THE 'Promise' made by Bournemouth council to youngsters in care is set to be agreed next week.

It is the second time the borough has revised the wording since it was introduced in 2008, and the new pledge has been drawn up by the local Children in Care Council and based on the wishes of the children concerned, as expressed in a questionnaire.

The Promise calls on the borough to involve youngsters in decisions regarding their care, help them achieve a 'sense of belonging', a healthy lifestyle and a good education and skills, help them with money management, help them stay in touch with family and friends and ensure a social worker is always available.

The council's cabinet will discuss the pledge on Wednesday, January 24.

A report by Penny Lodwick, service manager for children in care and care leavers, states: "There are several initiatives and mechanisms in place to help raise members’ awareness of children in care and about our general corporate parenting duties.

"One of these initiatives is to reaffirm our commitment by agreeing the revised 'Promise'.

"The Promise sets out the commitments made to children in care and leaving care by those who are corporate parents for them.

"The local authority “Promise” is at the centre of the work of Bournemouth Children in Care Council and this can be used as a plan for improvement and a monitoring tool."

On the borough's performance the report states that: "The Children in Care Council report that they have experienced some positive impact although progress has appeared to be too slow in the past, however there have been significant improvements in recent times."

Improvements listed include youngsters being issued with a contact card with the details of "all relevant professionals", as well as passports where appropriate.

The report states: "We are confident that there are no black binbags used to transport children and young people’s belongings.

"This was an issue that caused children and young people significant distress in the past.

"A suitcase or suitable travel bag is now always provided."

Steps have been taken to provide profiles for foster carers which children can look at before they are moved, to reduce the number of times youngsters switch social workers, and to provide a volunteer mentoring scheme for care leavers.

The council has also been organising events, such as the regular 'BOMO pizza night' for care leavers at Urban Reef in Boscombe, and a Christmas lunch.