Stoke-on-Trent Care Leavers Local Offer
The Local Offer covers six areas of life you might need support with:
- Accomodation and Housing
- Education, Training and Employment
- Health and Wellbeing
- Money
- Preparation for Leaving Care
- Who can Help
We have developed a Care Leavers Handbook which has been given to all our care leavers. The handbook gives more information about the things covered in the Local Offer. Your carer, social worker or PA will support you with the handbook so that you understand all the information and support you can receive. Click the button below for a copy of the handbook or contact the Next Steps Duty Team on 01782 233575.
What is the Next Steps Team?
The Next Steps Team provides a specialist service to young people and care leavers aged from 16 to 25 years old. The service works with young people in local authority care, to prepare them for independent living from the age of 16. At the age of 17.5 you will be allocated a Personal Adviser.
What is a Personal Adviser?
When you turn 17, you will be introduced to a Personal adviser (PA). The PA will help, befriend and advise you; keep in touch, check that you are safe and well and help you get what you need.
For care leavers aged 18 to 21, your PA will contact you every eight weeks to make sure you are okay and provide you with support where needed. They will work with you until you turn 21, or up to 25 if you have made a request for additional help.
What is a Pathway Plan?
A pathway plan is a written plan between children services and other relevant people are going to support you to live independently. It's opportunity for you to have your say about the support you need. The plan is written by you and your PA so that your views are clearly known.