Member

Again, the noble Baroness’s Amendment 93 seeks to make explicit that young people can opt out of receiving Staying Close support if they choose to. We agree that it is an essential principle that any support from local authorities must consider the wishes and feelings of the care leaver, and this includes support under the Staying Close duty. I repeat, and I will repeat on every occasion, that the voice of the child or young person is fundamental in all these areas and everything that that we are striving to achieve. Statutory guidance for the Children Act 1989 outlines that local authorities must respect the right of young people to decline support. This principle will also apply to Staying Close support and will be made explicit in the guidance produced.