Refugee shows system can work

Westminster council may benefit from some of London's richest residents but its social services department has to deal with lots of asylum seekers and children in need.

Despite that it achieved the maximum three stars in today's ratings and will be rewarded with fewer inspections and more freedom over its budget.

One person to benefit from its services was Hanna Russom.

She arrived in England from Eritrea in 1996 and was found walking the streets with her younger brother and sister.

Their mother had been killed in the war in their country and their father had been taken by soldiers. Hanna, then 17, did not speak a word of English. She was found a flat by social services who provided peer mentors to help her with education and living independently. Her siblings were taken into foster care.

Now 23, Hanna speaks fluent English, has three A levels and is in the second year of a degree at King's College London. Her brother and sister are also completing degrees.

Hanna said: "Westminster was really supportive, especially with the mentors and education. Although my brother and sister were fostered, we were helped to stay close. The care was excellent."