
Setting up home grant	Yes - up to £2000 based on assessed need
Clothing	Discretionary based on individual assessed need
Birthday	£82 until you are 21
Festival	£82 per year until you are 21
EET Equipment/Clothing	Discretionary based on need. Proof and receipts required. Use 16-19 bursary in first instance
Travel/Bus Pass	Use 16-19 bursary. Discretionary based on individual circumstance
Hobbies/Interests	Yes - based on assessed need in CIC review/PP
Passport	Based on assessed need – ID need
Rent	No - Claim Housing Benefit or Universal Credit (housing element) if low income
Provisional Driving license & theory	Available from age 17 but up to 21 – based on assessment*
10 driving lessons	50% payment from LA

*Allowance*	Entitlement
Personal allowance	£60
Setting up home grant	Yes - up to £2000 based on assessed need
Clothing	Discretionary based on individual assessed need
Birthday	£82 until you are 21
Festival	£82 per year until you are 21
EET Equipment/Clothing	Discretionary based on need. Proof and receipts required
Travel/Bus Pass	Discretionary based on income and whether paid by employer/other
Hobbies/Interests	Yes - based on assessed need
Passport	Based on assessed need – ID need
Rent	No - Claim Housing Benefit or Universal Credit (housing element) if low income
Provisional Driving license & theory	No
10 driving lessons	50% payment from LA