New ‘Kickback’ Book Parcels for Youngsters in Care
Young people from the Royal Borough who are in care will soon receive specially tailored book parcels thanks to a new initiative devised by people who used to be in the care system.
The Kickback Gives Back scheme launched on Tuesday 23 June and replaces the Letterbox books for children in care scheme that ran for 11-19 year olds.
The new scheme will see book parcels sent to children in care that take into account an individuals’ interests and reading age instead of the child receiving a standard parcel of books for their sex and age. The book parcels are addressed to the child personally. This new scheme will now provide books from birth-19 years.
This idea came from Kickback, the children in care council for the Royal Borough, and the Positive Activities for Children in Care Group.
Throughout the year youngsters in care will either receive a specially tailored book parcel containing books they are interested in, a set of vouchers that will enable them to get discounts on books of their choice in selected book shops or the ability to download eBooks. Young people in care will receive one of the three options every month.
Cllr Natasha Airey, cabinet member for youth services and safeguarding, said: “The Kickback members have had significant involvement in the decisions taken about this scheme.
“They have suggested certain books and approved the year round approach of a book parcel, book token or eBook options. I am looking forward to seeing how well the new parcels are received and would like to thank all those involved in revamping the scheme for all their hard work.”
Kickback is the children in care council for the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. It meets once a month, and is made up of young people who live in foster care, residential homes and young people who have recently left care. Kickback’s role is to be the voice of young people in care and gives them the chance to have their say on the parenting they receive, and the chance to make decisions on the way care is delivered now, and in the future.
For more information on Kickback visit: http://www.wamster.org.uk/Kickback.htm