Moving Towards Independence

Developing independence skills should begin at an early age and progress towards equipping young people with the abilities they need to live independently. Children should be supported to develop independence based on their individual needs, while ensuring their safety. As a foster carer, you will receive training and support to effectively guide them through this process. This chapter discusses the preparations for independence and the support available for young people after they turn 18.

Regardless of their age, young people should be encouraged to develop skills that promote independence. They can gradually assume responsibilities as they become capable.

Incorporate opportunities for practising skills like cooking and cleaning into their routine. Start with simple tasks such as making a cake or preparing food and drinks.

Include young people in supermarket shopping trips, where you can help them understand the cost and health benefits of convenience foods versus fresh ones.

As they grow older, give them responsibility for paying for things with their pocket money or savings, such as magazines, activities, toiletries, or mobile phone credit.

Support all children in opening a bank or building society account in their own name. Some Children's Social Care Services have savings schemes and expectations.

Areas to focus on when preparing  young people for independence include:

• Budgeting, managing money, and savings;
• Selecting and preparing food, as well as food storage;
• Operating a washing machine and ironing;
• Housework and cleaning;
• Basic DIY tasks like assembling furniture, installing plugs, and decorating;
•  Encouraging them to think about their future, including employment, further training, and ways to achieve their goals;
• Encouraging part-time jobs and work experience to foster ambition;
• Assisting them in accessing advice and support from others;
• Encouraging engagement in leisure activities and pursuing personal interests.

It is crucial to support young people in developing self-esteem and resilience to prepare them for independent living. While it may be tempting to do things for them, remember that this won't help them in the  long run.

All  young people who are Eligible, Relevant, or Former Relevant must undergo a multi-agency needs assessment  to identify the advice, assistance, and support they  require when leaving care.

The young person's social worker is responsible for coordinating the Needs Assessment.

This assessment should be completed  within three months after the young person's 16th birthday or after they become Eligible or Relevant if it's later. The Needs Assessment is based on the young person's Care Plan and information from recent assessments.

Foster carers together with the young person and their social worker will agree on the young person's Pathway Plan. Over time, this plan will replace their Care Plan and will set out specific steps and timelines on their path to independence.

The Pathway Plan encompasses educational and employment arrangements, support, accommodation plans, and financial assistance.

The Pathway Plan covers the following key areas:

• Health;
• Education, training, or employment plans;
• Support in developing and maintaining appropriate family, social, and sexual relationships;
• Programs to develop practical skills for independent living;
• Budgeting and money management;
• Addressing any safeguarding concerns, such as sexual exploitation or involvement in criminal activities like county lines;
• Accommodation needs, including any  adaptations for young people with disabilities;
• Support requirements;
• Involvement of Adult Services if the young person has additional needs;
• The Pathway Plan should be reviewed every six months by the Personal Advisor until the young person reaches 21, or longer if they are still in education.

As a foster carer, it's crucial to understand the principles of corporate parenting and your role in supporting and advocating for your foster child or young person. Familiarise yourself with the local  authority's 'Local Offer' for care leavers, which outlines the support available until the age of 25. Keep in mind that the Local Offer may change and  evolve over time.

A Personal Adviser is appointed to support the young person after they turn 18. The personal adviser should be appointed when the young person reaches 16 years old. They play a significant role in assessing, planning, and  reviewing services outlined in the Pathway Plan. They also coordinate with other agencies as needed and provide regular visits and guidance.

The Personal Adviser has a duty to offer advice and support to care leavers up to the age of 25. However, if the young person is over 21 and still requires support, it can be provided based on their individual needs.

Local authorities must provide information about the possibility of extending a young person's living arrangements when they turn 18.

If you, the young person and their social worker agree for the young person to remain living with you beyond their 18^th birthday, then the first Looked After Review after their 16th birthday should consider a Staying Put arrangement. This involves assessing the implications for both the young person and your family.

After the young person's 18th birthday, their legal status in the foster home changes (they become an 'excluded licensee' lodging in the home). However, this change in status does not mean that they will be treated differently than when they were fostered.

Although Fostering Regulations may not apply in these situations, there may still be certain checks carried out over time. The local authority will assess and consider the appropriateness of these checks, especially if the young person is the only one living with you and no further children are planned to be placed. It is important to note that Staying Put arrangements are made between the Foster Carers and the Local Authority. Please refer to BFfC’s IFA’s Staying Put Policy for further information around the support the IFA might offer and your status as you will no longer be a foster carer for the young person.

Some young people need to continue staying in a placement due to additional needs and eligibility for adult services.

In such cases, you may wish to be considered as a Shared Lives Carer and transition to this service to provide ongoing support for the young person after they turn 18.

If this is the plan, it's important to discuss it when the young person turns 16 so that the Child's Social Worker can collaborate with Adult Social Care to complete their assessment, secure funding, and assess your suitability as a Shared Lives Carer.

If the young person or you, as the carer, feel that this arrangement is not appropriate, discussions should take place to find a suitable placement for the young person. Proper planning and preparation will be necessary to support the young person's transition.