We work with young people between 17 and 21 (or up until the age of 24 if they are full-time education) who have been ‘looked after’ through the city council for a period of at least 13 weeks from their 14th birthday and at least one day on or after their 16th birthday and are now ready to move on.
Being ‘looked after’ means that you either live with foster carers or in a children’s home. Before you leave, we start working with you to help you plan for your future.
We normally begin working with you, your carers and social worker, after your 17th birthday. It is around this time that we give you a personal adviser and work with you to update your ‘pathway plan’.
A pathway plan is something we develop together which looks at what you want from accommodation, health, friendships, education, training or employment. As well as your finances we will also look at what support you need and who will give you this support.
We can also help pay your living costs when you leave care. This includes money for rent, furniture, equipment for the home and clothes. We also want to make sure you are healthy and happy. We will help you register for health care and ask if you want to receive any counselling.
We work closely with the housing team to support anybody aged 16 and 17 and who is at risk of becoming homeless.