A proposal to create Liverpool’s first dedicated Care Leavers Hub is to be considered by the Cabinet.
The council supports more around 800 care experienced young people up to the age of 25,but at the moment there is no permanent full-time base for services.
The service currently operates from temporary accommodation at Merseyside Play Action Council one day a week, but it is recognised that it does not provide the best environment for care leavers.
The need to provide a better facility was highlighted in the recent Ofsted inspection which rated Children’s Services as ‘Good’ in three out of four areas.
The hub will be a place where young people can drop in, meet friends, talk to their Personal Advisor, have something to eat, do their washing, receive a wide range of advice and support and provide a safe space for them.
An extensive review of council accommodation has been unable to find somewhere suitable within the local authority estate.
Now a report to Cabinet being considered on Tuesday 13 October proposes investing £458k to fit-out premises in the city centre which is well-located and easily accessible.
The council will take on a 10-year lease for the property, which has space for up to 20 staff, and will provide drop-in and appointment services for care leavers.
It is expected the new hub will open next summer.
Councillor Liz Parsons, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “We know that our young people in care are rightly passionate about the need for a dedicated facility which is better suited to their needs.
“We are working really closely with them on the type of services that they would like to see provided, such as drop-in access, private appointment rooms, communal and social spaces, laundry facilities and digital access
“This is all part of our continuous improvement journey for Children’s Services to improve outcomes for our young people.
Corporate Director for Children and Young People Services, Jenny Glennard, said: “Our care experienced young people deserve the very best support and having a dedicated venue will enable us to provide it.
“As a UNICEF Child Friendly City we are putting young people at the heart of our decision making and their voices are an integral part of developing the services provided in the new hub.”
