On September 20, 2024, over 150 colleagues from all 11 local authorities in the region convened at the Hertfordshire Development Centre for the first Eastern Region Leaving Care Network Conference to network, share best practice, and focus on practice. The conference highlighted key topics such as transitional safeguarding, NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) to EET (Education, Employment, or Training), and trauma-informed practice.
The event featured inspiring keynote speeches from Dr. Jenny Malloy, author of “Hackney Child,” Scott King, Director of Section 31 Training, and the Eastern Region Care Leavers Participation Group. Their powerful stories and experiences resonated with the audience, challenging and motivating attendees.
In addition to the keynote addresses, the conference included workshop sessions that concentrated on enhancing EET opportunities for Care Leavers and implementing trauma-informed practices.
The Eastern Region Leaving Care Network plans to leverage the knowledge gained from the conference to drive further regional initiatives aimed at bettering the experiences and outcomes for Care Leavers across the East.