Services that look after young people leaving the care system in Bradford are improving, although these young people still face a series of issues.

Ofsted recently carried out its latest monitoring inspection of Bradford Council Children’s Services – a department it judged inadequate in 2018.

On this visit, inspectors focused on the care leavers service – which supports young people who have been in care as they reach adulthood and prepare for a life outside the care system.

After numerous monitoring visits where Bradford Council has been criticised for its slow pace of improvement, this latest inspection report is much more positive.

Inspectors said the workforce in the care leavers’ services was now more stable, and that managers are “committed and capable.”

But inspectors did find that carers with mental health needs find it difficult to access adult services, and that there are “challenges” for young people finding their own homes.

The report, published on Thursday, says: “Over the past year, there has been a focused drive for sustainable practice improvements in the care leavers service.

“The workforce has been increased and stabilised.

“Committed and capable senior managers have led a service improvement plan focused on the consistent application of clear practice standards.

“Inspectors saw improved case recording and better-quality pathway plans. The voice of the young person is significantly stronger, and this is ensuring young people’s views and goals are incorporated into planning.

“Care leavers are well supported with financial and practical help by committed and caring social workers and personal advisors.”

Inspectors also praised the work done with asylum seeking children who find themselves in Council care.

However, the report says some young people are “confused” about what they are entitled to when they leave the care system.

And it adds: “For some care leavers there has been churn and change in their social workers or personal advisors due to a legacy of sickness and vacancies in the service.”

Referring to work to help young people move into independence, the report says: “For young people aged over 18 who wish to secure their own tenancy, there are challenges in quickly securing appropriate social housing.

“Although care leavers are given priority band status with local housing providers, there is a shortage of available properties and a backlog of young people waiting for their own homes.

“Leaders have recognised some of the challenges with accommodation and have established a new protocol with partners.”

Referring to the shift in services young people require when they become adults, inspectors said: “Young people with complex needs are not easily able to access specialist adult social care support in relation to their learning disabilities.

“Many young people do not meet the threshold criteria for adult social care assessments or support.

“For 16- to 18- year-olds, there are long waits and delays in assessments for mental health support.

“There are gaps and delays in the provision of specialist mental health care for young people over 18.

“Not all care leavers have their complex needs assessed appropriately, or have the right specialist intervention in place to keep them well as they enter adulthood.”

Marium Haque, strategic director of children’s services, said: “We have been working extremely hard to drive improvements in the services we deliver to children.

“While this report is very encouraging, we cannot be complacent. We know there is more to do and we know we need to see improvement across all our services. But the outcome of this visit is recognition for the hard work and commitment of staff who deliver these services.”