Advisor appointed to support care leavers (England)

A new National Implementation Adviser for care leavers has been appointed in England. Mark Riddell MBE will work closely with local authorities to implement the new duties introduced through the Children & Social Work Act (2017).

Under the Act, councils will offer a Personal Adviser for all care leavers up to the age 25 as part of their corporate parenting duties.Mr Riddell comes from a position as leaving care manager and was an informal advisor to the department of Education as they developed their care leaver strategy.

Mark Riddell MBE said:

"I am delighted to be offered the post and am passionate about improving support for care leavers. Young people leaving care face many challenges as they prepare for independence, and crucial to making that transition successful is the support from their 'corporate parents', the local authority."