The Leaving Care System
Is it failing our
young people
School of Social Sciences
Bangor University
Health and Social Care BA(Hons) SXU-3010
Dissertation
Nikola Thompson
500365785
1
Ethical Approval
This research has been approved by Bangor University School of
Social Sciences Research Ethics Sub-Committee Ref No U1556
2
Acknowledgments
I would firstly like to thank my dissertation supervisor Dr Roger Slack
Without Dr Slack this project would not have been possible His belief
and encouragement throughout the whole project and especially when
seeking ethical approval was unfaltering
I would also like to thank everyone who participated in the research
and were willing to share their stories with me
Last but not least I would like to thank my partner Dave and my son
Harvey for their support for the duration of this project
3
Abstract
There are just under 70000 children living in local authority care of
those approximately 10000 leave care each year This is a significant
number of young people who require substantial support in order to
have improved outcomes
In the past a lax system with little support seems to have operated
However with advances in research and knowledge a more organised
and extensive system has been created Specialist leaving care teams
are now established and policy and legislation in place
Nonetheless there appears to be significant failings and inconsistencies
within this service and outcomes for these young people are not as
universal as they should be With the age of austerity and consistent
cuts to budgets the landscape does not look set to improve
4
Table of Contents Chapter 1 5
Introduction 5
Chapter 2 8
A Review of the Literature 8
Chapter 3 16
Methodology 16
a) Ethical Consideration 17
Chapter 4 18
Findings 18
a) Transition 18
b) Housing and Accommodation 22
c) Pathway Plans Personal Advisors and Social Workers 26
d) Financial aspects 29
e) Evaluation and Reflection 31
Chapter 5 32
Conclusion 32
Appendix 40
5
Chapter 1
Introduction
The purpose of this project is to explore aspects of the leaving care
system how it currently operates and if or how the outcome for these
young people may be improved
This is important as the young people involved are usually incredibly
vulnerable and often stigmatised The question whether the current
system offers them good support and guidance suitable to their needs
will be examined This is especially relevant as the number of care
leavers has steadily risen since 1985 (Hutchinson 2013)
At present Action for Children identifies that young care leavers are
ldquothree times more likely to be cautioned or convicted of an offence
four times more likely to have a mental health disorder
five times less likely to achieve five good GCSEs eight times more
likely to be excluded from school and less likely to go to university
one in five homeless people are care leaversrdquo (2014 DfES 2007)
In 1968 the Seebohm Report the restructuring of the personal social
services including the suggestion of a complete after care service for
young people was considered This would be provided by the new
social service departments rather than the probation service which
supervised the young people at that time This and the knowledge
gained by childcare experts shaped the Children and Young Persons
Act 1969 (House of Commons 1968 para 257 cited in Stein
201215) The implementation of the act influenced by the emergence
of social work as a solid profession was due to the suggestion that
young people would be better served away from the juvenile court
system (Harris 1982)
6
However due to the poverty and identifying several social problems
during this time focus on care-leavers declined Though social services
were reorganised along with the implementation of the Children and
Young Persons Act 1969 in 1971 this did not lead to improve the after
care services ndash rather the opposite Studies such as Godek (1976) and
Mulvey (1977) emphasised the difficulties the young people faced
upon leaving care
There was an end to the probation services involvement a change in
approved school orders to all-purpose care orders and approved school
being replaced by Community Homes with Education all of which
aided the demise of specialist after-care officers Due to the social
climate of the time Stein (2012 16) notes ldquocare leavers became a
forgotten grouprdquo
This is reflected in the lack of literature pre 1970 due to scarce research
taking place at this time Added to which the lack of research was
attributed to favourable economic conditions and full youth
employment during the aftermath of World War II It seems only by
the beginning of the 1970rsquos as social work developed and looked
towards the future did research into young peoplersquos outcomes within
the care system take place (Stein 2012 14)
Nevertheless from 1973 young people came together to talk about their
experiences in care A ldquolack of power over their livesrdquo in relation to
their finances their own reviews and the opportunity to learn
independent skills whilst in care lead to the formation of local groups
such as the lsquoWho Cares Projectrsquo and the lsquoNational Association of
Young People in Carersquo This resulted in giving them a voice (Stein
2012 17) and small scale studies began to take place For example
Godek (1976) Mulvey (1977) and Page and Clark (1977) in the
1970rsquos In the 1980rsquos studies were undertaken by Burgess (1981) Stein
and Ellis (1983) Stein and Meynard (1985) and Stein and Carey
(1986) amongst others These studies found the aforementioned
7
challenges with finance and so on added to which more often than not
young people left care at 16 and were required to live independently
(Stein 2012 17) One reoccurring theme throughout the studies taking
place was the lack of preparation for this vulnerable group for living
independently The latter studies finding high levels of care leavers
becoming homeless
More recently this topic is of particular importance as the data held for
2012 found there were 67050 young people in care [by local
authority] of those 10000 aged 16 or over left care (NCAS 2012)
Stein (2002 32) notes their transition to adulthood is lsquocompressed and
acceleratedrsquo With this in mind Stein (2006 423) states that these
young people are ldquohellipthe most excluded groups of young people in
societyrdquo
Furthermore in light of the refugee crisis emerging from Syria there
is another particularly vulnerable group This group is identified by the
United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) as someone below the age
of 18 (or appearing to be should the proof be lacking) and claiming
asylum in their own right with no significant adult in the UK to provide
care (Wade 2011 2424-2425) Under UK guidelines a young person
may be given support whilst they are under the age of 18 only to be at
risk of deportation upon reaching 18 years old (Family Rights Group
2014) A study conducted by Wade (et al 2005) found younger
unaccompanied refugees received more thorough assessment of needs
as opposed to 16 and 17 year olds of the same status This being
resource driven due to less government funding for this age group
Added to which previous studies (Courtney Terrao and Bost 2004
Stein 2004) have also identified within this group of young people an
inconsistency of preparation for independence
The inconsistency of service delivery appears to apply to citizen young
people along with non-citizen
8
Chapter 2
A Review of the Literature
lsquoIf I had parents to go to I would go to my parents and ask them
for help Or Irsquod be with my parents so the strain wouldnrsquot be so
much But I donrsquot have anybody I donrsquot have anyone to turn torsquo
(Care leaver in Barnardorsquos (1) 2014)
Most parents have positive expectations for their own children and are
there offering full support when their child moves into independence
However children leaving the care system often have to live without
this Lack of parental support clearly contributes to a difficult
transition into independence (Barnardorsquos (1) 2014 1)
As previously noted literature pre 1970 is scarce Here the focus will
be on more recent findings in the consistency of services for care
leavers The service areas are
Housing and accommodation
Finance
Transition
It is noted by Stein (2012) that in the view of young care leavers foster
carers care workers and personal advisors that the young people left
care too young The earlier research notes the same problem Young
care leavers are being moved on from the age of 16 whereas studies
found the median age for leaving home was 22 for men and 20 for
women (Biehal et al 1995 30) In recent times the number of young
people [not in care] still living at home with their parents has risen from
27 million in 1996 to 33 million in 2013 their ages ranging from 20
ndash 34 (ONS 2014) It may be seen therefore how difficult it can be for
9
young people in Local Authority (hereafter LA) care to leave at such a
young age
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE 2013)
supported by the NSPCC state that ldquocare leavers move to independence
at their own pacerdquo recognising how difficult this time may be
Currently a new duty has been placed upon LArsquos in England This
implementation named the lsquoStaying Putrsquo scheme came into force in
May 2014 (part 5 Welfare of Children (98) of the Children and
Families Act 2014) and offers young people the chance to stay on in
their foster home where the LA regards this consistent with the welfare
of the young person although this does not include residential care
Additional funding has been allocated for each individual LArsquos for this
However nationally this service is inconsistent In Scotland a similar
scheme has been introduced in 2015 also including residential care
Wales has placed the same duty on their LArsquos through the lsquoWhen Irsquom
Readyrsquo scheme though no additional funding has been allocated (The
Fostering Network 2014)
Housing is a fundamental area of concern for young care leavers
Literature pre 1980rsquos is scarce for all issues however due to this lack of
information a National Survey of Leaving Care Schemes was
conducted in 1989 During this time housing was the most common
service provided to young care leavers After housing other services
were offered such as counselling advocacy training preparation for
leaving care and advice on leisure facilities food and clothing
However these services were not universal and most did not offer any
preparation for leaving care (Stone 1990 7)
More recently the LA are duty bound to provide such services
universally Current legislation held in the Children (Leaving Care) Act
2000 states ldquoIt is the duty of the local authority looking after a child to
advise assist and befriend him with a view to promoting his welfare
when they have ceased to look after himrdquo More recent legislation held
10
within the Children and Young Persons Act (2008) along with the
Transitions Guidance for LArsquos to assist with strengthening policy and
practice framework to encourage a lsquolevelling uprsquo of services (Stein
2012 24)
Although these measures are currently in place it is suggested by Dixon
and Baker (2012) that service quality and effectiveness is not consistent
and varies from LA to LA This is not surprising as a survey carried out
in 2011 by the National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) reported high
level of funding cuts to leaving care services (varying from 7 to 15)
making implementation of the Transitions Guidance problematic
Additionally it is apparent housing and accommodation are high on
the list of issues facing care leavers The LArsquos are only duty bound to
provide lsquosuitable accommodationrsquo to 16 and 17 year olds Once a care
leaver reaches 18 the LArsquos are only required to assist with
accommodation advice and support as far as their [young personrsquos]
welfare requires it
Dixon and Baker (2012) continue to identify that although legislation
and advances in support services have increased over the last couple of
decades from knowledge gained through research young care leavers
are still over- represented within the homeless and inadequately
housed With this in mind it is not surprising to find that recent figures
suggest 30 of homeless people have been in the care system (The
Who Carersquos Trust 2014)
This is evident in research compiled by Barnardorsquos (2) (2014) were by
even with the advances in policy the case studies show a chaotic
existence for some young people Several moves from one unsuitable
accommodation to another periods of homelessness and being moved
out of familiar areas [geographically] remains a prominent feature
(Appendix 1)
11
Stone (1990) identified this issue twenty years prior to Dixon
indicating the evidence then showed an over-representation of care
leavers experiencing homelessness The same problem occurs in
literature by Stein and Carey (1986) from their study during 1982
It is noted by Morgan and Lindsey (2012) that there is a need for more
support with accommodation however Munro et al (2011) identified
out of the young people offered extra support the take up was only
about 50 This may be due to wanting to get rid of the lsquobeing in carersquo
label or perhaps a lack of understanding of the extra support offered
There is evidence within the literature that finances present a
significant issue to care leavers (Broad 2005 Munro et al 2011
Stein 2012 54)
Regional differences in the levels of financial support in the form of
leaving care grants is significant ranging from pound400 to pound2000 with the
average payment being pound1000 (Broad 200547) Stein (2012) notes
more recently the leaving care grant still lack in consistency ranging
from zero to pound2000 A survey carried out by the Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation (2009) calculated the young people needed at least pound2500
in order to set up the most basic essentials to live independently [of 150
LArsquos surveyed only one provided this amount]
These financial inconsistencies clearly present challenges not only with
basic needs such as food and housing but also the ability to participate
in leisure activities and higher education This exclusion has a
potentially damaging impact on the health and well-being for young
people who are already vulnerable (Jackson and Cameron 2012)
Furthermore a lack of understanding of financial matters can lead to
long term debt and financial difficulties
ldquoIrsquom still paying off debts now [nine years after living in her first
independent placement] if somebody had have gone through
these bills bills I didnrsquot even know existed Irsquove had to figure
everything out myself Irsquove had to learn the hard way If I had
12
have had support with that it would have changed thingsrdquo (Care
leaver in Barnardorsquos (2) 2014 13)
There is evidence the young peoplersquos voices may not be listened to
The meetings and reviews appear stressful for the young people (Daly
2012) A large proportion felt ignored during meetings (Munro et al
2011 28) and approximately a third felt their lsquoPathway Planrsquo [the LA
is duty bound to have a Pathway Plan to assist in the transition to
independent living] was not adhered to at all It is noted young people
wish to have more control of when they leave care and for the
transition to be more gradual and less rushed (Morgan and Lindsey
2012 Morgan and Lindsey 2006)
Mendes and Moselhuddin (2006 113) note lsquoGraduation from care
needs to become a far more gradual and flexible process based on levels
of maturity and skill development rather than simply agersquo
Furthermore this view is held by the young people involved
ldquoI didnrsquot want to go I still had to go anyway I didnrsquot have a
choiceI was moving out at eighteen end of discussion and the
bit that really pissed me [off] is [that] they chucked me out on
my eighteenth birthdayrdquo (Care leaver in Munro et al 2011 21)
Although the age has been extended to 18 before a young person has to
leave care [unless they are in full time education] an Independent
Reviewing Officer (IRO) in Munro et al (2011 23) states
ldquoWe identified fairly quickly that all it has done is just knock it
back two years erm you know what used to be 16hellipused to have
all these arguments Wersquove shunted it back to 18 but you know
our 18 year olds are just as vulnerable as those 16 year olds
wererdquo
It is clear within the literature the young people fundamentally require
consistency and support from leaving care workers and services to aid
their transition from care to independence (Munro et al 2011 21)
Pride and an inability to ask for help to access services is apparent It
is recognised that many care leavers where reluctant to allow
13
themselves to be cared for The young people were more comfortable
with caring for others This is a result of often having to adopt the role
of carer within their birth family (Samuels and Pryce 2008 1203-
1205) However the literature does not identify other underlying
reasons for the young people having difficulty in accepting help
themselves Reasons such as lack of self- esteem and self- worth due to
the trauma they may have suffered
The transition to independence brings with it feelings of isolation and
loneliness which were connected to losing their carers
ldquoItrsquos hard to think that people you lived with for nine years are
not in your life anymorerdquo
(Care leaver in Morgan 2012 22)
There is evidence these feelings may also be connected to moving away
from friends and professionals changes in social workers and a
transition to adult services
One author notes the young people are living life lsquoin limborsquo (Hiles et
al 2014 6) It is suggested as the young people approach their
eighteenth birthday they are in a state of limbo knowing they may not
be lsquoin carersquo not knowing if they can lsquostay putrsquo with foster carers or
lsquomoving onrsquo to independent accommodation Leaving care workers
involved in Hilesrsquo et al (2014) study describe having ldquoinsufficient time
to prepare some young people for this transitionrdquo especially the young
people who had experienced problems in maintaining stable
placements prior to leaving care
Moreover the system is described as ldquochaotic and complexrdquo forced to
react rather than respond to crisis The cause of this is identified
through poor staff retention and therefore the use of temporary staff
leaving a lack of continuity and consistency (Hiles et al 2014 7)
This research examines policies potentially promoting negative
consequences For example a disengagement of adult mental health
services leading to re-engagement of childrenrsquos services those young
14
people most able being offered more support through education
leaving some young people of low risk but still vulnerable in an isolated
position Also it was noted the young people leaving care to return
home to their birth families for longer than six months lose access to
services when they may actually still be in a vulnerable position (Hiles
et al2014 7)
However Stein (2012 81) suggests there is evidence that most young
people experience good outcomes after leaving care Positive outcomes
are underpinned by the relationship between the young person and the
leaving care teams In addition the evidence points to a positive sense
of well-being when settled and happy even if past or leaving care
experiences have been negative (Wade and Dixon 2006)
In conclusion the literature identifies the inconsistency within leaving
care systems These inconsistencies span throughout the services
available to care leavers from financial to pathway planning and
implementation There is evidence of a somewhat uneven service
delivery despite policy stipulations
There has been an encouraging influx of research in the last fifteen
years or so which should promote a continued improvement in policy
and outcome for this fundamentally vulnerable group in society
There is evident progress within the leaving care system which has
been noted by Stein Wade and Dixon However despite progress
within the system [the introduction of personal advisors Pathway
Plans and specific leaving care teams] and extensive research
informing policy makers the uneven delivery still exists Additionally
care leavers are still disadvantaged compared to their peers even with
the progress that has been made
There is an emphasis on a proactive and preventative approach and a
significant need for placement stability underpinned by systematic and
consistent services As it stands young people are currently being
15
ldquopushed into fighting against a systemrdquo rather than a system that works
together for a positive outcome (Hiles et al 2014 11)
Contingency plans are an important recommendation outlined in recent
research as a necessity to prevent care leavers falling into crisis These
plans need to be in place regardless of assessed lsquoneedrsquo Moreover
access to an independent visitor enabling another supportive
relationship to be formed along with personal advisors would offer
greater assistance when decisions are being made for the young
personrsquos future (Barnardorsquos 2014 23)
Now the research is taking place identifying young peoplersquos
experiences of leaving care it is necessary to listen in order to make
effective changes in policy and practice to achieve better outcomes for
this vulnerable group
16
Chapter 3
Methodology
This research is of a qualitative nature The methodology included an
online questionnaire (n=50) to identify common themes followed up
by face- to-face interviews (n=10) for more detailed data However
the response rate for the online questionnaire was poor with only ten
returned The interviews adopted a semi-structured approach to allow
for participants to talk freely about their experiences The author used
an interview guide to achieve this containing the areas of interest
rather than a structured set of interview questions (Appendix i)
Support for this project was received from a local fostering group and
that provided some resources for sourcing the sample
Initially the author had positive support from social workers and
professionals within the leaving care sector Although actual response
from local authority was limited only one out of four who received
the research pack responded Participation by third sector
organisations was similarly positive however commitment to be
interviewed could not be obtained
The sample consisted of four young people aged 16 plus involved in
the leaving care process and four professionals working within the
leaving care system Geographically broken down to Gwynedd
Conwy Telford and Wrekin and Caerphilly
The interviews took place either in their own home place of work or
a mutually comfortable setting agreed by the participants The
researcher offered anonymity to the participants and the interviews
were handled sensitively keeping the vulnerability of some of the
sample in mind
The interviews were concerned with
17
Whether the young person feels supported
Whether the resources are accessible and the young person is made
aware of everything available
Whether the duties of the LA are being met from both points of view
(professional and young person)
The view of the use of BampB accommodation
Whether the leaving care process helps or hinders their future
How universal are the services provided
Is there enough financial assistance available resources and financial
advice
Are the young peoplersquos voices heard
Has policy and practice improved over the last couple of decades
The interviews were voice recorded with consent and a diary was kept
for all fieldwork undertaken The study adopted a grounded
theoretical approach and the data subjected to content analysis
a) Ethical Consideration
The sample where given thorough information regarding the study in
order for them to make an informed choice whether to participate or
not Confidentiality was adhered to and any disclosures were handled
appropriately and with ethical consideration in mind The researcher
was aware of the vulnerability of the young people and the sensitive
nature of the study
Due to the sensitivity of the research the data gathered was securely
kept in a locked filing cabinet (paper) and secure password protected
file (electronic) and destroyed on completion of the study
Permission to undertake this study was granted after a thorough and
detailed ethics application
18
Chapter 4
Findings
a) Transition
ldquoYou wouldnrsquot dream of kicking your own kids out so young
They give these kids to much artificial support to encourage
them to leaverdquo (Foster carer)
This is clearly reverberated in the literature particularly in the
Barnardorsquos report Someone to Care Experiences of leaving care
(2014) which highlights the plight of young care leavers and the lack
of parental support contributing to difficult transitions In addition it
has already been identified in the literature review that for children not
in care the leaving home age ranges from 20- 34 (ONS 2014)
Communication for this specific young person appeared to be lacking
ldquoWell my social worker didnrsquot really talk about what
would happenhelliphellipthey were like lsquooh yeah you will get
your own placersquo hellipbut not what will happen afterhellipso I
rushed into it thinking it was a good idea I think they
said it too soon to me if they wouldnrsquot have said it I
would still be here (foster care) for a while So I rushed
into it I had just left school maybe it would be
better at 17 or 18rdquo (Care leaver A currently aged 18 LA
Gwynedd)
This statement by a young care leaver is echoed by a set of foster carers
It was found that by giving the young person an offer of their own flat
complete with some furnishings of their choice seemed to sway their
decision whether or not to leave This was especially the case for 16
year olds
These foster carers stated that their young person had indicated they
wanted to stay in care at least until 18 years old however with a change
of social worker came a change of heart
19
ldquoYou see we had talked about when he would leave but he said
lsquono I wouldnrsquot like to be in a house on my ownrsquo He wanted to
stay when he first came to us he was having nightmares hellip he is
still having problems now He wonrsquot sleep in his bedroom now
he sleeps in the living room with the TV on They (Social
Services team) didnrsquot take any of this into account When his
social worker changed to the 16+ one he was like lsquooh well I
might move outrsquordquo
This particular interview found the process of leaving care very hasty
with very little preparation The young person in question was
identified by the LA as vulnerable however according to the foster
carers the process continued regardless
ldquoHe suddenly was kicking against us The social worker said he
was a troubled child he just said he had issues We know about
confidentiality but we were part of the care package but they (16
+ team) would not involve us There was no communication
between the 16+ team and us It was like he is an adult and thatrsquos
thatrdquo
The foster carers suggested the young person was being coached to
leave There was a sudden decision made and the young person went
lsquooff the railsrsquo It seemed a place was offered to enable them to move
out and that was when reality hit
ldquohelliphe drank a bottle of vodka and was talking about suicide He
suffers from low self- esteem There was no help for that I think
this was brought on by them (16+ team) telling him there was a
space somewhere He kept saying lsquoIrsquom so sorryrsquo It was reality
he had been going through the motions before thisrdquo
This illustrates a terrible indictment of a rushed transition Added to
the trauma which led the young person to being in care this does not
present a positive outcome
The findings for this report support the previous literature Steinrsquos
(2012) extensive research in this area continually reveals hasty
transitions from care to independence
Legislation relating to young people leaving care states
20
lsquoIt is the duty of the local authority looking after a child to advise assist
and befriend him with a view to promoting his welfare when they have
ceased to look after himrsquo (19A Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000)
Indicating a rushed transition should not be promoted rather that it
should be a much slower process with time being given to prepare fully
for independence
In contrast one participant going through the leaving care system in
2004 and within a different LA (Telford and Wrekin) had a much more
positive experience
ldquoI left care at 18 I was in a childrenrsquos homehellipfoster care didnrsquot
suit me I was always running away I had brilliant support all
the way until I was 25 I went to supported living and I had help
to learn to cook and manage money and bills Then I had help to
find a flat and become independent I even still see some of the
people who supported me when I go back to Telfordrdquo (Care
leaver B aged 30)
This indicates a far more gradual transition to independence
Unfortunately the majority of the data within this study points more
often to the former rushed transition
ldquoI turned 18 and it was like hellipyoursquore an adult now I was in a
hostel then a homeless place that was scary there were all sorts
there I liked the place in Bala it was good there But when I
turned 18 I couldnrsquot stay It was like one minute I had everything
done for me then nothingrdquo (Care leaver C currently aged 19
LA Conwy)
This young person moved into private care and currently resides in a
mixed home for people with mental health problems He has Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (Appendix 2)
The research suggests past history is not always taken into account
when assessing the suitability of independent living for these young
people
ldquoHis issues should have been recognised then he would not have
been offered to leave at 16 The social worker had not made the
effort to look at his historyrdquo (Foster carer)
21
Taking the young peoplersquos history and circumstances into account
could offer a more positive outcome than simply their age
ldquoThey had eight files on me from when I was little My foster
carer nagged them until she was able to have them to read
Then she knew what had happenedrdquo (Care leaver D currently
aged 19 LA Caerphilly)
It is recognised in policy that the system still does not seem to perform
as it should The Care Leaversrsquo Strategy (2013) identifies the abrupt
transition experienced by these young people in its opening paragraphs
However the report fails to include lsquotransitionrsquo as a fundamental area
of concern Instead usual sections such as education employment
housing and so on are highlighted as lsquobroad areas of concernrsquo It would
seem the young peoplersquos emotional well- being which is clearly
affected by the hasty exit from care does not hold the same
governmental importance
Additionally it may be prudent to add at this point that Edward
Timpson Minister of State for Children and Families was contacted
for the purpose of this research Mr Timpson was involved in the
development of the Care Leaversrsquo Strategy and in addition to this grew
up with looked after children as his parents were foster carers There
was no response to the research (Appendix 3)
A fundamental issue surrounding rushed transitions is the view these
young people are now adults although they are still virtually as
vulnerable as children The serious case review into the murder of
Jayden Parkinson highlights this Jayden was 17 and considered an
adult by services and practitioners The review stated
lsquoToo often [Parkinson] was viewed as a difficult young person and not
recognised as a child in need of safeguarding Professionals and
agencies did not always fully understand the serious nature of the risks
to [her] or were too quick to be reassured that she would be able to
protect herself from those risksrsquo (Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children
Board 2016 62)
22
It would seem important for policy to start considering the young
personrsquos position in life rather than their age as an indicator of their
readiness for independence
b) Housing and Accommodation
The participants were asked about their experiences with housing when
leaving care Questions about choice suitability and geographic area
where considered Consistent with past research and previous literature
(Barnardorsquos [2] 2014) issues where found in all these areas
Once again the Care Leaversrsquo Strategy recognises these issues found
in research past and present surrounding housing
lsquoCare leavers are a vulnerable group of young adults who have
particular needs in relation to housing and homelessness Around a
quarter of those living on the streets have a background in care The
majority of care leavers leave care by the age of 18 and rising demands
on social housing and other accommodation is making it increasingly
difficult for young people to find suitable accommodation as they enter
adulthoodrsquo (2013 14)
These findings suggest a significant risk of homelessness for these
participants In actual fact without the charity Gisda (Appendix 4) the
options for young people in Gwynedd would be seriously limited
It has already been noted that nationally care leavers are overly
represented within the homeless and inadequately housed with 30 of
homeless people formerly being in care (Who Cares Trust 2014)
When considering choice Bed and Breakfast (BampB) accommodation
was not always used but choice did appear limited Geographical
consideration and suitable match for the young person does not always
seem possible
23
ldquoWell there was a bit of choice but it was mainly Caernarfon I
had shared housing with Gisda not BampB and then I got my flat
with Gisdardquo (Care leaver A)
Once again this is echoed by foster carers
ldquoHe moved into shared housing for two weekshelliphe was
terrified he slit his mattress to hide his laptop in it There wasnrsquot
much choice had he had the choice to stay in Penygroes he
would have He has been trying to get back here ever since He
is afraid in Caernarfon He has two brothers living there which
he has had problems with and his brotherrsquos friend He is quite a
fearful child and finds living in Caernarfon stressful When he
gets home to his flat from here he doesnrsquot go outrdquo
This does not seem to be reserved to just this LA either
ldquoI was in a hostel but I kicked off so was in a BampB for a couple
of days They said I was smoking in the room so I got kicked out
of therehellipdidnrsquot even get all my stuff Then my social worker
said I could stay with my mum for the weekend cause my sister
wasnrsquot there But then she came backhellipshe winds me uphellipI
kicked off but hit the window hellipI wanted to hit her So my mum
called the police helliprdquo (Care leaver D)
There appears to be insecurity surrounding housing Care leaver D
went on to lsquosofa surfrsquo and then went back to his motherrsquos even though
that episode left him with a criminal damage conviction [brought on by
his mother] His support seemed to end there
Care leaver A was asked if the flat with Gisda was permanent
ldquoNo itrsquos two years temporary I have three months leftrdquo
When asked what happens then
ldquoI think Irsquom on the top the list with housing so Irsquove gotta hope
something comes up or I will probably end up in BampB The thing
is once you have had the flat and you get to 18 you sort of go in
circles so you can be put in BampB Itrsquos a worry being three months
awayhelliphellipI keep phoning themrdquo
This was reiterated by the foster carers
ldquoI canrsquot see Gisda putting him out on the street but they have to
give him notice of eviction in order for the council to do
something about it Sometimes he stays with his cousin or his
24
dad if there is any room But he will probably have to lsquosofa
surfrsquohellip thatrsquos what his brother had to do That will put him on
the list he has to be homeless to get helprdquo
The question of supported living was raised for this particular
participant the foster carer replied
ldquoThere doesnrsquot seem to be any here But for him it wouldnrsquot
work he would worry about the other people there He is afraid
of people that do drugs there is a family history with drugsrdquo
However a neighbouring LA had positive experiences with supported
living Their providers of supported living and BampB accommodation
had been the same for over ten years which would indicate some
consistency The manager for the leaving care team for this LA
commented that the staff at the BampBrsquos offered a sympathetic approach
with more of a lsquofamily feelrsquo to the service Furthermore this LA had
long term relationships with landlords who specifically offered
tenancies to care leavers This demonstrates the importance of
consistency Although BampB may not seem ideal if there are good long
term relationships with service providers this can offer a positive short
term solution
Likewise care leaver B had the right experience with their
accommodation
ldquoI went from the childrenrsquos home to supported lodgings and after
that had my own flat The supported lodgings really helped me
learn how to look after myself I did go off the rails a bit when I
was about 23 but because of my support I sorted myself outrdquo
Though care leaver C will be moving once again in the near future It
seems his ADHD leaves the LA at a loss as to where this young person
should live The condition necessitates extra support to enable him to
manage independence
ldquoI like where I am But the funding for here runs out soon They
(social services) have said there is a new place in Abergele I
think itrsquos a shared house If I turn that down though I will make
myself intentionally homeless so there is no choicerdquo
25
This young personrsquos worries where resonated by his mother too He
entered care under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989 (Appendix 5)
as his mother was unable to manage his behaviour Her understanding
was that he would be care for until he reached 21 It may be argued he
is being cared for and is continuing to be Yet as stated earlier a mental
health facility may not be seen as ideal equally shared housing may
not offer the level of support required for an eventual and positive
departure from care
Regrettably national statistics have shown a rise of 108 per cent in the
number of young people in unsuitable accommodation from 1660 in
2014 to 1840 in 2015 This is reiterated by Carrie Wilson young
peoplersquos project co-ordinator at The Care Leaversrsquo Association
ldquoOn a basic level [BampBs] are seen as a ldquosaferdquo place but those young
people do not feel safe regardless of the interventions put into place to
support a young person if they do not feel like they have personal
safety at the end of the day their coping mechanisms start to break
downrdquo (Puffett and Orfford 2016)
The experiences of these participants suggests a chaotic existence in
line with the research undertaken by Barnardorsquos (2) (2014)
This does not present an improvement of services Government
statistics from 2011 suggested only 17 local authorities were housing
100 per cent of care leavers in suitable accommodation (Higgs 2011)
These are dismal statistics as research conducted by Stein (201280)
found from 2004 to 2009 the numbers of care leavers in suitable
accommodation had risen from 77 to 90 The statistics from 2011
could correlate with the age of austerity and social service budget cuts
(Stein 2012 24)
In Gwynedd since 2013 there has been the lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
available and similar to Englandrsquos lsquoStaying Putrsquo scheme (Appendix 6
amp 7) These schemes are now available throughout Wales and offer the
26
young person an opportunity to stay within their foster care placement
until the age of 21 or beyond if they are engaged in education or
training which started before their twenty first birthday This extended
stay may last until completion of the education or training on the
condition it is set out in the young personrsquos pathway plan The
opportunity offers a more gradual transition similar to young people in
the general population (Gwynedd Council 2014)
However there was no evidence of this scheme to have been offered to
care leaver A Care leavers C and D appear to have merely been
managed until the LA no longer had the duty of care
c) Pathway Plans Personal Advisors and Social
Workers
ldquoI donrsquot remember how many social workers I had hellipmaybe 14
or 15 by the time I left care They kept changingrdquo (Care leaver
D)
The participants were asked about their experiences with personal
advisors social workers the creation and implementation of their
pathway plans (Appendix 8) and whether they felt they were listened
to
It would seem having several social workers is commonplace
ldquoThe 16+ team didnrsquot seem to support him They changed social
worker but he didnrsquot seem to know what was going on Then they
changed again to one from the 16+ team Thatrsquos when his
behaviour changed One of his previous social workers was
fantastic and he worshipped herhellip If only they had kept that
social worker it would have made such a differencerdquo (Foster
carer)
For care leaver A this seems to have happened with the personal
advisor too When asked about their personal advisor
27
ldquoThere was a foster meeting the lady what was her namehellip Jan
she was really good She was with social services and Gisda
But then when they thought I was ok they transferred me to
someone elserdquo
Though for some there was more consistency Care leaver C suggested
a good relationship with their personal advisor They indicated regular
visits phone calls and planning meetings In turn this young person felt
they were being listened to when the pathway plan was produced
The manager for this LAs leaving care team confirms his perspective
on personal advisors
ldquoWe have a team of four personal advisors They have about 40
cases each but they do a great job All of their cases have a
mobile phone number for them and they are all very dedicated
and approachable [from the young personrsquos point of view] They
offer a vital link from care to independencerdquo
However once again this service appears inconsistent depending on
the LA
Added to this frequent changes of case worker suggest a difficulty in
completion and implementation of pathway plans and causes the
young person to feel they are not being listened to
ldquoI was kind of listened to but then my social worker changed so
I had to start againhellipthere was no relationship there cause they
kept changing We would do one pathway plan then the social
worker changed and we would have to do another onerdquo (Care
leaver A)
When the foster carers were asked about the pathway plan and whether
they thought their young person was listened to
ldquoHe didnrsquot have a proper pathway plan for leaving it was rushed
There was no proper structure He was listened to but without
question or consideration of the consequences They ticked their
boxes and he was off their handsrdquo
These experiences were evident in the earlier research by Munro et al
(2011) whereby young people felt their voices were not heard and the
meetings surrounding their exit from care caused anxiety and stress
28
The foster carers then suggested their current placement who had just
turned 16 may suffer the same
ldquoShe is just about to change to the 16+ team they canrsquot wait to
get her on thathellipit will be her third social worker in two years
She is adamant she doesnrsquot want to leave at 16 but if they dangle
the carrot of her own flat in front of her it might be differentrdquo
Furthermore for the foster carers support appears to be inconsistent
One set had just been assigned a new social worker the third in two
years
ldquoWe have a new social worker and she just ticks the boxes She
seems terrified to use her initiative One social worker I was
dealing with said there were five people who were either off or
had left and not been replaced in his office alonerdquo
It is well documented that retention of staff within social work is
increasingly difficult Added to which there a national shortage of
approximately 3500 social workers both hindering continuity for the
people they provide services to (Community Care 2014) This and
aforementioned cuts to funding within leaving care services may
explain how the inconsistency and a lack of relationship with social
workers described within this data can infringe on the process of
leaving care
With this in mind it is imperative to consider the legal implications at
this point It would appear within the legal framework there are lsquogrey
areasrsquo which can allow the experiences of care leaverrsquos A C and D to
occur The Children (Leaving Care) Act (2000) states that an
assessment of needs must be carried out by the LA for the said child
(a)while they are still looking after him and
(b)after they cease to look after him (19B 4)
The proviso for this is the child has been looked after for a period of
time and that they are aged 16 or 17 (19B 2 a amp b)
However the Care Act (2014) has a section dedicated to the needs of a
child in the transition to adulthood including the requirement for a
29
needs assessment but in relation to the childrsquos needs after the age of
18 Furthermore section 58 (4) insists the assessment should be carried
out whether the child consents or not if there is a risk of or experiencing
abuse or neglect Bearing in mind the vulnerability of these young
people the causes for them to have been placed in care in the first place
it would be fair to consider this group eligible for this assessment and
extended care Added to which one would expect a more thorough and
consistent assessment to be carried out Clearly with several changes to
case workers [as experienced by care leavers A and D] this legal
standard is not being met
Perhaps government and policy makers should consider case worker
retention and better working environments as fundamental aspects of
policy in turn offering better outcomes for the young people
(Appendix 9)
d) Financial aspects
ldquoThey told him to choose what he needed for the flat but only
some of it turned up There is something I heard of might be
from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation where some money is put
into an ISA which can be accessed once they are 18 This is
because they have been in care But I feel the danger of that is it
could all be blown on something else or used as a carrot to
encourage leaving care As far as I have seen they just go and
spend it all then itrsquos gone ndash they would be better giving them a
furnished flatrdquo (Foster carer)
The Care Leavers Strategy states it encourages LArsquos to offer at least
pound2000 as a lsquoSetting Up Home Allowancersquo (leaving care grant)
although as this is not a legal requirement the amount varies from LA
to LA Care leaver A received in the region of pound400 (Gwynedd LA)
However the manager for Conwy laving care team indicated the
amount their care leavers receive is dependent on what they need This
is also stated on the LArsquos web site (Appendix 8) It may be suggested
that young people within less affluent LArsquos will fare worse financially
30
The Strategy maintains care leavers are entitled to a pound1200 bursary if
they are attending further education and a pound2000 bursary for higher
education This is financed by the Department for Education (2013
10) Extra funding of this kind would appear significant for these young
people however if the earlier literature is considered the statistics for
this grouprsquos educational achievements did not present well (See
chapter one) As this funding is reliant on the young person being in
education there will be a significant proportion unable to access this
extra help
Conwy LA did suggest promising outcomes for employment for their
care leavers with many undertaking apprenticeships within the
councilrsquos departments
ldquoWe have a number of our young people working and training in
the council (Conwy) with a selection of apprenticeships
specifically for them Some do go on to stay with us being
offered permanent contractsrdquo (Leaving care team manager)
Unfortunately a comparison cannot be made with other LArsquos or
voluntary organisations in this area as there was no response to the
research
Care leaver A did have temporary employment with a local leisure
centre although when a permanent contract was offered it was of a zero
hourrsquos nature
ldquoI wasnrsquot worth me taking ithellipI would lose my benefit and have
no guarantee of workrdquo
Care leaver C started a college course and managed a couple of shifts
in a restaurant kitchen however his chaotic accommodation provision
and a lack of support for his ADHD hampered his continuation
Care leaver D is NEET (Appendix 11) and has been since his exit from
care It would seem this has not been assisted by his family [to which
he returned] who have also never been in employment and his
reluctance to receive any more services It may be suggested his high
31
level of case worker turnover contributed to his reluctance Equally his
chaotic existence before entering care disrupted his education added
the rushed transition from care has not facilitated good employment
prospects
e) Evaluation and Reflection
When evaluating this research one must acknowledge the limitations
when assessing the size of the sample
Despite persistence there was a reluctance by professionals particularly
to participate Out of four LAs contacted only one responded and
agreed to be interviewed One LA received the research pack three
times follow up calls were made several times to no avail The same
may be said for the voluntary sector in spite of positive telephone
conversations and receipt of the research pack Barnardorsquos and Gisda
did not consent to be interviewed Therefore the findings were
somewhat one sided and the professional perspective limited
However even with the limited sample the original hypothesis of the
leaving care system failing the young people has a degree of truth
Equally the findings are reflective of earlier research identified in
chapter 2
There is certainly scope for further and more considerable research
within this field Although for future studies it may be beneficial to use
focus group methodology to encourage professional participation This
would possibly generate an improved response rate in comparison to
the online questionnaire used for the initial stages of this project The
face to face follow up interviews proved difficult to organise although
it was difficult to decipher whether this was due to a reluctance to
engage in the research or a lack of available time
32
Chapter 5
Conclusion
In conclusion the data collected for this study shows a system that sadly
does fail its young people Certainly in Gwynedd the leaving care
process is seemingly rushed and centred around a personrsquos age rather
than their readiness for independence Of course it may be argued there
has to be a lsquocut off pointrsquo and young people have to become
independent at some time for legal purposes that lsquopointrsquo is dictated by
their age It would seem this is the case regardless of the harm it may
cause Furthermore it could be argued this hasty process is a breach of
the young personrsquos human rights however despite searching no cases
were found
In 2006 research conducted by Mendes and Moselhuddin concluded
the leaving care process should be a gradual process based on levels of
maturity and ability to manage independence rather than simply age
The same recommendation is echoed in the majority of research both
past and present It would seem that ten years on we are no closer to an
ideal solution
For care leaver A C and D the outcome was poor Certainly they did
not feel supported through the transition although care leaver C had
significantly better support from their personal advisor post 18
However despite this support care leaver C was still living in less than
ideal circumstances and about to be moved once again
In line with the literature this study although with the limited sample
found immense inconsistencies within the system and in every area
from support to financial assistance
Evidently for some the system works against an already disadvantaged
group abandoning when needed the most so to speak
33
It would seem the introduction of legislation and the Transitions
Guidance to strengthen practice and policy has failed to make a
significant improvement especially surrounding the lsquolevelling uprsquo of
services Attributed by the cost cutting imposed on LArsquos by central
government this is hardly surprising
There are some encouraging outcomes such as care leaver B receiving
immense support from their LA beyond policy and legal requirement
This is in line with some of Steinrsquos (2012 81) research and positive
outcomes are underpinned by the level of good consistent and accurate
support received by the individual Yet as this study has found this is
not consistent or universal
It is clear inconsistencies lack of support young and rushed transitions
all contribute to poorer outcomes for this group of young people A
group which are already disadvantaged and at a much higher risk of
social exclusion
As a society we should consider these young people as just that ndash young
people Often with the same dreams and aspirations as any other young
person On the contrary perhaps we should consider these young
people further as many will have already been let down by society
Either way they are entitled to as much support guidance and
opportunity as any other Regrettably this does not seem to be the case
as despite advances in research policy and legislation the same
inconsistencies and failures appear to occur time and time again
The study has shown the importance of understanding the young
peoplersquos history Of understanding former problems or areas of
concern This aids the transition to independence as it identifies where
the support is needed and individualizes the young person There
cannot be a lsquoone size fits allrsquo approach to the leaving care system as
one can see these young people are individual It has identified how
fundamental it is to include a young personrsquos foster carers when
considering independence to recognise the relationship they may have
34
with the young person and the key role they play after leaving care (as
with care lever A)
With this in mind one must acknowledge the leaving care system has
indeed improved over the last 30 years however it needs to continue to
progress if there is any hope of achieving a consistent service with more
even and positive outcomes for these young people
35
Bibliography
Action for Children (2014) [Online]
Available at httpwwwactionforchildrenorgukour-
servicesadoption-fostering-and-children-in-carechildren-in-
careleaving-care
Barnardorsquos (2014)[1] [Online] Someone to Care Experiences of
leaving care Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorguksomeone_to_care_final_feb2014pdf
(Accessed 07 October 2015)
Barnardorsquos (2014)[2] [Online] The costs of not caring supporting
English care leavers into independence Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf (Accessed 07
October 2015)
Biehal N Clayden J Stein M and Wade J (1995) Moving On
Young people and leaving care schemes London HMSO
Broad B (2005) Improving the Health and Well-Being of Young
People Leaving Care Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing
Burgess C (1981) In Care and Into Work London Tavistock
Care Leaverrsquos Foundation (with Children and Young People Now)
(2009) [Online] Setting Up A place to call home Bala Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation Available at
httpwwwthecareleaversfoundationorgsitedatafilesSetting_Up_A
_Place_to_Callpdf (Accessed 06 April 2015)
Care Leavers Strategy (2013) [Online] Available at
httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachment_
datafile266484Care_Leaver_Strategypdf (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Care Act (2014) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga201423part1crossheadingtra
nsition-for-children-to-adult-care-and-support-etcenacted (Accessed
01 March 2016)
Children and Families Act 2014 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga20146section98enacted
(Accessed 02 October 2015)
36
Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200035pdfsukpga_20000035_
enpdf (Accessed 19 March 2015)
Children and Young Persons Act (2008) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200823contents (Accessed 02
October 2015)
Community Care (2014) [Online] Councils struggling to retain social
workers in face of high caseloads and competition over pay
Available at httpwwwcommunitycarecouk20140130councils-
struggling-retain-social-workers-face-high-caseloads-competition-
pay (Accessed 22 February 2016)
Courtney M Terrao S and Bost N (2004) Midwest evaluation of
the adult functioning of former foster youth Conditions of youth
preparing to leave state care Outcomes at age 19 Chicago Chapin
Hall Centre for Children at University of Chicago
Daly F (2012) lsquoMy voice has to be heardrsquo Research on outcomes
for young people leaving care in North Dublin Dublin EPIC
Dixon J and Baker C (2012) lsquoThe Housing Experience of Young
People Leaving Care in England What helpsrsquo Developing Practice
The Child Youth and Family Work Journal Issue 32 National Care
Advisory Service (NCAS)
wwweducationgovuk [Online]
Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20130123124929httpw
wweducationgovukresearchandstatisticsstatisticsa00195573
Family Rights Group (2014) [Online] Support for Young People
Leaving the Care System Available at
httpwwwfrgorgukimagesAdvice_Sheets16-support-for-young-
people-leaving-carepdf (Accessed 29 September 2015)
The Fostering Network (2014) [Online] Staying Put Available at
httpswwwfosteringnetall-about-fosteringprovidersstaying-put-
updateVg5D-PRdX1Y (Accessed 02 October 2015)
Godek S (1976) Leaving Care Barkingside Barnardorsquos
Gwynedd Council (2014) [Online] lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
Available at
httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrutin
y20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20When
37
20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf (Accessed
22 February 2016)
Harris R J (1982) Institutionalized Ambivalence Social Work and
the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 British Journal of Social
Work Vol12 pp 247-263
Higgs L (2011) [Online] Housing crisis around the corner for care
leavers experts warn Children and Young People Now Available
at httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1050066housing-crisis-
corner-care-leavers-experts-warn (Accessed 17 February 2016)
Hiles D Moss D Thorne L Wright J and Dallos R (2014) ldquoSo
what am Irdquo ndash Multiple perspectives on young peoplersquos experience of
leaving care Children and Youth Services Review Vol 41 pp 1-15
House of Commons (1968) Report of the Committee on Local
Authority and Allied Personal Social Services London HMSO
Hutchinson D (2013) [Online] Catch 22 National Care Advisory
Service (NCAS) Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads9b7793d8be6ffc05a501df3df
4a1ef5fpdf
Jackson S and Cameron C (2012) lsquoLeaving Care Looking ahead
and aiming higherrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 34 (6)
pp 1107-1114
Mendes P and Moslehuddin B (2006) lsquoFrom Dependence to
Interdependence Towards Better Outcomes for Young People
Leaving State Carersquo Child Abuse Review Vol15 pp 110-166
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2006) Young peoplersquos views on leaving
care Newcastle Commission for Social Care Inspection
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2012) Young peoplersquos views on care
and aftercare Office of the Childrenrsquos Rights Director London
Ofsted
Mulvey T (1977) lsquoAfter-care ndash who caresrsquo Concern No 26
London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Munro E Lushey C and Ward H (2011) Evaluation of the
Right2BCared4 Pilots Final report (NCAS) London Department
for Education
38
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2011) Making the Cut
Planning Transitions for Care Levers in an Age of Austerity London
NCAS
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2012) [Online] Statistical
Briefing Looked after children and care leavers 2012 Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads0e9a6e4f266b8e96ad7c8e25
7bd53982pdf (Accessed 30 March 2015)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2013)
[Online] The NICE quality standard on the health and wellbeing of
looked after children and young people Available at
httpwwwniceorgukguidanceQS31chapterQuality-statement-8-
Support-to-move-to-independence (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Office for National Statistics (2014) [Online] Large increase in 20 to
34-year-olds living with parents since 1996 Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20160105160709httpw
wwonsgovukonsrelfamily-demographyyoung-adults-living-with-
parents2013sty-young-adultshtml (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board (2016) [Online] Child J ndash
Domestic Homicide Review and Serious Case Review (combined)
Available at httpwwwoscborgukwp-contentuploadsChild-J-
OSCB-Overview-Reportpdf (Accessed 25 February 2016)
Page R and Clark G (eds) (1977) Who Cares Young People in
Care Speak Out London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Puffett N and Orfford A (2016) [Online] Increasing numbers of
care leavers in unsuitable accommodation Children and Young
People Now Available at
httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1155917increasing-numbers-of-
care-leavers-in-unsuitable-accommodation (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Samuels G M and Pryce J M (2008) ldquoWhat doesnrsquot kill you
makes you strongerrdquo Survivalist self-reliance as resilience and risk
among young adults aging out of foster care Children and Youth
Services Review Vol 30 (10) pp 1198-1210
Stein M (2002) Young People Leaving Care A Research
Perspective In A Wheal ed The RHP Companion to Leaving Care
Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing pp 28-33
39
Stein M (2004) What works for young people leaving care
Barkingside Barnardos
Stein M (2006) lsquoYoung people aging out of care The poverty of
theoryrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 28 (4) pp 422-434
Stein M (2012) Young People Leaving Care Supporting Pathways
to Adulthood London Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Stein M and Carey K (1986) Leaving Care Oxford Blackwell
Stein M and Ellis S (1983) Gizza Say Reviews and Young People
in Care London NAYPIC
Stein M and Maynard C (1985) Irsquove Never Been So Lonely
London NAYPIC
Stone M (1990) Young People Leaving Care A study of
management systems service delivery and user evaluation UK The
Royal Philanthropic Society
The Who Carersquos Trust (2014) [Online] Leaving Care Available at
httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpagesleaving-care-what-
happens-post-16html
Wade J (2011) lsquoPreparation and transition planning for
unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee young people A review
of evidence in Englandrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol
33 pp 2424-2430
Wade J and Dixon J (2006) lsquoMaking a home finding a job
investing early housing and employment outcomes for young people
leaving carersquo Child and Family Social Work Vol 11 (3) pp 199-208
Wade J Mitchel F and Baylis G (2005) Unaccompanied asylum
seeking children The response of social services London BAAF
40
Appendix
1) httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf page 25
Karenrsquos story
2) httpwwwnhsukConditionsAttention-deficit-hyperactivity-
disorderPagesIntroductionaspx
3) Email received in response to a request for Mr Timpson (Minister
of State for Children and Families) to answer three questions
regarding care leavers
Dear MsthinspThompsonthinsp
I am writing on behalf of the Minister of State for Children and
Families to thank you for your email of 9 February about your
dissertation
I am sorry but the department receives so many requests like yours
that we are unable to respond to them other than to point you to
sources of information I would therefore suggest that you look at the
departmentrsquos website
at httpswwwgovuksearchq=care+leavers+strategy
I hope you find this link helpful and that you are able to find the
information you need
Your correspondence has been allocated reference number 2016-
0008179 If you need to respond to us please
visit httpswwweducationgovukcontactus and quote your
reference number
As part of our commitment to improving the service we provide to
our customers we are interested in hearing your views and would
welcome your comments via our website
at httpswwweducationgovukpcusurvey
Yours sincerely
Kelly Walkerthinsp
Ministerial and Public Communications Division
Web
[httpswwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovuk]https
wwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovukgt
Twitter httpswwwtwittercomeducationgovuk
Facebook httpswwwfacebookcomeducationgovuk
41
[httpswwweducationgovukimages2irisdfepng]
4) httpwwwgisdaorgengamdanom-nihtml
5) httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga198941section20
6)httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrut
iny20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20Whe
n20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf
7)httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachme
nt_datafile201015Staying_Put_Guidancepdf
8) httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpageswhats-a-pathway-
planhtml
9) httpjobscommunitycarecoukarticlecoventry-tops-london-in-
the-best-place-to-live-league-tablescmpid=EMP|JOBS|SCJOB-
2016-0224-CH|READMORE-COVampcmpid
10) httpwwwconwygovukdocaspcat=4800ampdoc=19742
11)httpresearchbriefingsparliamentukResearchBriefingSummary
SN06705
42
i) Interview Guide
Generic areas of question
Age upon leaving care
Staying put scheme
Financial help
Choice of housing
Suitability of accommodation
Geographical position of accommodation
Further education
Access to support eg Personal Advisor social worker
Input with Pathway plan
Being listened to
Transition
Keeping in touch
Difference with peers
43
1
Ethical Approval
This research has been approved by Bangor University School of
Social Sciences Research Ethics Sub-Committee Ref No U1556
2
Acknowledgments
I would firstly like to thank my dissertation supervisor Dr Roger Slack
Without Dr Slack this project would not have been possible His belief
and encouragement throughout the whole project and especially when
seeking ethical approval was unfaltering
I would also like to thank everyone who participated in the research
and were willing to share their stories with me
Last but not least I would like to thank my partner Dave and my son
Harvey for their support for the duration of this project
3
Abstract
There are just under 70000 children living in local authority care of
those approximately 10000 leave care each year This is a significant
number of young people who require substantial support in order to
have improved outcomes
In the past a lax system with little support seems to have operated
However with advances in research and knowledge a more organised
and extensive system has been created Specialist leaving care teams
are now established and policy and legislation in place
Nonetheless there appears to be significant failings and inconsistencies
within this service and outcomes for these young people are not as
universal as they should be With the age of austerity and consistent
cuts to budgets the landscape does not look set to improve
4
Table of Contents Chapter 1 5
Introduction 5
Chapter 2 8
A Review of the Literature 8
Chapter 3 16
Methodology 16
a) Ethical Consideration 17
Chapter 4 18
Findings 18
a) Transition 18
b) Housing and Accommodation 22
c) Pathway Plans Personal Advisors and Social Workers 26
d) Financial aspects 29
e) Evaluation and Reflection 31
Chapter 5 32
Conclusion 32
Appendix 40
5
Chapter 1
Introduction
The purpose of this project is to explore aspects of the leaving care
system how it currently operates and if or how the outcome for these
young people may be improved
This is important as the young people involved are usually incredibly
vulnerable and often stigmatised The question whether the current
system offers them good support and guidance suitable to their needs
will be examined This is especially relevant as the number of care
leavers has steadily risen since 1985 (Hutchinson 2013)
At present Action for Children identifies that young care leavers are
ldquothree times more likely to be cautioned or convicted of an offence
four times more likely to have a mental health disorder
five times less likely to achieve five good GCSEs eight times more
likely to be excluded from school and less likely to go to university
one in five homeless people are care leaversrdquo (2014 DfES 2007)
In 1968 the Seebohm Report the restructuring of the personal social
services including the suggestion of a complete after care service for
young people was considered This would be provided by the new
social service departments rather than the probation service which
supervised the young people at that time This and the knowledge
gained by childcare experts shaped the Children and Young Persons
Act 1969 (House of Commons 1968 para 257 cited in Stein
201215) The implementation of the act influenced by the emergence
of social work as a solid profession was due to the suggestion that
young people would be better served away from the juvenile court
system (Harris 1982)
6
However due to the poverty and identifying several social problems
during this time focus on care-leavers declined Though social services
were reorganised along with the implementation of the Children and
Young Persons Act 1969 in 1971 this did not lead to improve the after
care services ndash rather the opposite Studies such as Godek (1976) and
Mulvey (1977) emphasised the difficulties the young people faced
upon leaving care
There was an end to the probation services involvement a change in
approved school orders to all-purpose care orders and approved school
being replaced by Community Homes with Education all of which
aided the demise of specialist after-care officers Due to the social
climate of the time Stein (2012 16) notes ldquocare leavers became a
forgotten grouprdquo
This is reflected in the lack of literature pre 1970 due to scarce research
taking place at this time Added to which the lack of research was
attributed to favourable economic conditions and full youth
employment during the aftermath of World War II It seems only by
the beginning of the 1970rsquos as social work developed and looked
towards the future did research into young peoplersquos outcomes within
the care system take place (Stein 2012 14)
Nevertheless from 1973 young people came together to talk about their
experiences in care A ldquolack of power over their livesrdquo in relation to
their finances their own reviews and the opportunity to learn
independent skills whilst in care lead to the formation of local groups
such as the lsquoWho Cares Projectrsquo and the lsquoNational Association of
Young People in Carersquo This resulted in giving them a voice (Stein
2012 17) and small scale studies began to take place For example
Godek (1976) Mulvey (1977) and Page and Clark (1977) in the
1970rsquos In the 1980rsquos studies were undertaken by Burgess (1981) Stein
and Ellis (1983) Stein and Meynard (1985) and Stein and Carey
(1986) amongst others These studies found the aforementioned
7
challenges with finance and so on added to which more often than not
young people left care at 16 and were required to live independently
(Stein 2012 17) One reoccurring theme throughout the studies taking
place was the lack of preparation for this vulnerable group for living
independently The latter studies finding high levels of care leavers
becoming homeless
More recently this topic is of particular importance as the data held for
2012 found there were 67050 young people in care [by local
authority] of those 10000 aged 16 or over left care (NCAS 2012)
Stein (2002 32) notes their transition to adulthood is lsquocompressed and
acceleratedrsquo With this in mind Stein (2006 423) states that these
young people are ldquohellipthe most excluded groups of young people in
societyrdquo
Furthermore in light of the refugee crisis emerging from Syria there
is another particularly vulnerable group This group is identified by the
United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) as someone below the age
of 18 (or appearing to be should the proof be lacking) and claiming
asylum in their own right with no significant adult in the UK to provide
care (Wade 2011 2424-2425) Under UK guidelines a young person
may be given support whilst they are under the age of 18 only to be at
risk of deportation upon reaching 18 years old (Family Rights Group
2014) A study conducted by Wade (et al 2005) found younger
unaccompanied refugees received more thorough assessment of needs
as opposed to 16 and 17 year olds of the same status This being
resource driven due to less government funding for this age group
Added to which previous studies (Courtney Terrao and Bost 2004
Stein 2004) have also identified within this group of young people an
inconsistency of preparation for independence
The inconsistency of service delivery appears to apply to citizen young
people along with non-citizen
8
Chapter 2
A Review of the Literature
lsquoIf I had parents to go to I would go to my parents and ask them
for help Or Irsquod be with my parents so the strain wouldnrsquot be so
much But I donrsquot have anybody I donrsquot have anyone to turn torsquo
(Care leaver in Barnardorsquos (1) 2014)
Most parents have positive expectations for their own children and are
there offering full support when their child moves into independence
However children leaving the care system often have to live without
this Lack of parental support clearly contributes to a difficult
transition into independence (Barnardorsquos (1) 2014 1)
As previously noted literature pre 1970 is scarce Here the focus will
be on more recent findings in the consistency of services for care
leavers The service areas are
Housing and accommodation
Finance
Transition
It is noted by Stein (2012) that in the view of young care leavers foster
carers care workers and personal advisors that the young people left
care too young The earlier research notes the same problem Young
care leavers are being moved on from the age of 16 whereas studies
found the median age for leaving home was 22 for men and 20 for
women (Biehal et al 1995 30) In recent times the number of young
people [not in care] still living at home with their parents has risen from
27 million in 1996 to 33 million in 2013 their ages ranging from 20
ndash 34 (ONS 2014) It may be seen therefore how difficult it can be for
9
young people in Local Authority (hereafter LA) care to leave at such a
young age
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE 2013)
supported by the NSPCC state that ldquocare leavers move to independence
at their own pacerdquo recognising how difficult this time may be
Currently a new duty has been placed upon LArsquos in England This
implementation named the lsquoStaying Putrsquo scheme came into force in
May 2014 (part 5 Welfare of Children (98) of the Children and
Families Act 2014) and offers young people the chance to stay on in
their foster home where the LA regards this consistent with the welfare
of the young person although this does not include residential care
Additional funding has been allocated for each individual LArsquos for this
However nationally this service is inconsistent In Scotland a similar
scheme has been introduced in 2015 also including residential care
Wales has placed the same duty on their LArsquos through the lsquoWhen Irsquom
Readyrsquo scheme though no additional funding has been allocated (The
Fostering Network 2014)
Housing is a fundamental area of concern for young care leavers
Literature pre 1980rsquos is scarce for all issues however due to this lack of
information a National Survey of Leaving Care Schemes was
conducted in 1989 During this time housing was the most common
service provided to young care leavers After housing other services
were offered such as counselling advocacy training preparation for
leaving care and advice on leisure facilities food and clothing
However these services were not universal and most did not offer any
preparation for leaving care (Stone 1990 7)
More recently the LA are duty bound to provide such services
universally Current legislation held in the Children (Leaving Care) Act
2000 states ldquoIt is the duty of the local authority looking after a child to
advise assist and befriend him with a view to promoting his welfare
when they have ceased to look after himrdquo More recent legislation held
10
within the Children and Young Persons Act (2008) along with the
Transitions Guidance for LArsquos to assist with strengthening policy and
practice framework to encourage a lsquolevelling uprsquo of services (Stein
2012 24)
Although these measures are currently in place it is suggested by Dixon
and Baker (2012) that service quality and effectiveness is not consistent
and varies from LA to LA This is not surprising as a survey carried out
in 2011 by the National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) reported high
level of funding cuts to leaving care services (varying from 7 to 15)
making implementation of the Transitions Guidance problematic
Additionally it is apparent housing and accommodation are high on
the list of issues facing care leavers The LArsquos are only duty bound to
provide lsquosuitable accommodationrsquo to 16 and 17 year olds Once a care
leaver reaches 18 the LArsquos are only required to assist with
accommodation advice and support as far as their [young personrsquos]
welfare requires it
Dixon and Baker (2012) continue to identify that although legislation
and advances in support services have increased over the last couple of
decades from knowledge gained through research young care leavers
are still over- represented within the homeless and inadequately
housed With this in mind it is not surprising to find that recent figures
suggest 30 of homeless people have been in the care system (The
Who Carersquos Trust 2014)
This is evident in research compiled by Barnardorsquos (2) (2014) were by
even with the advances in policy the case studies show a chaotic
existence for some young people Several moves from one unsuitable
accommodation to another periods of homelessness and being moved
out of familiar areas [geographically] remains a prominent feature
(Appendix 1)
11
Stone (1990) identified this issue twenty years prior to Dixon
indicating the evidence then showed an over-representation of care
leavers experiencing homelessness The same problem occurs in
literature by Stein and Carey (1986) from their study during 1982
It is noted by Morgan and Lindsey (2012) that there is a need for more
support with accommodation however Munro et al (2011) identified
out of the young people offered extra support the take up was only
about 50 This may be due to wanting to get rid of the lsquobeing in carersquo
label or perhaps a lack of understanding of the extra support offered
There is evidence within the literature that finances present a
significant issue to care leavers (Broad 2005 Munro et al 2011
Stein 2012 54)
Regional differences in the levels of financial support in the form of
leaving care grants is significant ranging from pound400 to pound2000 with the
average payment being pound1000 (Broad 200547) Stein (2012) notes
more recently the leaving care grant still lack in consistency ranging
from zero to pound2000 A survey carried out by the Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation (2009) calculated the young people needed at least pound2500
in order to set up the most basic essentials to live independently [of 150
LArsquos surveyed only one provided this amount]
These financial inconsistencies clearly present challenges not only with
basic needs such as food and housing but also the ability to participate
in leisure activities and higher education This exclusion has a
potentially damaging impact on the health and well-being for young
people who are already vulnerable (Jackson and Cameron 2012)
Furthermore a lack of understanding of financial matters can lead to
long term debt and financial difficulties
ldquoIrsquom still paying off debts now [nine years after living in her first
independent placement] if somebody had have gone through
these bills bills I didnrsquot even know existed Irsquove had to figure
everything out myself Irsquove had to learn the hard way If I had
12
have had support with that it would have changed thingsrdquo (Care
leaver in Barnardorsquos (2) 2014 13)
There is evidence the young peoplersquos voices may not be listened to
The meetings and reviews appear stressful for the young people (Daly
2012) A large proportion felt ignored during meetings (Munro et al
2011 28) and approximately a third felt their lsquoPathway Planrsquo [the LA
is duty bound to have a Pathway Plan to assist in the transition to
independent living] was not adhered to at all It is noted young people
wish to have more control of when they leave care and for the
transition to be more gradual and less rushed (Morgan and Lindsey
2012 Morgan and Lindsey 2006)
Mendes and Moselhuddin (2006 113) note lsquoGraduation from care
needs to become a far more gradual and flexible process based on levels
of maturity and skill development rather than simply agersquo
Furthermore this view is held by the young people involved
ldquoI didnrsquot want to go I still had to go anyway I didnrsquot have a
choiceI was moving out at eighteen end of discussion and the
bit that really pissed me [off] is [that] they chucked me out on
my eighteenth birthdayrdquo (Care leaver in Munro et al 2011 21)
Although the age has been extended to 18 before a young person has to
leave care [unless they are in full time education] an Independent
Reviewing Officer (IRO) in Munro et al (2011 23) states
ldquoWe identified fairly quickly that all it has done is just knock it
back two years erm you know what used to be 16hellipused to have
all these arguments Wersquove shunted it back to 18 but you know
our 18 year olds are just as vulnerable as those 16 year olds
wererdquo
It is clear within the literature the young people fundamentally require
consistency and support from leaving care workers and services to aid
their transition from care to independence (Munro et al 2011 21)
Pride and an inability to ask for help to access services is apparent It
is recognised that many care leavers where reluctant to allow
13
themselves to be cared for The young people were more comfortable
with caring for others This is a result of often having to adopt the role
of carer within their birth family (Samuels and Pryce 2008 1203-
1205) However the literature does not identify other underlying
reasons for the young people having difficulty in accepting help
themselves Reasons such as lack of self- esteem and self- worth due to
the trauma they may have suffered
The transition to independence brings with it feelings of isolation and
loneliness which were connected to losing their carers
ldquoItrsquos hard to think that people you lived with for nine years are
not in your life anymorerdquo
(Care leaver in Morgan 2012 22)
There is evidence these feelings may also be connected to moving away
from friends and professionals changes in social workers and a
transition to adult services
One author notes the young people are living life lsquoin limborsquo (Hiles et
al 2014 6) It is suggested as the young people approach their
eighteenth birthday they are in a state of limbo knowing they may not
be lsquoin carersquo not knowing if they can lsquostay putrsquo with foster carers or
lsquomoving onrsquo to independent accommodation Leaving care workers
involved in Hilesrsquo et al (2014) study describe having ldquoinsufficient time
to prepare some young people for this transitionrdquo especially the young
people who had experienced problems in maintaining stable
placements prior to leaving care
Moreover the system is described as ldquochaotic and complexrdquo forced to
react rather than respond to crisis The cause of this is identified
through poor staff retention and therefore the use of temporary staff
leaving a lack of continuity and consistency (Hiles et al 2014 7)
This research examines policies potentially promoting negative
consequences For example a disengagement of adult mental health
services leading to re-engagement of childrenrsquos services those young
14
people most able being offered more support through education
leaving some young people of low risk but still vulnerable in an isolated
position Also it was noted the young people leaving care to return
home to their birth families for longer than six months lose access to
services when they may actually still be in a vulnerable position (Hiles
et al2014 7)
However Stein (2012 81) suggests there is evidence that most young
people experience good outcomes after leaving care Positive outcomes
are underpinned by the relationship between the young person and the
leaving care teams In addition the evidence points to a positive sense
of well-being when settled and happy even if past or leaving care
experiences have been negative (Wade and Dixon 2006)
In conclusion the literature identifies the inconsistency within leaving
care systems These inconsistencies span throughout the services
available to care leavers from financial to pathway planning and
implementation There is evidence of a somewhat uneven service
delivery despite policy stipulations
There has been an encouraging influx of research in the last fifteen
years or so which should promote a continued improvement in policy
and outcome for this fundamentally vulnerable group in society
There is evident progress within the leaving care system which has
been noted by Stein Wade and Dixon However despite progress
within the system [the introduction of personal advisors Pathway
Plans and specific leaving care teams] and extensive research
informing policy makers the uneven delivery still exists Additionally
care leavers are still disadvantaged compared to their peers even with
the progress that has been made
There is an emphasis on a proactive and preventative approach and a
significant need for placement stability underpinned by systematic and
consistent services As it stands young people are currently being
15
ldquopushed into fighting against a systemrdquo rather than a system that works
together for a positive outcome (Hiles et al 2014 11)
Contingency plans are an important recommendation outlined in recent
research as a necessity to prevent care leavers falling into crisis These
plans need to be in place regardless of assessed lsquoneedrsquo Moreover
access to an independent visitor enabling another supportive
relationship to be formed along with personal advisors would offer
greater assistance when decisions are being made for the young
personrsquos future (Barnardorsquos 2014 23)
Now the research is taking place identifying young peoplersquos
experiences of leaving care it is necessary to listen in order to make
effective changes in policy and practice to achieve better outcomes for
this vulnerable group
16
Chapter 3
Methodology
This research is of a qualitative nature The methodology included an
online questionnaire (n=50) to identify common themes followed up
by face- to-face interviews (n=10) for more detailed data However
the response rate for the online questionnaire was poor with only ten
returned The interviews adopted a semi-structured approach to allow
for participants to talk freely about their experiences The author used
an interview guide to achieve this containing the areas of interest
rather than a structured set of interview questions (Appendix i)
Support for this project was received from a local fostering group and
that provided some resources for sourcing the sample
Initially the author had positive support from social workers and
professionals within the leaving care sector Although actual response
from local authority was limited only one out of four who received
the research pack responded Participation by third sector
organisations was similarly positive however commitment to be
interviewed could not be obtained
The sample consisted of four young people aged 16 plus involved in
the leaving care process and four professionals working within the
leaving care system Geographically broken down to Gwynedd
Conwy Telford and Wrekin and Caerphilly
The interviews took place either in their own home place of work or
a mutually comfortable setting agreed by the participants The
researcher offered anonymity to the participants and the interviews
were handled sensitively keeping the vulnerability of some of the
sample in mind
The interviews were concerned with
17
Whether the young person feels supported
Whether the resources are accessible and the young person is made
aware of everything available
Whether the duties of the LA are being met from both points of view
(professional and young person)
The view of the use of BampB accommodation
Whether the leaving care process helps or hinders their future
How universal are the services provided
Is there enough financial assistance available resources and financial
advice
Are the young peoplersquos voices heard
Has policy and practice improved over the last couple of decades
The interviews were voice recorded with consent and a diary was kept
for all fieldwork undertaken The study adopted a grounded
theoretical approach and the data subjected to content analysis
a) Ethical Consideration
The sample where given thorough information regarding the study in
order for them to make an informed choice whether to participate or
not Confidentiality was adhered to and any disclosures were handled
appropriately and with ethical consideration in mind The researcher
was aware of the vulnerability of the young people and the sensitive
nature of the study
Due to the sensitivity of the research the data gathered was securely
kept in a locked filing cabinet (paper) and secure password protected
file (electronic) and destroyed on completion of the study
Permission to undertake this study was granted after a thorough and
detailed ethics application
18
Chapter 4
Findings
a) Transition
ldquoYou wouldnrsquot dream of kicking your own kids out so young
They give these kids to much artificial support to encourage
them to leaverdquo (Foster carer)
This is clearly reverberated in the literature particularly in the
Barnardorsquos report Someone to Care Experiences of leaving care
(2014) which highlights the plight of young care leavers and the lack
of parental support contributing to difficult transitions In addition it
has already been identified in the literature review that for children not
in care the leaving home age ranges from 20- 34 (ONS 2014)
Communication for this specific young person appeared to be lacking
ldquoWell my social worker didnrsquot really talk about what
would happenhelliphellipthey were like lsquooh yeah you will get
your own placersquo hellipbut not what will happen afterhellipso I
rushed into it thinking it was a good idea I think they
said it too soon to me if they wouldnrsquot have said it I
would still be here (foster care) for a while So I rushed
into it I had just left school maybe it would be
better at 17 or 18rdquo (Care leaver A currently aged 18 LA
Gwynedd)
This statement by a young care leaver is echoed by a set of foster carers
It was found that by giving the young person an offer of their own flat
complete with some furnishings of their choice seemed to sway their
decision whether or not to leave This was especially the case for 16
year olds
These foster carers stated that their young person had indicated they
wanted to stay in care at least until 18 years old however with a change
of social worker came a change of heart
19
ldquoYou see we had talked about when he would leave but he said
lsquono I wouldnrsquot like to be in a house on my ownrsquo He wanted to
stay when he first came to us he was having nightmares hellip he is
still having problems now He wonrsquot sleep in his bedroom now
he sleeps in the living room with the TV on They (Social
Services team) didnrsquot take any of this into account When his
social worker changed to the 16+ one he was like lsquooh well I
might move outrsquordquo
This particular interview found the process of leaving care very hasty
with very little preparation The young person in question was
identified by the LA as vulnerable however according to the foster
carers the process continued regardless
ldquoHe suddenly was kicking against us The social worker said he
was a troubled child he just said he had issues We know about
confidentiality but we were part of the care package but they (16
+ team) would not involve us There was no communication
between the 16+ team and us It was like he is an adult and thatrsquos
thatrdquo
The foster carers suggested the young person was being coached to
leave There was a sudden decision made and the young person went
lsquooff the railsrsquo It seemed a place was offered to enable them to move
out and that was when reality hit
ldquohelliphe drank a bottle of vodka and was talking about suicide He
suffers from low self- esteem There was no help for that I think
this was brought on by them (16+ team) telling him there was a
space somewhere He kept saying lsquoIrsquom so sorryrsquo It was reality
he had been going through the motions before thisrdquo
This illustrates a terrible indictment of a rushed transition Added to
the trauma which led the young person to being in care this does not
present a positive outcome
The findings for this report support the previous literature Steinrsquos
(2012) extensive research in this area continually reveals hasty
transitions from care to independence
Legislation relating to young people leaving care states
20
lsquoIt is the duty of the local authority looking after a child to advise assist
and befriend him with a view to promoting his welfare when they have
ceased to look after himrsquo (19A Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000)
Indicating a rushed transition should not be promoted rather that it
should be a much slower process with time being given to prepare fully
for independence
In contrast one participant going through the leaving care system in
2004 and within a different LA (Telford and Wrekin) had a much more
positive experience
ldquoI left care at 18 I was in a childrenrsquos homehellipfoster care didnrsquot
suit me I was always running away I had brilliant support all
the way until I was 25 I went to supported living and I had help
to learn to cook and manage money and bills Then I had help to
find a flat and become independent I even still see some of the
people who supported me when I go back to Telfordrdquo (Care
leaver B aged 30)
This indicates a far more gradual transition to independence
Unfortunately the majority of the data within this study points more
often to the former rushed transition
ldquoI turned 18 and it was like hellipyoursquore an adult now I was in a
hostel then a homeless place that was scary there were all sorts
there I liked the place in Bala it was good there But when I
turned 18 I couldnrsquot stay It was like one minute I had everything
done for me then nothingrdquo (Care leaver C currently aged 19
LA Conwy)
This young person moved into private care and currently resides in a
mixed home for people with mental health problems He has Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (Appendix 2)
The research suggests past history is not always taken into account
when assessing the suitability of independent living for these young
people
ldquoHis issues should have been recognised then he would not have
been offered to leave at 16 The social worker had not made the
effort to look at his historyrdquo (Foster carer)
21
Taking the young peoplersquos history and circumstances into account
could offer a more positive outcome than simply their age
ldquoThey had eight files on me from when I was little My foster
carer nagged them until she was able to have them to read
Then she knew what had happenedrdquo (Care leaver D currently
aged 19 LA Caerphilly)
It is recognised in policy that the system still does not seem to perform
as it should The Care Leaversrsquo Strategy (2013) identifies the abrupt
transition experienced by these young people in its opening paragraphs
However the report fails to include lsquotransitionrsquo as a fundamental area
of concern Instead usual sections such as education employment
housing and so on are highlighted as lsquobroad areas of concernrsquo It would
seem the young peoplersquos emotional well- being which is clearly
affected by the hasty exit from care does not hold the same
governmental importance
Additionally it may be prudent to add at this point that Edward
Timpson Minister of State for Children and Families was contacted
for the purpose of this research Mr Timpson was involved in the
development of the Care Leaversrsquo Strategy and in addition to this grew
up with looked after children as his parents were foster carers There
was no response to the research (Appendix 3)
A fundamental issue surrounding rushed transitions is the view these
young people are now adults although they are still virtually as
vulnerable as children The serious case review into the murder of
Jayden Parkinson highlights this Jayden was 17 and considered an
adult by services and practitioners The review stated
lsquoToo often [Parkinson] was viewed as a difficult young person and not
recognised as a child in need of safeguarding Professionals and
agencies did not always fully understand the serious nature of the risks
to [her] or were too quick to be reassured that she would be able to
protect herself from those risksrsquo (Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children
Board 2016 62)
22
It would seem important for policy to start considering the young
personrsquos position in life rather than their age as an indicator of their
readiness for independence
b) Housing and Accommodation
The participants were asked about their experiences with housing when
leaving care Questions about choice suitability and geographic area
where considered Consistent with past research and previous literature
(Barnardorsquos [2] 2014) issues where found in all these areas
Once again the Care Leaversrsquo Strategy recognises these issues found
in research past and present surrounding housing
lsquoCare leavers are a vulnerable group of young adults who have
particular needs in relation to housing and homelessness Around a
quarter of those living on the streets have a background in care The
majority of care leavers leave care by the age of 18 and rising demands
on social housing and other accommodation is making it increasingly
difficult for young people to find suitable accommodation as they enter
adulthoodrsquo (2013 14)
These findings suggest a significant risk of homelessness for these
participants In actual fact without the charity Gisda (Appendix 4) the
options for young people in Gwynedd would be seriously limited
It has already been noted that nationally care leavers are overly
represented within the homeless and inadequately housed with 30 of
homeless people formerly being in care (Who Cares Trust 2014)
When considering choice Bed and Breakfast (BampB) accommodation
was not always used but choice did appear limited Geographical
consideration and suitable match for the young person does not always
seem possible
23
ldquoWell there was a bit of choice but it was mainly Caernarfon I
had shared housing with Gisda not BampB and then I got my flat
with Gisdardquo (Care leaver A)
Once again this is echoed by foster carers
ldquoHe moved into shared housing for two weekshelliphe was
terrified he slit his mattress to hide his laptop in it There wasnrsquot
much choice had he had the choice to stay in Penygroes he
would have He has been trying to get back here ever since He
is afraid in Caernarfon He has two brothers living there which
he has had problems with and his brotherrsquos friend He is quite a
fearful child and finds living in Caernarfon stressful When he
gets home to his flat from here he doesnrsquot go outrdquo
This does not seem to be reserved to just this LA either
ldquoI was in a hostel but I kicked off so was in a BampB for a couple
of days They said I was smoking in the room so I got kicked out
of therehellipdidnrsquot even get all my stuff Then my social worker
said I could stay with my mum for the weekend cause my sister
wasnrsquot there But then she came backhellipshe winds me uphellipI
kicked off but hit the window hellipI wanted to hit her So my mum
called the police helliprdquo (Care leaver D)
There appears to be insecurity surrounding housing Care leaver D
went on to lsquosofa surfrsquo and then went back to his motherrsquos even though
that episode left him with a criminal damage conviction [brought on by
his mother] His support seemed to end there
Care leaver A was asked if the flat with Gisda was permanent
ldquoNo itrsquos two years temporary I have three months leftrdquo
When asked what happens then
ldquoI think Irsquom on the top the list with housing so Irsquove gotta hope
something comes up or I will probably end up in BampB The thing
is once you have had the flat and you get to 18 you sort of go in
circles so you can be put in BampB Itrsquos a worry being three months
awayhelliphellipI keep phoning themrdquo
This was reiterated by the foster carers
ldquoI canrsquot see Gisda putting him out on the street but they have to
give him notice of eviction in order for the council to do
something about it Sometimes he stays with his cousin or his
24
dad if there is any room But he will probably have to lsquosofa
surfrsquohellip thatrsquos what his brother had to do That will put him on
the list he has to be homeless to get helprdquo
The question of supported living was raised for this particular
participant the foster carer replied
ldquoThere doesnrsquot seem to be any here But for him it wouldnrsquot
work he would worry about the other people there He is afraid
of people that do drugs there is a family history with drugsrdquo
However a neighbouring LA had positive experiences with supported
living Their providers of supported living and BampB accommodation
had been the same for over ten years which would indicate some
consistency The manager for the leaving care team for this LA
commented that the staff at the BampBrsquos offered a sympathetic approach
with more of a lsquofamily feelrsquo to the service Furthermore this LA had
long term relationships with landlords who specifically offered
tenancies to care leavers This demonstrates the importance of
consistency Although BampB may not seem ideal if there are good long
term relationships with service providers this can offer a positive short
term solution
Likewise care leaver B had the right experience with their
accommodation
ldquoI went from the childrenrsquos home to supported lodgings and after
that had my own flat The supported lodgings really helped me
learn how to look after myself I did go off the rails a bit when I
was about 23 but because of my support I sorted myself outrdquo
Though care leaver C will be moving once again in the near future It
seems his ADHD leaves the LA at a loss as to where this young person
should live The condition necessitates extra support to enable him to
manage independence
ldquoI like where I am But the funding for here runs out soon They
(social services) have said there is a new place in Abergele I
think itrsquos a shared house If I turn that down though I will make
myself intentionally homeless so there is no choicerdquo
25
This young personrsquos worries where resonated by his mother too He
entered care under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989 (Appendix 5)
as his mother was unable to manage his behaviour Her understanding
was that he would be care for until he reached 21 It may be argued he
is being cared for and is continuing to be Yet as stated earlier a mental
health facility may not be seen as ideal equally shared housing may
not offer the level of support required for an eventual and positive
departure from care
Regrettably national statistics have shown a rise of 108 per cent in the
number of young people in unsuitable accommodation from 1660 in
2014 to 1840 in 2015 This is reiterated by Carrie Wilson young
peoplersquos project co-ordinator at The Care Leaversrsquo Association
ldquoOn a basic level [BampBs] are seen as a ldquosaferdquo place but those young
people do not feel safe regardless of the interventions put into place to
support a young person if they do not feel like they have personal
safety at the end of the day their coping mechanisms start to break
downrdquo (Puffett and Orfford 2016)
The experiences of these participants suggests a chaotic existence in
line with the research undertaken by Barnardorsquos (2) (2014)
This does not present an improvement of services Government
statistics from 2011 suggested only 17 local authorities were housing
100 per cent of care leavers in suitable accommodation (Higgs 2011)
These are dismal statistics as research conducted by Stein (201280)
found from 2004 to 2009 the numbers of care leavers in suitable
accommodation had risen from 77 to 90 The statistics from 2011
could correlate with the age of austerity and social service budget cuts
(Stein 2012 24)
In Gwynedd since 2013 there has been the lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
available and similar to Englandrsquos lsquoStaying Putrsquo scheme (Appendix 6
amp 7) These schemes are now available throughout Wales and offer the
26
young person an opportunity to stay within their foster care placement
until the age of 21 or beyond if they are engaged in education or
training which started before their twenty first birthday This extended
stay may last until completion of the education or training on the
condition it is set out in the young personrsquos pathway plan The
opportunity offers a more gradual transition similar to young people in
the general population (Gwynedd Council 2014)
However there was no evidence of this scheme to have been offered to
care leaver A Care leavers C and D appear to have merely been
managed until the LA no longer had the duty of care
c) Pathway Plans Personal Advisors and Social
Workers
ldquoI donrsquot remember how many social workers I had hellipmaybe 14
or 15 by the time I left care They kept changingrdquo (Care leaver
D)
The participants were asked about their experiences with personal
advisors social workers the creation and implementation of their
pathway plans (Appendix 8) and whether they felt they were listened
to
It would seem having several social workers is commonplace
ldquoThe 16+ team didnrsquot seem to support him They changed social
worker but he didnrsquot seem to know what was going on Then they
changed again to one from the 16+ team Thatrsquos when his
behaviour changed One of his previous social workers was
fantastic and he worshipped herhellip If only they had kept that
social worker it would have made such a differencerdquo (Foster
carer)
For care leaver A this seems to have happened with the personal
advisor too When asked about their personal advisor
27
ldquoThere was a foster meeting the lady what was her namehellip Jan
she was really good She was with social services and Gisda
But then when they thought I was ok they transferred me to
someone elserdquo
Though for some there was more consistency Care leaver C suggested
a good relationship with their personal advisor They indicated regular
visits phone calls and planning meetings In turn this young person felt
they were being listened to when the pathway plan was produced
The manager for this LAs leaving care team confirms his perspective
on personal advisors
ldquoWe have a team of four personal advisors They have about 40
cases each but they do a great job All of their cases have a
mobile phone number for them and they are all very dedicated
and approachable [from the young personrsquos point of view] They
offer a vital link from care to independencerdquo
However once again this service appears inconsistent depending on
the LA
Added to this frequent changes of case worker suggest a difficulty in
completion and implementation of pathway plans and causes the
young person to feel they are not being listened to
ldquoI was kind of listened to but then my social worker changed so
I had to start againhellipthere was no relationship there cause they
kept changing We would do one pathway plan then the social
worker changed and we would have to do another onerdquo (Care
leaver A)
When the foster carers were asked about the pathway plan and whether
they thought their young person was listened to
ldquoHe didnrsquot have a proper pathway plan for leaving it was rushed
There was no proper structure He was listened to but without
question or consideration of the consequences They ticked their
boxes and he was off their handsrdquo
These experiences were evident in the earlier research by Munro et al
(2011) whereby young people felt their voices were not heard and the
meetings surrounding their exit from care caused anxiety and stress
28
The foster carers then suggested their current placement who had just
turned 16 may suffer the same
ldquoShe is just about to change to the 16+ team they canrsquot wait to
get her on thathellipit will be her third social worker in two years
She is adamant she doesnrsquot want to leave at 16 but if they dangle
the carrot of her own flat in front of her it might be differentrdquo
Furthermore for the foster carers support appears to be inconsistent
One set had just been assigned a new social worker the third in two
years
ldquoWe have a new social worker and she just ticks the boxes She
seems terrified to use her initiative One social worker I was
dealing with said there were five people who were either off or
had left and not been replaced in his office alonerdquo
It is well documented that retention of staff within social work is
increasingly difficult Added to which there a national shortage of
approximately 3500 social workers both hindering continuity for the
people they provide services to (Community Care 2014) This and
aforementioned cuts to funding within leaving care services may
explain how the inconsistency and a lack of relationship with social
workers described within this data can infringe on the process of
leaving care
With this in mind it is imperative to consider the legal implications at
this point It would appear within the legal framework there are lsquogrey
areasrsquo which can allow the experiences of care leaverrsquos A C and D to
occur The Children (Leaving Care) Act (2000) states that an
assessment of needs must be carried out by the LA for the said child
(a)while they are still looking after him and
(b)after they cease to look after him (19B 4)
The proviso for this is the child has been looked after for a period of
time and that they are aged 16 or 17 (19B 2 a amp b)
However the Care Act (2014) has a section dedicated to the needs of a
child in the transition to adulthood including the requirement for a
29
needs assessment but in relation to the childrsquos needs after the age of
18 Furthermore section 58 (4) insists the assessment should be carried
out whether the child consents or not if there is a risk of or experiencing
abuse or neglect Bearing in mind the vulnerability of these young
people the causes for them to have been placed in care in the first place
it would be fair to consider this group eligible for this assessment and
extended care Added to which one would expect a more thorough and
consistent assessment to be carried out Clearly with several changes to
case workers [as experienced by care leavers A and D] this legal
standard is not being met
Perhaps government and policy makers should consider case worker
retention and better working environments as fundamental aspects of
policy in turn offering better outcomes for the young people
(Appendix 9)
d) Financial aspects
ldquoThey told him to choose what he needed for the flat but only
some of it turned up There is something I heard of might be
from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation where some money is put
into an ISA which can be accessed once they are 18 This is
because they have been in care But I feel the danger of that is it
could all be blown on something else or used as a carrot to
encourage leaving care As far as I have seen they just go and
spend it all then itrsquos gone ndash they would be better giving them a
furnished flatrdquo (Foster carer)
The Care Leavers Strategy states it encourages LArsquos to offer at least
pound2000 as a lsquoSetting Up Home Allowancersquo (leaving care grant)
although as this is not a legal requirement the amount varies from LA
to LA Care leaver A received in the region of pound400 (Gwynedd LA)
However the manager for Conwy laving care team indicated the
amount their care leavers receive is dependent on what they need This
is also stated on the LArsquos web site (Appendix 8) It may be suggested
that young people within less affluent LArsquos will fare worse financially
30
The Strategy maintains care leavers are entitled to a pound1200 bursary if
they are attending further education and a pound2000 bursary for higher
education This is financed by the Department for Education (2013
10) Extra funding of this kind would appear significant for these young
people however if the earlier literature is considered the statistics for
this grouprsquos educational achievements did not present well (See
chapter one) As this funding is reliant on the young person being in
education there will be a significant proportion unable to access this
extra help
Conwy LA did suggest promising outcomes for employment for their
care leavers with many undertaking apprenticeships within the
councilrsquos departments
ldquoWe have a number of our young people working and training in
the council (Conwy) with a selection of apprenticeships
specifically for them Some do go on to stay with us being
offered permanent contractsrdquo (Leaving care team manager)
Unfortunately a comparison cannot be made with other LArsquos or
voluntary organisations in this area as there was no response to the
research
Care leaver A did have temporary employment with a local leisure
centre although when a permanent contract was offered it was of a zero
hourrsquos nature
ldquoI wasnrsquot worth me taking ithellipI would lose my benefit and have
no guarantee of workrdquo
Care leaver C started a college course and managed a couple of shifts
in a restaurant kitchen however his chaotic accommodation provision
and a lack of support for his ADHD hampered his continuation
Care leaver D is NEET (Appendix 11) and has been since his exit from
care It would seem this has not been assisted by his family [to which
he returned] who have also never been in employment and his
reluctance to receive any more services It may be suggested his high
31
level of case worker turnover contributed to his reluctance Equally his
chaotic existence before entering care disrupted his education added
the rushed transition from care has not facilitated good employment
prospects
e) Evaluation and Reflection
When evaluating this research one must acknowledge the limitations
when assessing the size of the sample
Despite persistence there was a reluctance by professionals particularly
to participate Out of four LAs contacted only one responded and
agreed to be interviewed One LA received the research pack three
times follow up calls were made several times to no avail The same
may be said for the voluntary sector in spite of positive telephone
conversations and receipt of the research pack Barnardorsquos and Gisda
did not consent to be interviewed Therefore the findings were
somewhat one sided and the professional perspective limited
However even with the limited sample the original hypothesis of the
leaving care system failing the young people has a degree of truth
Equally the findings are reflective of earlier research identified in
chapter 2
There is certainly scope for further and more considerable research
within this field Although for future studies it may be beneficial to use
focus group methodology to encourage professional participation This
would possibly generate an improved response rate in comparison to
the online questionnaire used for the initial stages of this project The
face to face follow up interviews proved difficult to organise although
it was difficult to decipher whether this was due to a reluctance to
engage in the research or a lack of available time
32
Chapter 5
Conclusion
In conclusion the data collected for this study shows a system that sadly
does fail its young people Certainly in Gwynedd the leaving care
process is seemingly rushed and centred around a personrsquos age rather
than their readiness for independence Of course it may be argued there
has to be a lsquocut off pointrsquo and young people have to become
independent at some time for legal purposes that lsquopointrsquo is dictated by
their age It would seem this is the case regardless of the harm it may
cause Furthermore it could be argued this hasty process is a breach of
the young personrsquos human rights however despite searching no cases
were found
In 2006 research conducted by Mendes and Moselhuddin concluded
the leaving care process should be a gradual process based on levels of
maturity and ability to manage independence rather than simply age
The same recommendation is echoed in the majority of research both
past and present It would seem that ten years on we are no closer to an
ideal solution
For care leaver A C and D the outcome was poor Certainly they did
not feel supported through the transition although care leaver C had
significantly better support from their personal advisor post 18
However despite this support care leaver C was still living in less than
ideal circumstances and about to be moved once again
In line with the literature this study although with the limited sample
found immense inconsistencies within the system and in every area
from support to financial assistance
Evidently for some the system works against an already disadvantaged
group abandoning when needed the most so to speak
33
It would seem the introduction of legislation and the Transitions
Guidance to strengthen practice and policy has failed to make a
significant improvement especially surrounding the lsquolevelling uprsquo of
services Attributed by the cost cutting imposed on LArsquos by central
government this is hardly surprising
There are some encouraging outcomes such as care leaver B receiving
immense support from their LA beyond policy and legal requirement
This is in line with some of Steinrsquos (2012 81) research and positive
outcomes are underpinned by the level of good consistent and accurate
support received by the individual Yet as this study has found this is
not consistent or universal
It is clear inconsistencies lack of support young and rushed transitions
all contribute to poorer outcomes for this group of young people A
group which are already disadvantaged and at a much higher risk of
social exclusion
As a society we should consider these young people as just that ndash young
people Often with the same dreams and aspirations as any other young
person On the contrary perhaps we should consider these young
people further as many will have already been let down by society
Either way they are entitled to as much support guidance and
opportunity as any other Regrettably this does not seem to be the case
as despite advances in research policy and legislation the same
inconsistencies and failures appear to occur time and time again
The study has shown the importance of understanding the young
peoplersquos history Of understanding former problems or areas of
concern This aids the transition to independence as it identifies where
the support is needed and individualizes the young person There
cannot be a lsquoone size fits allrsquo approach to the leaving care system as
one can see these young people are individual It has identified how
fundamental it is to include a young personrsquos foster carers when
considering independence to recognise the relationship they may have
34
with the young person and the key role they play after leaving care (as
with care lever A)
With this in mind one must acknowledge the leaving care system has
indeed improved over the last 30 years however it needs to continue to
progress if there is any hope of achieving a consistent service with more
even and positive outcomes for these young people
35
Bibliography
Action for Children (2014) [Online]
Available at httpwwwactionforchildrenorgukour-
servicesadoption-fostering-and-children-in-carechildren-in-
careleaving-care
Barnardorsquos (2014)[1] [Online] Someone to Care Experiences of
leaving care Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorguksomeone_to_care_final_feb2014pdf
(Accessed 07 October 2015)
Barnardorsquos (2014)[2] [Online] The costs of not caring supporting
English care leavers into independence Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf (Accessed 07
October 2015)
Biehal N Clayden J Stein M and Wade J (1995) Moving On
Young people and leaving care schemes London HMSO
Broad B (2005) Improving the Health and Well-Being of Young
People Leaving Care Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing
Burgess C (1981) In Care and Into Work London Tavistock
Care Leaverrsquos Foundation (with Children and Young People Now)
(2009) [Online] Setting Up A place to call home Bala Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation Available at
httpwwwthecareleaversfoundationorgsitedatafilesSetting_Up_A
_Place_to_Callpdf (Accessed 06 April 2015)
Care Leavers Strategy (2013) [Online] Available at
httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachment_
datafile266484Care_Leaver_Strategypdf (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Care Act (2014) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga201423part1crossheadingtra
nsition-for-children-to-adult-care-and-support-etcenacted (Accessed
01 March 2016)
Children and Families Act 2014 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga20146section98enacted
(Accessed 02 October 2015)
36
Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200035pdfsukpga_20000035_
enpdf (Accessed 19 March 2015)
Children and Young Persons Act (2008) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200823contents (Accessed 02
October 2015)
Community Care (2014) [Online] Councils struggling to retain social
workers in face of high caseloads and competition over pay
Available at httpwwwcommunitycarecouk20140130councils-
struggling-retain-social-workers-face-high-caseloads-competition-
pay (Accessed 22 February 2016)
Courtney M Terrao S and Bost N (2004) Midwest evaluation of
the adult functioning of former foster youth Conditions of youth
preparing to leave state care Outcomes at age 19 Chicago Chapin
Hall Centre for Children at University of Chicago
Daly F (2012) lsquoMy voice has to be heardrsquo Research on outcomes
for young people leaving care in North Dublin Dublin EPIC
Dixon J and Baker C (2012) lsquoThe Housing Experience of Young
People Leaving Care in England What helpsrsquo Developing Practice
The Child Youth and Family Work Journal Issue 32 National Care
Advisory Service (NCAS)
wwweducationgovuk [Online]
Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20130123124929httpw
wweducationgovukresearchandstatisticsstatisticsa00195573
Family Rights Group (2014) [Online] Support for Young People
Leaving the Care System Available at
httpwwwfrgorgukimagesAdvice_Sheets16-support-for-young-
people-leaving-carepdf (Accessed 29 September 2015)
The Fostering Network (2014) [Online] Staying Put Available at
httpswwwfosteringnetall-about-fosteringprovidersstaying-put-
updateVg5D-PRdX1Y (Accessed 02 October 2015)
Godek S (1976) Leaving Care Barkingside Barnardorsquos
Gwynedd Council (2014) [Online] lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
Available at
httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrutin
y20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20When
37
20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf (Accessed
22 February 2016)
Harris R J (1982) Institutionalized Ambivalence Social Work and
the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 British Journal of Social
Work Vol12 pp 247-263
Higgs L (2011) [Online] Housing crisis around the corner for care
leavers experts warn Children and Young People Now Available
at httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1050066housing-crisis-
corner-care-leavers-experts-warn (Accessed 17 February 2016)
Hiles D Moss D Thorne L Wright J and Dallos R (2014) ldquoSo
what am Irdquo ndash Multiple perspectives on young peoplersquos experience of
leaving care Children and Youth Services Review Vol 41 pp 1-15
House of Commons (1968) Report of the Committee on Local
Authority and Allied Personal Social Services London HMSO
Hutchinson D (2013) [Online] Catch 22 National Care Advisory
Service (NCAS) Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads9b7793d8be6ffc05a501df3df
4a1ef5fpdf
Jackson S and Cameron C (2012) lsquoLeaving Care Looking ahead
and aiming higherrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 34 (6)
pp 1107-1114
Mendes P and Moslehuddin B (2006) lsquoFrom Dependence to
Interdependence Towards Better Outcomes for Young People
Leaving State Carersquo Child Abuse Review Vol15 pp 110-166
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2006) Young peoplersquos views on leaving
care Newcastle Commission for Social Care Inspection
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2012) Young peoplersquos views on care
and aftercare Office of the Childrenrsquos Rights Director London
Ofsted
Mulvey T (1977) lsquoAfter-care ndash who caresrsquo Concern No 26
London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Munro E Lushey C and Ward H (2011) Evaluation of the
Right2BCared4 Pilots Final report (NCAS) London Department
for Education
38
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2011) Making the Cut
Planning Transitions for Care Levers in an Age of Austerity London
NCAS
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2012) [Online] Statistical
Briefing Looked after children and care leavers 2012 Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads0e9a6e4f266b8e96ad7c8e25
7bd53982pdf (Accessed 30 March 2015)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2013)
[Online] The NICE quality standard on the health and wellbeing of
looked after children and young people Available at
httpwwwniceorgukguidanceQS31chapterQuality-statement-8-
Support-to-move-to-independence (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Office for National Statistics (2014) [Online] Large increase in 20 to
34-year-olds living with parents since 1996 Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20160105160709httpw
wwonsgovukonsrelfamily-demographyyoung-adults-living-with-
parents2013sty-young-adultshtml (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board (2016) [Online] Child J ndash
Domestic Homicide Review and Serious Case Review (combined)
Available at httpwwwoscborgukwp-contentuploadsChild-J-
OSCB-Overview-Reportpdf (Accessed 25 February 2016)
Page R and Clark G (eds) (1977) Who Cares Young People in
Care Speak Out London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Puffett N and Orfford A (2016) [Online] Increasing numbers of
care leavers in unsuitable accommodation Children and Young
People Now Available at
httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1155917increasing-numbers-of-
care-leavers-in-unsuitable-accommodation (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Samuels G M and Pryce J M (2008) ldquoWhat doesnrsquot kill you
makes you strongerrdquo Survivalist self-reliance as resilience and risk
among young adults aging out of foster care Children and Youth
Services Review Vol 30 (10) pp 1198-1210
Stein M (2002) Young People Leaving Care A Research
Perspective In A Wheal ed The RHP Companion to Leaving Care
Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing pp 28-33
39
Stein M (2004) What works for young people leaving care
Barkingside Barnardos
Stein M (2006) lsquoYoung people aging out of care The poverty of
theoryrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 28 (4) pp 422-434
Stein M (2012) Young People Leaving Care Supporting Pathways
to Adulthood London Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Stein M and Carey K (1986) Leaving Care Oxford Blackwell
Stein M and Ellis S (1983) Gizza Say Reviews and Young People
in Care London NAYPIC
Stein M and Maynard C (1985) Irsquove Never Been So Lonely
London NAYPIC
Stone M (1990) Young People Leaving Care A study of
management systems service delivery and user evaluation UK The
Royal Philanthropic Society
The Who Carersquos Trust (2014) [Online] Leaving Care Available at
httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpagesleaving-care-what-
happens-post-16html
Wade J (2011) lsquoPreparation and transition planning for
unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee young people A review
of evidence in Englandrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol
33 pp 2424-2430
Wade J and Dixon J (2006) lsquoMaking a home finding a job
investing early housing and employment outcomes for young people
leaving carersquo Child and Family Social Work Vol 11 (3) pp 199-208
Wade J Mitchel F and Baylis G (2005) Unaccompanied asylum
seeking children The response of social services London BAAF
40
Appendix
1) httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf page 25
Karenrsquos story
2) httpwwwnhsukConditionsAttention-deficit-hyperactivity-
disorderPagesIntroductionaspx
3) Email received in response to a request for Mr Timpson (Minister
of State for Children and Families) to answer three questions
regarding care leavers
Dear MsthinspThompsonthinsp
I am writing on behalf of the Minister of State for Children and
Families to thank you for your email of 9 February about your
dissertation
I am sorry but the department receives so many requests like yours
that we are unable to respond to them other than to point you to
sources of information I would therefore suggest that you look at the
departmentrsquos website
at httpswwwgovuksearchq=care+leavers+strategy
I hope you find this link helpful and that you are able to find the
information you need
Your correspondence has been allocated reference number 2016-
0008179 If you need to respond to us please
visit httpswwweducationgovukcontactus and quote your
reference number
As part of our commitment to improving the service we provide to
our customers we are interested in hearing your views and would
welcome your comments via our website
at httpswwweducationgovukpcusurvey
Yours sincerely
Kelly Walkerthinsp
Ministerial and Public Communications Division
Web
[httpswwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovuk]https
wwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovukgt
Twitter httpswwwtwittercomeducationgovuk
Facebook httpswwwfacebookcomeducationgovuk
41
[httpswwweducationgovukimages2irisdfepng]
4) httpwwwgisdaorgengamdanom-nihtml
5) httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga198941section20
6)httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrut
iny20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20Whe
n20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf
7)httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachme
nt_datafile201015Staying_Put_Guidancepdf
8) httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpageswhats-a-pathway-
planhtml
9) httpjobscommunitycarecoukarticlecoventry-tops-london-in-
the-best-place-to-live-league-tablescmpid=EMP|JOBS|SCJOB-
2016-0224-CH|READMORE-COVampcmpid
10) httpwwwconwygovukdocaspcat=4800ampdoc=19742
11)httpresearchbriefingsparliamentukResearchBriefingSummary
SN06705
42
i) Interview Guide
Generic areas of question
Age upon leaving care
Staying put scheme
Financial help
Choice of housing
Suitability of accommodation
Geographical position of accommodation
Further education
Access to support eg Personal Advisor social worker
Input with Pathway plan
Being listened to
Transition
Keeping in touch
Difference with peers
43
2
Acknowledgments
I would firstly like to thank my dissertation supervisor Dr Roger Slack
Without Dr Slack this project would not have been possible His belief
and encouragement throughout the whole project and especially when
seeking ethical approval was unfaltering
I would also like to thank everyone who participated in the research
and were willing to share their stories with me
Last but not least I would like to thank my partner Dave and my son
Harvey for their support for the duration of this project
3
Abstract
There are just under 70000 children living in local authority care of
those approximately 10000 leave care each year This is a significant
number of young people who require substantial support in order to
have improved outcomes
In the past a lax system with little support seems to have operated
However with advances in research and knowledge a more organised
and extensive system has been created Specialist leaving care teams
are now established and policy and legislation in place
Nonetheless there appears to be significant failings and inconsistencies
within this service and outcomes for these young people are not as
universal as they should be With the age of austerity and consistent
cuts to budgets the landscape does not look set to improve
4
Table of Contents Chapter 1 5
Introduction 5
Chapter 2 8
A Review of the Literature 8
Chapter 3 16
Methodology 16
a) Ethical Consideration 17
Chapter 4 18
Findings 18
a) Transition 18
b) Housing and Accommodation 22
c) Pathway Plans Personal Advisors and Social Workers 26
d) Financial aspects 29
e) Evaluation and Reflection 31
Chapter 5 32
Conclusion 32
Appendix 40
5
Chapter 1
Introduction
The purpose of this project is to explore aspects of the leaving care
system how it currently operates and if or how the outcome for these
young people may be improved
This is important as the young people involved are usually incredibly
vulnerable and often stigmatised The question whether the current
system offers them good support and guidance suitable to their needs
will be examined This is especially relevant as the number of care
leavers has steadily risen since 1985 (Hutchinson 2013)
At present Action for Children identifies that young care leavers are
ldquothree times more likely to be cautioned or convicted of an offence
four times more likely to have a mental health disorder
five times less likely to achieve five good GCSEs eight times more
likely to be excluded from school and less likely to go to university
one in five homeless people are care leaversrdquo (2014 DfES 2007)
In 1968 the Seebohm Report the restructuring of the personal social
services including the suggestion of a complete after care service for
young people was considered This would be provided by the new
social service departments rather than the probation service which
supervised the young people at that time This and the knowledge
gained by childcare experts shaped the Children and Young Persons
Act 1969 (House of Commons 1968 para 257 cited in Stein
201215) The implementation of the act influenced by the emergence
of social work as a solid profession was due to the suggestion that
young people would be better served away from the juvenile court
system (Harris 1982)
6
However due to the poverty and identifying several social problems
during this time focus on care-leavers declined Though social services
were reorganised along with the implementation of the Children and
Young Persons Act 1969 in 1971 this did not lead to improve the after
care services ndash rather the opposite Studies such as Godek (1976) and
Mulvey (1977) emphasised the difficulties the young people faced
upon leaving care
There was an end to the probation services involvement a change in
approved school orders to all-purpose care orders and approved school
being replaced by Community Homes with Education all of which
aided the demise of specialist after-care officers Due to the social
climate of the time Stein (2012 16) notes ldquocare leavers became a
forgotten grouprdquo
This is reflected in the lack of literature pre 1970 due to scarce research
taking place at this time Added to which the lack of research was
attributed to favourable economic conditions and full youth
employment during the aftermath of World War II It seems only by
the beginning of the 1970rsquos as social work developed and looked
towards the future did research into young peoplersquos outcomes within
the care system take place (Stein 2012 14)
Nevertheless from 1973 young people came together to talk about their
experiences in care A ldquolack of power over their livesrdquo in relation to
their finances their own reviews and the opportunity to learn
independent skills whilst in care lead to the formation of local groups
such as the lsquoWho Cares Projectrsquo and the lsquoNational Association of
Young People in Carersquo This resulted in giving them a voice (Stein
2012 17) and small scale studies began to take place For example
Godek (1976) Mulvey (1977) and Page and Clark (1977) in the
1970rsquos In the 1980rsquos studies were undertaken by Burgess (1981) Stein
and Ellis (1983) Stein and Meynard (1985) and Stein and Carey
(1986) amongst others These studies found the aforementioned
7
challenges with finance and so on added to which more often than not
young people left care at 16 and were required to live independently
(Stein 2012 17) One reoccurring theme throughout the studies taking
place was the lack of preparation for this vulnerable group for living
independently The latter studies finding high levels of care leavers
becoming homeless
More recently this topic is of particular importance as the data held for
2012 found there were 67050 young people in care [by local
authority] of those 10000 aged 16 or over left care (NCAS 2012)
Stein (2002 32) notes their transition to adulthood is lsquocompressed and
acceleratedrsquo With this in mind Stein (2006 423) states that these
young people are ldquohellipthe most excluded groups of young people in
societyrdquo
Furthermore in light of the refugee crisis emerging from Syria there
is another particularly vulnerable group This group is identified by the
United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) as someone below the age
of 18 (or appearing to be should the proof be lacking) and claiming
asylum in their own right with no significant adult in the UK to provide
care (Wade 2011 2424-2425) Under UK guidelines a young person
may be given support whilst they are under the age of 18 only to be at
risk of deportation upon reaching 18 years old (Family Rights Group
2014) A study conducted by Wade (et al 2005) found younger
unaccompanied refugees received more thorough assessment of needs
as opposed to 16 and 17 year olds of the same status This being
resource driven due to less government funding for this age group
Added to which previous studies (Courtney Terrao and Bost 2004
Stein 2004) have also identified within this group of young people an
inconsistency of preparation for independence
The inconsistency of service delivery appears to apply to citizen young
people along with non-citizen
8
Chapter 2
A Review of the Literature
lsquoIf I had parents to go to I would go to my parents and ask them
for help Or Irsquod be with my parents so the strain wouldnrsquot be so
much But I donrsquot have anybody I donrsquot have anyone to turn torsquo
(Care leaver in Barnardorsquos (1) 2014)
Most parents have positive expectations for their own children and are
there offering full support when their child moves into independence
However children leaving the care system often have to live without
this Lack of parental support clearly contributes to a difficult
transition into independence (Barnardorsquos (1) 2014 1)
As previously noted literature pre 1970 is scarce Here the focus will
be on more recent findings in the consistency of services for care
leavers The service areas are
Housing and accommodation
Finance
Transition
It is noted by Stein (2012) that in the view of young care leavers foster
carers care workers and personal advisors that the young people left
care too young The earlier research notes the same problem Young
care leavers are being moved on from the age of 16 whereas studies
found the median age for leaving home was 22 for men and 20 for
women (Biehal et al 1995 30) In recent times the number of young
people [not in care] still living at home with their parents has risen from
27 million in 1996 to 33 million in 2013 their ages ranging from 20
ndash 34 (ONS 2014) It may be seen therefore how difficult it can be for
9
young people in Local Authority (hereafter LA) care to leave at such a
young age
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE 2013)
supported by the NSPCC state that ldquocare leavers move to independence
at their own pacerdquo recognising how difficult this time may be
Currently a new duty has been placed upon LArsquos in England This
implementation named the lsquoStaying Putrsquo scheme came into force in
May 2014 (part 5 Welfare of Children (98) of the Children and
Families Act 2014) and offers young people the chance to stay on in
their foster home where the LA regards this consistent with the welfare
of the young person although this does not include residential care
Additional funding has been allocated for each individual LArsquos for this
However nationally this service is inconsistent In Scotland a similar
scheme has been introduced in 2015 also including residential care
Wales has placed the same duty on their LArsquos through the lsquoWhen Irsquom
Readyrsquo scheme though no additional funding has been allocated (The
Fostering Network 2014)
Housing is a fundamental area of concern for young care leavers
Literature pre 1980rsquos is scarce for all issues however due to this lack of
information a National Survey of Leaving Care Schemes was
conducted in 1989 During this time housing was the most common
service provided to young care leavers After housing other services
were offered such as counselling advocacy training preparation for
leaving care and advice on leisure facilities food and clothing
However these services were not universal and most did not offer any
preparation for leaving care (Stone 1990 7)
More recently the LA are duty bound to provide such services
universally Current legislation held in the Children (Leaving Care) Act
2000 states ldquoIt is the duty of the local authority looking after a child to
advise assist and befriend him with a view to promoting his welfare
when they have ceased to look after himrdquo More recent legislation held
10
within the Children and Young Persons Act (2008) along with the
Transitions Guidance for LArsquos to assist with strengthening policy and
practice framework to encourage a lsquolevelling uprsquo of services (Stein
2012 24)
Although these measures are currently in place it is suggested by Dixon
and Baker (2012) that service quality and effectiveness is not consistent
and varies from LA to LA This is not surprising as a survey carried out
in 2011 by the National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) reported high
level of funding cuts to leaving care services (varying from 7 to 15)
making implementation of the Transitions Guidance problematic
Additionally it is apparent housing and accommodation are high on
the list of issues facing care leavers The LArsquos are only duty bound to
provide lsquosuitable accommodationrsquo to 16 and 17 year olds Once a care
leaver reaches 18 the LArsquos are only required to assist with
accommodation advice and support as far as their [young personrsquos]
welfare requires it
Dixon and Baker (2012) continue to identify that although legislation
and advances in support services have increased over the last couple of
decades from knowledge gained through research young care leavers
are still over- represented within the homeless and inadequately
housed With this in mind it is not surprising to find that recent figures
suggest 30 of homeless people have been in the care system (The
Who Carersquos Trust 2014)
This is evident in research compiled by Barnardorsquos (2) (2014) were by
even with the advances in policy the case studies show a chaotic
existence for some young people Several moves from one unsuitable
accommodation to another periods of homelessness and being moved
out of familiar areas [geographically] remains a prominent feature
(Appendix 1)
11
Stone (1990) identified this issue twenty years prior to Dixon
indicating the evidence then showed an over-representation of care
leavers experiencing homelessness The same problem occurs in
literature by Stein and Carey (1986) from their study during 1982
It is noted by Morgan and Lindsey (2012) that there is a need for more
support with accommodation however Munro et al (2011) identified
out of the young people offered extra support the take up was only
about 50 This may be due to wanting to get rid of the lsquobeing in carersquo
label or perhaps a lack of understanding of the extra support offered
There is evidence within the literature that finances present a
significant issue to care leavers (Broad 2005 Munro et al 2011
Stein 2012 54)
Regional differences in the levels of financial support in the form of
leaving care grants is significant ranging from pound400 to pound2000 with the
average payment being pound1000 (Broad 200547) Stein (2012) notes
more recently the leaving care grant still lack in consistency ranging
from zero to pound2000 A survey carried out by the Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation (2009) calculated the young people needed at least pound2500
in order to set up the most basic essentials to live independently [of 150
LArsquos surveyed only one provided this amount]
These financial inconsistencies clearly present challenges not only with
basic needs such as food and housing but also the ability to participate
in leisure activities and higher education This exclusion has a
potentially damaging impact on the health and well-being for young
people who are already vulnerable (Jackson and Cameron 2012)
Furthermore a lack of understanding of financial matters can lead to
long term debt and financial difficulties
ldquoIrsquom still paying off debts now [nine years after living in her first
independent placement] if somebody had have gone through
these bills bills I didnrsquot even know existed Irsquove had to figure
everything out myself Irsquove had to learn the hard way If I had
12
have had support with that it would have changed thingsrdquo (Care
leaver in Barnardorsquos (2) 2014 13)
There is evidence the young peoplersquos voices may not be listened to
The meetings and reviews appear stressful for the young people (Daly
2012) A large proportion felt ignored during meetings (Munro et al
2011 28) and approximately a third felt their lsquoPathway Planrsquo [the LA
is duty bound to have a Pathway Plan to assist in the transition to
independent living] was not adhered to at all It is noted young people
wish to have more control of when they leave care and for the
transition to be more gradual and less rushed (Morgan and Lindsey
2012 Morgan and Lindsey 2006)
Mendes and Moselhuddin (2006 113) note lsquoGraduation from care
needs to become a far more gradual and flexible process based on levels
of maturity and skill development rather than simply agersquo
Furthermore this view is held by the young people involved
ldquoI didnrsquot want to go I still had to go anyway I didnrsquot have a
choiceI was moving out at eighteen end of discussion and the
bit that really pissed me [off] is [that] they chucked me out on
my eighteenth birthdayrdquo (Care leaver in Munro et al 2011 21)
Although the age has been extended to 18 before a young person has to
leave care [unless they are in full time education] an Independent
Reviewing Officer (IRO) in Munro et al (2011 23) states
ldquoWe identified fairly quickly that all it has done is just knock it
back two years erm you know what used to be 16hellipused to have
all these arguments Wersquove shunted it back to 18 but you know
our 18 year olds are just as vulnerable as those 16 year olds
wererdquo
It is clear within the literature the young people fundamentally require
consistency and support from leaving care workers and services to aid
their transition from care to independence (Munro et al 2011 21)
Pride and an inability to ask for help to access services is apparent It
is recognised that many care leavers where reluctant to allow
13
themselves to be cared for The young people were more comfortable
with caring for others This is a result of often having to adopt the role
of carer within their birth family (Samuels and Pryce 2008 1203-
1205) However the literature does not identify other underlying
reasons for the young people having difficulty in accepting help
themselves Reasons such as lack of self- esteem and self- worth due to
the trauma they may have suffered
The transition to independence brings with it feelings of isolation and
loneliness which were connected to losing their carers
ldquoItrsquos hard to think that people you lived with for nine years are
not in your life anymorerdquo
(Care leaver in Morgan 2012 22)
There is evidence these feelings may also be connected to moving away
from friends and professionals changes in social workers and a
transition to adult services
One author notes the young people are living life lsquoin limborsquo (Hiles et
al 2014 6) It is suggested as the young people approach their
eighteenth birthday they are in a state of limbo knowing they may not
be lsquoin carersquo not knowing if they can lsquostay putrsquo with foster carers or
lsquomoving onrsquo to independent accommodation Leaving care workers
involved in Hilesrsquo et al (2014) study describe having ldquoinsufficient time
to prepare some young people for this transitionrdquo especially the young
people who had experienced problems in maintaining stable
placements prior to leaving care
Moreover the system is described as ldquochaotic and complexrdquo forced to
react rather than respond to crisis The cause of this is identified
through poor staff retention and therefore the use of temporary staff
leaving a lack of continuity and consistency (Hiles et al 2014 7)
This research examines policies potentially promoting negative
consequences For example a disengagement of adult mental health
services leading to re-engagement of childrenrsquos services those young
14
people most able being offered more support through education
leaving some young people of low risk but still vulnerable in an isolated
position Also it was noted the young people leaving care to return
home to their birth families for longer than six months lose access to
services when they may actually still be in a vulnerable position (Hiles
et al2014 7)
However Stein (2012 81) suggests there is evidence that most young
people experience good outcomes after leaving care Positive outcomes
are underpinned by the relationship between the young person and the
leaving care teams In addition the evidence points to a positive sense
of well-being when settled and happy even if past or leaving care
experiences have been negative (Wade and Dixon 2006)
In conclusion the literature identifies the inconsistency within leaving
care systems These inconsistencies span throughout the services
available to care leavers from financial to pathway planning and
implementation There is evidence of a somewhat uneven service
delivery despite policy stipulations
There has been an encouraging influx of research in the last fifteen
years or so which should promote a continued improvement in policy
and outcome for this fundamentally vulnerable group in society
There is evident progress within the leaving care system which has
been noted by Stein Wade and Dixon However despite progress
within the system [the introduction of personal advisors Pathway
Plans and specific leaving care teams] and extensive research
informing policy makers the uneven delivery still exists Additionally
care leavers are still disadvantaged compared to their peers even with
the progress that has been made
There is an emphasis on a proactive and preventative approach and a
significant need for placement stability underpinned by systematic and
consistent services As it stands young people are currently being
15
ldquopushed into fighting against a systemrdquo rather than a system that works
together for a positive outcome (Hiles et al 2014 11)
Contingency plans are an important recommendation outlined in recent
research as a necessity to prevent care leavers falling into crisis These
plans need to be in place regardless of assessed lsquoneedrsquo Moreover
access to an independent visitor enabling another supportive
relationship to be formed along with personal advisors would offer
greater assistance when decisions are being made for the young
personrsquos future (Barnardorsquos 2014 23)
Now the research is taking place identifying young peoplersquos
experiences of leaving care it is necessary to listen in order to make
effective changes in policy and practice to achieve better outcomes for
this vulnerable group
16
Chapter 3
Methodology
This research is of a qualitative nature The methodology included an
online questionnaire (n=50) to identify common themes followed up
by face- to-face interviews (n=10) for more detailed data However
the response rate for the online questionnaire was poor with only ten
returned The interviews adopted a semi-structured approach to allow
for participants to talk freely about their experiences The author used
an interview guide to achieve this containing the areas of interest
rather than a structured set of interview questions (Appendix i)
Support for this project was received from a local fostering group and
that provided some resources for sourcing the sample
Initially the author had positive support from social workers and
professionals within the leaving care sector Although actual response
from local authority was limited only one out of four who received
the research pack responded Participation by third sector
organisations was similarly positive however commitment to be
interviewed could not be obtained
The sample consisted of four young people aged 16 plus involved in
the leaving care process and four professionals working within the
leaving care system Geographically broken down to Gwynedd
Conwy Telford and Wrekin and Caerphilly
The interviews took place either in their own home place of work or
a mutually comfortable setting agreed by the participants The
researcher offered anonymity to the participants and the interviews
were handled sensitively keeping the vulnerability of some of the
sample in mind
The interviews were concerned with
17
Whether the young person feels supported
Whether the resources are accessible and the young person is made
aware of everything available
Whether the duties of the LA are being met from both points of view
(professional and young person)
The view of the use of BampB accommodation
Whether the leaving care process helps or hinders their future
How universal are the services provided
Is there enough financial assistance available resources and financial
advice
Are the young peoplersquos voices heard
Has policy and practice improved over the last couple of decades
The interviews were voice recorded with consent and a diary was kept
for all fieldwork undertaken The study adopted a grounded
theoretical approach and the data subjected to content analysis
a) Ethical Consideration
The sample where given thorough information regarding the study in
order for them to make an informed choice whether to participate or
not Confidentiality was adhered to and any disclosures were handled
appropriately and with ethical consideration in mind The researcher
was aware of the vulnerability of the young people and the sensitive
nature of the study
Due to the sensitivity of the research the data gathered was securely
kept in a locked filing cabinet (paper) and secure password protected
file (electronic) and destroyed on completion of the study
Permission to undertake this study was granted after a thorough and
detailed ethics application
18
Chapter 4
Findings
a) Transition
ldquoYou wouldnrsquot dream of kicking your own kids out so young
They give these kids to much artificial support to encourage
them to leaverdquo (Foster carer)
This is clearly reverberated in the literature particularly in the
Barnardorsquos report Someone to Care Experiences of leaving care
(2014) which highlights the plight of young care leavers and the lack
of parental support contributing to difficult transitions In addition it
has already been identified in the literature review that for children not
in care the leaving home age ranges from 20- 34 (ONS 2014)
Communication for this specific young person appeared to be lacking
ldquoWell my social worker didnrsquot really talk about what
would happenhelliphellipthey were like lsquooh yeah you will get
your own placersquo hellipbut not what will happen afterhellipso I
rushed into it thinking it was a good idea I think they
said it too soon to me if they wouldnrsquot have said it I
would still be here (foster care) for a while So I rushed
into it I had just left school maybe it would be
better at 17 or 18rdquo (Care leaver A currently aged 18 LA
Gwynedd)
This statement by a young care leaver is echoed by a set of foster carers
It was found that by giving the young person an offer of their own flat
complete with some furnishings of their choice seemed to sway their
decision whether or not to leave This was especially the case for 16
year olds
These foster carers stated that their young person had indicated they
wanted to stay in care at least until 18 years old however with a change
of social worker came a change of heart
19
ldquoYou see we had talked about when he would leave but he said
lsquono I wouldnrsquot like to be in a house on my ownrsquo He wanted to
stay when he first came to us he was having nightmares hellip he is
still having problems now He wonrsquot sleep in his bedroom now
he sleeps in the living room with the TV on They (Social
Services team) didnrsquot take any of this into account When his
social worker changed to the 16+ one he was like lsquooh well I
might move outrsquordquo
This particular interview found the process of leaving care very hasty
with very little preparation The young person in question was
identified by the LA as vulnerable however according to the foster
carers the process continued regardless
ldquoHe suddenly was kicking against us The social worker said he
was a troubled child he just said he had issues We know about
confidentiality but we were part of the care package but they (16
+ team) would not involve us There was no communication
between the 16+ team and us It was like he is an adult and thatrsquos
thatrdquo
The foster carers suggested the young person was being coached to
leave There was a sudden decision made and the young person went
lsquooff the railsrsquo It seemed a place was offered to enable them to move
out and that was when reality hit
ldquohelliphe drank a bottle of vodka and was talking about suicide He
suffers from low self- esteem There was no help for that I think
this was brought on by them (16+ team) telling him there was a
space somewhere He kept saying lsquoIrsquom so sorryrsquo It was reality
he had been going through the motions before thisrdquo
This illustrates a terrible indictment of a rushed transition Added to
the trauma which led the young person to being in care this does not
present a positive outcome
The findings for this report support the previous literature Steinrsquos
(2012) extensive research in this area continually reveals hasty
transitions from care to independence
Legislation relating to young people leaving care states
20
lsquoIt is the duty of the local authority looking after a child to advise assist
and befriend him with a view to promoting his welfare when they have
ceased to look after himrsquo (19A Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000)
Indicating a rushed transition should not be promoted rather that it
should be a much slower process with time being given to prepare fully
for independence
In contrast one participant going through the leaving care system in
2004 and within a different LA (Telford and Wrekin) had a much more
positive experience
ldquoI left care at 18 I was in a childrenrsquos homehellipfoster care didnrsquot
suit me I was always running away I had brilliant support all
the way until I was 25 I went to supported living and I had help
to learn to cook and manage money and bills Then I had help to
find a flat and become independent I even still see some of the
people who supported me when I go back to Telfordrdquo (Care
leaver B aged 30)
This indicates a far more gradual transition to independence
Unfortunately the majority of the data within this study points more
often to the former rushed transition
ldquoI turned 18 and it was like hellipyoursquore an adult now I was in a
hostel then a homeless place that was scary there were all sorts
there I liked the place in Bala it was good there But when I
turned 18 I couldnrsquot stay It was like one minute I had everything
done for me then nothingrdquo (Care leaver C currently aged 19
LA Conwy)
This young person moved into private care and currently resides in a
mixed home for people with mental health problems He has Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (Appendix 2)
The research suggests past history is not always taken into account
when assessing the suitability of independent living for these young
people
ldquoHis issues should have been recognised then he would not have
been offered to leave at 16 The social worker had not made the
effort to look at his historyrdquo (Foster carer)
21
Taking the young peoplersquos history and circumstances into account
could offer a more positive outcome than simply their age
ldquoThey had eight files on me from when I was little My foster
carer nagged them until she was able to have them to read
Then she knew what had happenedrdquo (Care leaver D currently
aged 19 LA Caerphilly)
It is recognised in policy that the system still does not seem to perform
as it should The Care Leaversrsquo Strategy (2013) identifies the abrupt
transition experienced by these young people in its opening paragraphs
However the report fails to include lsquotransitionrsquo as a fundamental area
of concern Instead usual sections such as education employment
housing and so on are highlighted as lsquobroad areas of concernrsquo It would
seem the young peoplersquos emotional well- being which is clearly
affected by the hasty exit from care does not hold the same
governmental importance
Additionally it may be prudent to add at this point that Edward
Timpson Minister of State for Children and Families was contacted
for the purpose of this research Mr Timpson was involved in the
development of the Care Leaversrsquo Strategy and in addition to this grew
up with looked after children as his parents were foster carers There
was no response to the research (Appendix 3)
A fundamental issue surrounding rushed transitions is the view these
young people are now adults although they are still virtually as
vulnerable as children The serious case review into the murder of
Jayden Parkinson highlights this Jayden was 17 and considered an
adult by services and practitioners The review stated
lsquoToo often [Parkinson] was viewed as a difficult young person and not
recognised as a child in need of safeguarding Professionals and
agencies did not always fully understand the serious nature of the risks
to [her] or were too quick to be reassured that she would be able to
protect herself from those risksrsquo (Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children
Board 2016 62)
22
It would seem important for policy to start considering the young
personrsquos position in life rather than their age as an indicator of their
readiness for independence
b) Housing and Accommodation
The participants were asked about their experiences with housing when
leaving care Questions about choice suitability and geographic area
where considered Consistent with past research and previous literature
(Barnardorsquos [2] 2014) issues where found in all these areas
Once again the Care Leaversrsquo Strategy recognises these issues found
in research past and present surrounding housing
lsquoCare leavers are a vulnerable group of young adults who have
particular needs in relation to housing and homelessness Around a
quarter of those living on the streets have a background in care The
majority of care leavers leave care by the age of 18 and rising demands
on social housing and other accommodation is making it increasingly
difficult for young people to find suitable accommodation as they enter
adulthoodrsquo (2013 14)
These findings suggest a significant risk of homelessness for these
participants In actual fact without the charity Gisda (Appendix 4) the
options for young people in Gwynedd would be seriously limited
It has already been noted that nationally care leavers are overly
represented within the homeless and inadequately housed with 30 of
homeless people formerly being in care (Who Cares Trust 2014)
When considering choice Bed and Breakfast (BampB) accommodation
was not always used but choice did appear limited Geographical
consideration and suitable match for the young person does not always
seem possible
23
ldquoWell there was a bit of choice but it was mainly Caernarfon I
had shared housing with Gisda not BampB and then I got my flat
with Gisdardquo (Care leaver A)
Once again this is echoed by foster carers
ldquoHe moved into shared housing for two weekshelliphe was
terrified he slit his mattress to hide his laptop in it There wasnrsquot
much choice had he had the choice to stay in Penygroes he
would have He has been trying to get back here ever since He
is afraid in Caernarfon He has two brothers living there which
he has had problems with and his brotherrsquos friend He is quite a
fearful child and finds living in Caernarfon stressful When he
gets home to his flat from here he doesnrsquot go outrdquo
This does not seem to be reserved to just this LA either
ldquoI was in a hostel but I kicked off so was in a BampB for a couple
of days They said I was smoking in the room so I got kicked out
of therehellipdidnrsquot even get all my stuff Then my social worker
said I could stay with my mum for the weekend cause my sister
wasnrsquot there But then she came backhellipshe winds me uphellipI
kicked off but hit the window hellipI wanted to hit her So my mum
called the police helliprdquo (Care leaver D)
There appears to be insecurity surrounding housing Care leaver D
went on to lsquosofa surfrsquo and then went back to his motherrsquos even though
that episode left him with a criminal damage conviction [brought on by
his mother] His support seemed to end there
Care leaver A was asked if the flat with Gisda was permanent
ldquoNo itrsquos two years temporary I have three months leftrdquo
When asked what happens then
ldquoI think Irsquom on the top the list with housing so Irsquove gotta hope
something comes up or I will probably end up in BampB The thing
is once you have had the flat and you get to 18 you sort of go in
circles so you can be put in BampB Itrsquos a worry being three months
awayhelliphellipI keep phoning themrdquo
This was reiterated by the foster carers
ldquoI canrsquot see Gisda putting him out on the street but they have to
give him notice of eviction in order for the council to do
something about it Sometimes he stays with his cousin or his
24
dad if there is any room But he will probably have to lsquosofa
surfrsquohellip thatrsquos what his brother had to do That will put him on
the list he has to be homeless to get helprdquo
The question of supported living was raised for this particular
participant the foster carer replied
ldquoThere doesnrsquot seem to be any here But for him it wouldnrsquot
work he would worry about the other people there He is afraid
of people that do drugs there is a family history with drugsrdquo
However a neighbouring LA had positive experiences with supported
living Their providers of supported living and BampB accommodation
had been the same for over ten years which would indicate some
consistency The manager for the leaving care team for this LA
commented that the staff at the BampBrsquos offered a sympathetic approach
with more of a lsquofamily feelrsquo to the service Furthermore this LA had
long term relationships with landlords who specifically offered
tenancies to care leavers This demonstrates the importance of
consistency Although BampB may not seem ideal if there are good long
term relationships with service providers this can offer a positive short
term solution
Likewise care leaver B had the right experience with their
accommodation
ldquoI went from the childrenrsquos home to supported lodgings and after
that had my own flat The supported lodgings really helped me
learn how to look after myself I did go off the rails a bit when I
was about 23 but because of my support I sorted myself outrdquo
Though care leaver C will be moving once again in the near future It
seems his ADHD leaves the LA at a loss as to where this young person
should live The condition necessitates extra support to enable him to
manage independence
ldquoI like where I am But the funding for here runs out soon They
(social services) have said there is a new place in Abergele I
think itrsquos a shared house If I turn that down though I will make
myself intentionally homeless so there is no choicerdquo
25
This young personrsquos worries where resonated by his mother too He
entered care under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989 (Appendix 5)
as his mother was unable to manage his behaviour Her understanding
was that he would be care for until he reached 21 It may be argued he
is being cared for and is continuing to be Yet as stated earlier a mental
health facility may not be seen as ideal equally shared housing may
not offer the level of support required for an eventual and positive
departure from care
Regrettably national statistics have shown a rise of 108 per cent in the
number of young people in unsuitable accommodation from 1660 in
2014 to 1840 in 2015 This is reiterated by Carrie Wilson young
peoplersquos project co-ordinator at The Care Leaversrsquo Association
ldquoOn a basic level [BampBs] are seen as a ldquosaferdquo place but those young
people do not feel safe regardless of the interventions put into place to
support a young person if they do not feel like they have personal
safety at the end of the day their coping mechanisms start to break
downrdquo (Puffett and Orfford 2016)
The experiences of these participants suggests a chaotic existence in
line with the research undertaken by Barnardorsquos (2) (2014)
This does not present an improvement of services Government
statistics from 2011 suggested only 17 local authorities were housing
100 per cent of care leavers in suitable accommodation (Higgs 2011)
These are dismal statistics as research conducted by Stein (201280)
found from 2004 to 2009 the numbers of care leavers in suitable
accommodation had risen from 77 to 90 The statistics from 2011
could correlate with the age of austerity and social service budget cuts
(Stein 2012 24)
In Gwynedd since 2013 there has been the lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
available and similar to Englandrsquos lsquoStaying Putrsquo scheme (Appendix 6
amp 7) These schemes are now available throughout Wales and offer the
26
young person an opportunity to stay within their foster care placement
until the age of 21 or beyond if they are engaged in education or
training which started before their twenty first birthday This extended
stay may last until completion of the education or training on the
condition it is set out in the young personrsquos pathway plan The
opportunity offers a more gradual transition similar to young people in
the general population (Gwynedd Council 2014)
However there was no evidence of this scheme to have been offered to
care leaver A Care leavers C and D appear to have merely been
managed until the LA no longer had the duty of care
c) Pathway Plans Personal Advisors and Social
Workers
ldquoI donrsquot remember how many social workers I had hellipmaybe 14
or 15 by the time I left care They kept changingrdquo (Care leaver
D)
The participants were asked about their experiences with personal
advisors social workers the creation and implementation of their
pathway plans (Appendix 8) and whether they felt they were listened
to
It would seem having several social workers is commonplace
ldquoThe 16+ team didnrsquot seem to support him They changed social
worker but he didnrsquot seem to know what was going on Then they
changed again to one from the 16+ team Thatrsquos when his
behaviour changed One of his previous social workers was
fantastic and he worshipped herhellip If only they had kept that
social worker it would have made such a differencerdquo (Foster
carer)
For care leaver A this seems to have happened with the personal
advisor too When asked about their personal advisor
27
ldquoThere was a foster meeting the lady what was her namehellip Jan
she was really good She was with social services and Gisda
But then when they thought I was ok they transferred me to
someone elserdquo
Though for some there was more consistency Care leaver C suggested
a good relationship with their personal advisor They indicated regular
visits phone calls and planning meetings In turn this young person felt
they were being listened to when the pathway plan was produced
The manager for this LAs leaving care team confirms his perspective
on personal advisors
ldquoWe have a team of four personal advisors They have about 40
cases each but they do a great job All of their cases have a
mobile phone number for them and they are all very dedicated
and approachable [from the young personrsquos point of view] They
offer a vital link from care to independencerdquo
However once again this service appears inconsistent depending on
the LA
Added to this frequent changes of case worker suggest a difficulty in
completion and implementation of pathway plans and causes the
young person to feel they are not being listened to
ldquoI was kind of listened to but then my social worker changed so
I had to start againhellipthere was no relationship there cause they
kept changing We would do one pathway plan then the social
worker changed and we would have to do another onerdquo (Care
leaver A)
When the foster carers were asked about the pathway plan and whether
they thought their young person was listened to
ldquoHe didnrsquot have a proper pathway plan for leaving it was rushed
There was no proper structure He was listened to but without
question or consideration of the consequences They ticked their
boxes and he was off their handsrdquo
These experiences were evident in the earlier research by Munro et al
(2011) whereby young people felt their voices were not heard and the
meetings surrounding their exit from care caused anxiety and stress
28
The foster carers then suggested their current placement who had just
turned 16 may suffer the same
ldquoShe is just about to change to the 16+ team they canrsquot wait to
get her on thathellipit will be her third social worker in two years
She is adamant she doesnrsquot want to leave at 16 but if they dangle
the carrot of her own flat in front of her it might be differentrdquo
Furthermore for the foster carers support appears to be inconsistent
One set had just been assigned a new social worker the third in two
years
ldquoWe have a new social worker and she just ticks the boxes She
seems terrified to use her initiative One social worker I was
dealing with said there were five people who were either off or
had left and not been replaced in his office alonerdquo
It is well documented that retention of staff within social work is
increasingly difficult Added to which there a national shortage of
approximately 3500 social workers both hindering continuity for the
people they provide services to (Community Care 2014) This and
aforementioned cuts to funding within leaving care services may
explain how the inconsistency and a lack of relationship with social
workers described within this data can infringe on the process of
leaving care
With this in mind it is imperative to consider the legal implications at
this point It would appear within the legal framework there are lsquogrey
areasrsquo which can allow the experiences of care leaverrsquos A C and D to
occur The Children (Leaving Care) Act (2000) states that an
assessment of needs must be carried out by the LA for the said child
(a)while they are still looking after him and
(b)after they cease to look after him (19B 4)
The proviso for this is the child has been looked after for a period of
time and that they are aged 16 or 17 (19B 2 a amp b)
However the Care Act (2014) has a section dedicated to the needs of a
child in the transition to adulthood including the requirement for a
29
needs assessment but in relation to the childrsquos needs after the age of
18 Furthermore section 58 (4) insists the assessment should be carried
out whether the child consents or not if there is a risk of or experiencing
abuse or neglect Bearing in mind the vulnerability of these young
people the causes for them to have been placed in care in the first place
it would be fair to consider this group eligible for this assessment and
extended care Added to which one would expect a more thorough and
consistent assessment to be carried out Clearly with several changes to
case workers [as experienced by care leavers A and D] this legal
standard is not being met
Perhaps government and policy makers should consider case worker
retention and better working environments as fundamental aspects of
policy in turn offering better outcomes for the young people
(Appendix 9)
d) Financial aspects
ldquoThey told him to choose what he needed for the flat but only
some of it turned up There is something I heard of might be
from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation where some money is put
into an ISA which can be accessed once they are 18 This is
because they have been in care But I feel the danger of that is it
could all be blown on something else or used as a carrot to
encourage leaving care As far as I have seen they just go and
spend it all then itrsquos gone ndash they would be better giving them a
furnished flatrdquo (Foster carer)
The Care Leavers Strategy states it encourages LArsquos to offer at least
pound2000 as a lsquoSetting Up Home Allowancersquo (leaving care grant)
although as this is not a legal requirement the amount varies from LA
to LA Care leaver A received in the region of pound400 (Gwynedd LA)
However the manager for Conwy laving care team indicated the
amount their care leavers receive is dependent on what they need This
is also stated on the LArsquos web site (Appendix 8) It may be suggested
that young people within less affluent LArsquos will fare worse financially
30
The Strategy maintains care leavers are entitled to a pound1200 bursary if
they are attending further education and a pound2000 bursary for higher
education This is financed by the Department for Education (2013
10) Extra funding of this kind would appear significant for these young
people however if the earlier literature is considered the statistics for
this grouprsquos educational achievements did not present well (See
chapter one) As this funding is reliant on the young person being in
education there will be a significant proportion unable to access this
extra help
Conwy LA did suggest promising outcomes for employment for their
care leavers with many undertaking apprenticeships within the
councilrsquos departments
ldquoWe have a number of our young people working and training in
the council (Conwy) with a selection of apprenticeships
specifically for them Some do go on to stay with us being
offered permanent contractsrdquo (Leaving care team manager)
Unfortunately a comparison cannot be made with other LArsquos or
voluntary organisations in this area as there was no response to the
research
Care leaver A did have temporary employment with a local leisure
centre although when a permanent contract was offered it was of a zero
hourrsquos nature
ldquoI wasnrsquot worth me taking ithellipI would lose my benefit and have
no guarantee of workrdquo
Care leaver C started a college course and managed a couple of shifts
in a restaurant kitchen however his chaotic accommodation provision
and a lack of support for his ADHD hampered his continuation
Care leaver D is NEET (Appendix 11) and has been since his exit from
care It would seem this has not been assisted by his family [to which
he returned] who have also never been in employment and his
reluctance to receive any more services It may be suggested his high
31
level of case worker turnover contributed to his reluctance Equally his
chaotic existence before entering care disrupted his education added
the rushed transition from care has not facilitated good employment
prospects
e) Evaluation and Reflection
When evaluating this research one must acknowledge the limitations
when assessing the size of the sample
Despite persistence there was a reluctance by professionals particularly
to participate Out of four LAs contacted only one responded and
agreed to be interviewed One LA received the research pack three
times follow up calls were made several times to no avail The same
may be said for the voluntary sector in spite of positive telephone
conversations and receipt of the research pack Barnardorsquos and Gisda
did not consent to be interviewed Therefore the findings were
somewhat one sided and the professional perspective limited
However even with the limited sample the original hypothesis of the
leaving care system failing the young people has a degree of truth
Equally the findings are reflective of earlier research identified in
chapter 2
There is certainly scope for further and more considerable research
within this field Although for future studies it may be beneficial to use
focus group methodology to encourage professional participation This
would possibly generate an improved response rate in comparison to
the online questionnaire used for the initial stages of this project The
face to face follow up interviews proved difficult to organise although
it was difficult to decipher whether this was due to a reluctance to
engage in the research or a lack of available time
32
Chapter 5
Conclusion
In conclusion the data collected for this study shows a system that sadly
does fail its young people Certainly in Gwynedd the leaving care
process is seemingly rushed and centred around a personrsquos age rather
than their readiness for independence Of course it may be argued there
has to be a lsquocut off pointrsquo and young people have to become
independent at some time for legal purposes that lsquopointrsquo is dictated by
their age It would seem this is the case regardless of the harm it may
cause Furthermore it could be argued this hasty process is a breach of
the young personrsquos human rights however despite searching no cases
were found
In 2006 research conducted by Mendes and Moselhuddin concluded
the leaving care process should be a gradual process based on levels of
maturity and ability to manage independence rather than simply age
The same recommendation is echoed in the majority of research both
past and present It would seem that ten years on we are no closer to an
ideal solution
For care leaver A C and D the outcome was poor Certainly they did
not feel supported through the transition although care leaver C had
significantly better support from their personal advisor post 18
However despite this support care leaver C was still living in less than
ideal circumstances and about to be moved once again
In line with the literature this study although with the limited sample
found immense inconsistencies within the system and in every area
from support to financial assistance
Evidently for some the system works against an already disadvantaged
group abandoning when needed the most so to speak
33
It would seem the introduction of legislation and the Transitions
Guidance to strengthen practice and policy has failed to make a
significant improvement especially surrounding the lsquolevelling uprsquo of
services Attributed by the cost cutting imposed on LArsquos by central
government this is hardly surprising
There are some encouraging outcomes such as care leaver B receiving
immense support from their LA beyond policy and legal requirement
This is in line with some of Steinrsquos (2012 81) research and positive
outcomes are underpinned by the level of good consistent and accurate
support received by the individual Yet as this study has found this is
not consistent or universal
It is clear inconsistencies lack of support young and rushed transitions
all contribute to poorer outcomes for this group of young people A
group which are already disadvantaged and at a much higher risk of
social exclusion
As a society we should consider these young people as just that ndash young
people Often with the same dreams and aspirations as any other young
person On the contrary perhaps we should consider these young
people further as many will have already been let down by society
Either way they are entitled to as much support guidance and
opportunity as any other Regrettably this does not seem to be the case
as despite advances in research policy and legislation the same
inconsistencies and failures appear to occur time and time again
The study has shown the importance of understanding the young
peoplersquos history Of understanding former problems or areas of
concern This aids the transition to independence as it identifies where
the support is needed and individualizes the young person There
cannot be a lsquoone size fits allrsquo approach to the leaving care system as
one can see these young people are individual It has identified how
fundamental it is to include a young personrsquos foster carers when
considering independence to recognise the relationship they may have
34
with the young person and the key role they play after leaving care (as
with care lever A)
With this in mind one must acknowledge the leaving care system has
indeed improved over the last 30 years however it needs to continue to
progress if there is any hope of achieving a consistent service with more
even and positive outcomes for these young people
35
Bibliography
Action for Children (2014) [Online]
Available at httpwwwactionforchildrenorgukour-
servicesadoption-fostering-and-children-in-carechildren-in-
careleaving-care
Barnardorsquos (2014)[1] [Online] Someone to Care Experiences of
leaving care Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorguksomeone_to_care_final_feb2014pdf
(Accessed 07 October 2015)
Barnardorsquos (2014)[2] [Online] The costs of not caring supporting
English care leavers into independence Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf (Accessed 07
October 2015)
Biehal N Clayden J Stein M and Wade J (1995) Moving On
Young people and leaving care schemes London HMSO
Broad B (2005) Improving the Health and Well-Being of Young
People Leaving Care Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing
Burgess C (1981) In Care and Into Work London Tavistock
Care Leaverrsquos Foundation (with Children and Young People Now)
(2009) [Online] Setting Up A place to call home Bala Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation Available at
httpwwwthecareleaversfoundationorgsitedatafilesSetting_Up_A
_Place_to_Callpdf (Accessed 06 April 2015)
Care Leavers Strategy (2013) [Online] Available at
httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachment_
datafile266484Care_Leaver_Strategypdf (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Care Act (2014) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga201423part1crossheadingtra
nsition-for-children-to-adult-care-and-support-etcenacted (Accessed
01 March 2016)
Children and Families Act 2014 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga20146section98enacted
(Accessed 02 October 2015)
36
Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200035pdfsukpga_20000035_
enpdf (Accessed 19 March 2015)
Children and Young Persons Act (2008) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200823contents (Accessed 02
October 2015)
Community Care (2014) [Online] Councils struggling to retain social
workers in face of high caseloads and competition over pay
Available at httpwwwcommunitycarecouk20140130councils-
struggling-retain-social-workers-face-high-caseloads-competition-
pay (Accessed 22 February 2016)
Courtney M Terrao S and Bost N (2004) Midwest evaluation of
the adult functioning of former foster youth Conditions of youth
preparing to leave state care Outcomes at age 19 Chicago Chapin
Hall Centre for Children at University of Chicago
Daly F (2012) lsquoMy voice has to be heardrsquo Research on outcomes
for young people leaving care in North Dublin Dublin EPIC
Dixon J and Baker C (2012) lsquoThe Housing Experience of Young
People Leaving Care in England What helpsrsquo Developing Practice
The Child Youth and Family Work Journal Issue 32 National Care
Advisory Service (NCAS)
wwweducationgovuk [Online]
Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20130123124929httpw
wweducationgovukresearchandstatisticsstatisticsa00195573
Family Rights Group (2014) [Online] Support for Young People
Leaving the Care System Available at
httpwwwfrgorgukimagesAdvice_Sheets16-support-for-young-
people-leaving-carepdf (Accessed 29 September 2015)
The Fostering Network (2014) [Online] Staying Put Available at
httpswwwfosteringnetall-about-fosteringprovidersstaying-put-
updateVg5D-PRdX1Y (Accessed 02 October 2015)
Godek S (1976) Leaving Care Barkingside Barnardorsquos
Gwynedd Council (2014) [Online] lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
Available at
httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrutin
y20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20When
37
20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf (Accessed
22 February 2016)
Harris R J (1982) Institutionalized Ambivalence Social Work and
the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 British Journal of Social
Work Vol12 pp 247-263
Higgs L (2011) [Online] Housing crisis around the corner for care
leavers experts warn Children and Young People Now Available
at httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1050066housing-crisis-
corner-care-leavers-experts-warn (Accessed 17 February 2016)
Hiles D Moss D Thorne L Wright J and Dallos R (2014) ldquoSo
what am Irdquo ndash Multiple perspectives on young peoplersquos experience of
leaving care Children and Youth Services Review Vol 41 pp 1-15
House of Commons (1968) Report of the Committee on Local
Authority and Allied Personal Social Services London HMSO
Hutchinson D (2013) [Online] Catch 22 National Care Advisory
Service (NCAS) Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads9b7793d8be6ffc05a501df3df
4a1ef5fpdf
Jackson S and Cameron C (2012) lsquoLeaving Care Looking ahead
and aiming higherrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 34 (6)
pp 1107-1114
Mendes P and Moslehuddin B (2006) lsquoFrom Dependence to
Interdependence Towards Better Outcomes for Young People
Leaving State Carersquo Child Abuse Review Vol15 pp 110-166
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2006) Young peoplersquos views on leaving
care Newcastle Commission for Social Care Inspection
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2012) Young peoplersquos views on care
and aftercare Office of the Childrenrsquos Rights Director London
Ofsted
Mulvey T (1977) lsquoAfter-care ndash who caresrsquo Concern No 26
London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Munro E Lushey C and Ward H (2011) Evaluation of the
Right2BCared4 Pilots Final report (NCAS) London Department
for Education
38
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2011) Making the Cut
Planning Transitions for Care Levers in an Age of Austerity London
NCAS
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2012) [Online] Statistical
Briefing Looked after children and care leavers 2012 Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads0e9a6e4f266b8e96ad7c8e25
7bd53982pdf (Accessed 30 March 2015)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2013)
[Online] The NICE quality standard on the health and wellbeing of
looked after children and young people Available at
httpwwwniceorgukguidanceQS31chapterQuality-statement-8-
Support-to-move-to-independence (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Office for National Statistics (2014) [Online] Large increase in 20 to
34-year-olds living with parents since 1996 Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20160105160709httpw
wwonsgovukonsrelfamily-demographyyoung-adults-living-with-
parents2013sty-young-adultshtml (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board (2016) [Online] Child J ndash
Domestic Homicide Review and Serious Case Review (combined)
Available at httpwwwoscborgukwp-contentuploadsChild-J-
OSCB-Overview-Reportpdf (Accessed 25 February 2016)
Page R and Clark G (eds) (1977) Who Cares Young People in
Care Speak Out London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Puffett N and Orfford A (2016) [Online] Increasing numbers of
care leavers in unsuitable accommodation Children and Young
People Now Available at
httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1155917increasing-numbers-of-
care-leavers-in-unsuitable-accommodation (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Samuels G M and Pryce J M (2008) ldquoWhat doesnrsquot kill you
makes you strongerrdquo Survivalist self-reliance as resilience and risk
among young adults aging out of foster care Children and Youth
Services Review Vol 30 (10) pp 1198-1210
Stein M (2002) Young People Leaving Care A Research
Perspective In A Wheal ed The RHP Companion to Leaving Care
Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing pp 28-33
39
Stein M (2004) What works for young people leaving care
Barkingside Barnardos
Stein M (2006) lsquoYoung people aging out of care The poverty of
theoryrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 28 (4) pp 422-434
Stein M (2012) Young People Leaving Care Supporting Pathways
to Adulthood London Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Stein M and Carey K (1986) Leaving Care Oxford Blackwell
Stein M and Ellis S (1983) Gizza Say Reviews and Young People
in Care London NAYPIC
Stein M and Maynard C (1985) Irsquove Never Been So Lonely
London NAYPIC
Stone M (1990) Young People Leaving Care A study of
management systems service delivery and user evaluation UK The
Royal Philanthropic Society
The Who Carersquos Trust (2014) [Online] Leaving Care Available at
httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpagesleaving-care-what-
happens-post-16html
Wade J (2011) lsquoPreparation and transition planning for
unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee young people A review
of evidence in Englandrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol
33 pp 2424-2430
Wade J and Dixon J (2006) lsquoMaking a home finding a job
investing early housing and employment outcomes for young people
leaving carersquo Child and Family Social Work Vol 11 (3) pp 199-208
Wade J Mitchel F and Baylis G (2005) Unaccompanied asylum
seeking children The response of social services London BAAF
40
Appendix
1) httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf page 25
Karenrsquos story
2) httpwwwnhsukConditionsAttention-deficit-hyperactivity-
disorderPagesIntroductionaspx
3) Email received in response to a request for Mr Timpson (Minister
of State for Children and Families) to answer three questions
regarding care leavers
Dear MsthinspThompsonthinsp
I am writing on behalf of the Minister of State for Children and
Families to thank you for your email of 9 February about your
dissertation
I am sorry but the department receives so many requests like yours
that we are unable to respond to them other than to point you to
sources of information I would therefore suggest that you look at the
departmentrsquos website
at httpswwwgovuksearchq=care+leavers+strategy
I hope you find this link helpful and that you are able to find the
information you need
Your correspondence has been allocated reference number 2016-
0008179 If you need to respond to us please
visit httpswwweducationgovukcontactus and quote your
reference number
As part of our commitment to improving the service we provide to
our customers we are interested in hearing your views and would
welcome your comments via our website
at httpswwweducationgovukpcusurvey
Yours sincerely
Kelly Walkerthinsp
Ministerial and Public Communications Division
Web
[httpswwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovuk]https
wwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovukgt
Twitter httpswwwtwittercomeducationgovuk
Facebook httpswwwfacebookcomeducationgovuk
41
[httpswwweducationgovukimages2irisdfepng]
4) httpwwwgisdaorgengamdanom-nihtml
5) httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga198941section20
6)httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrut
iny20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20Whe
n20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf
7)httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachme
nt_datafile201015Staying_Put_Guidancepdf
8) httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpageswhats-a-pathway-
planhtml
9) httpjobscommunitycarecoukarticlecoventry-tops-london-in-
the-best-place-to-live-league-tablescmpid=EMP|JOBS|SCJOB-
2016-0224-CH|READMORE-COVampcmpid
10) httpwwwconwygovukdocaspcat=4800ampdoc=19742
11)httpresearchbriefingsparliamentukResearchBriefingSummary
SN06705
42
i) Interview Guide
Generic areas of question
Age upon leaving care
Staying put scheme
Financial help
Choice of housing
Suitability of accommodation
Geographical position of accommodation
Further education
Access to support eg Personal Advisor social worker
Input with Pathway plan
Being listened to
Transition
Keeping in touch
Difference with peers
43
3
Abstract
There are just under 70000 children living in local authority care of
those approximately 10000 leave care each year This is a significant
number of young people who require substantial support in order to
have improved outcomes
In the past a lax system with little support seems to have operated
However with advances in research and knowledge a more organised
and extensive system has been created Specialist leaving care teams
are now established and policy and legislation in place
Nonetheless there appears to be significant failings and inconsistencies
within this service and outcomes for these young people are not as
universal as they should be With the age of austerity and consistent
cuts to budgets the landscape does not look set to improve
4
Table of Contents Chapter 1 5
Introduction 5
Chapter 2 8
A Review of the Literature 8
Chapter 3 16
Methodology 16
a) Ethical Consideration 17
Chapter 4 18
Findings 18
a) Transition 18
b) Housing and Accommodation 22
c) Pathway Plans Personal Advisors and Social Workers 26
d) Financial aspects 29
e) Evaluation and Reflection 31
Chapter 5 32
Conclusion 32
Appendix 40
5
Chapter 1
Introduction
The purpose of this project is to explore aspects of the leaving care
system how it currently operates and if or how the outcome for these
young people may be improved
This is important as the young people involved are usually incredibly
vulnerable and often stigmatised The question whether the current
system offers them good support and guidance suitable to their needs
will be examined This is especially relevant as the number of care
leavers has steadily risen since 1985 (Hutchinson 2013)
At present Action for Children identifies that young care leavers are
ldquothree times more likely to be cautioned or convicted of an offence
four times more likely to have a mental health disorder
five times less likely to achieve five good GCSEs eight times more
likely to be excluded from school and less likely to go to university
one in five homeless people are care leaversrdquo (2014 DfES 2007)
In 1968 the Seebohm Report the restructuring of the personal social
services including the suggestion of a complete after care service for
young people was considered This would be provided by the new
social service departments rather than the probation service which
supervised the young people at that time This and the knowledge
gained by childcare experts shaped the Children and Young Persons
Act 1969 (House of Commons 1968 para 257 cited in Stein
201215) The implementation of the act influenced by the emergence
of social work as a solid profession was due to the suggestion that
young people would be better served away from the juvenile court
system (Harris 1982)
6
However due to the poverty and identifying several social problems
during this time focus on care-leavers declined Though social services
were reorganised along with the implementation of the Children and
Young Persons Act 1969 in 1971 this did not lead to improve the after
care services ndash rather the opposite Studies such as Godek (1976) and
Mulvey (1977) emphasised the difficulties the young people faced
upon leaving care
There was an end to the probation services involvement a change in
approved school orders to all-purpose care orders and approved school
being replaced by Community Homes with Education all of which
aided the demise of specialist after-care officers Due to the social
climate of the time Stein (2012 16) notes ldquocare leavers became a
forgotten grouprdquo
This is reflected in the lack of literature pre 1970 due to scarce research
taking place at this time Added to which the lack of research was
attributed to favourable economic conditions and full youth
employment during the aftermath of World War II It seems only by
the beginning of the 1970rsquos as social work developed and looked
towards the future did research into young peoplersquos outcomes within
the care system take place (Stein 2012 14)
Nevertheless from 1973 young people came together to talk about their
experiences in care A ldquolack of power over their livesrdquo in relation to
their finances their own reviews and the opportunity to learn
independent skills whilst in care lead to the formation of local groups
such as the lsquoWho Cares Projectrsquo and the lsquoNational Association of
Young People in Carersquo This resulted in giving them a voice (Stein
2012 17) and small scale studies began to take place For example
Godek (1976) Mulvey (1977) and Page and Clark (1977) in the
1970rsquos In the 1980rsquos studies were undertaken by Burgess (1981) Stein
and Ellis (1983) Stein and Meynard (1985) and Stein and Carey
(1986) amongst others These studies found the aforementioned
7
challenges with finance and so on added to which more often than not
young people left care at 16 and were required to live independently
(Stein 2012 17) One reoccurring theme throughout the studies taking
place was the lack of preparation for this vulnerable group for living
independently The latter studies finding high levels of care leavers
becoming homeless
More recently this topic is of particular importance as the data held for
2012 found there were 67050 young people in care [by local
authority] of those 10000 aged 16 or over left care (NCAS 2012)
Stein (2002 32) notes their transition to adulthood is lsquocompressed and
acceleratedrsquo With this in mind Stein (2006 423) states that these
young people are ldquohellipthe most excluded groups of young people in
societyrdquo
Furthermore in light of the refugee crisis emerging from Syria there
is another particularly vulnerable group This group is identified by the
United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) as someone below the age
of 18 (or appearing to be should the proof be lacking) and claiming
asylum in their own right with no significant adult in the UK to provide
care (Wade 2011 2424-2425) Under UK guidelines a young person
may be given support whilst they are under the age of 18 only to be at
risk of deportation upon reaching 18 years old (Family Rights Group
2014) A study conducted by Wade (et al 2005) found younger
unaccompanied refugees received more thorough assessment of needs
as opposed to 16 and 17 year olds of the same status This being
resource driven due to less government funding for this age group
Added to which previous studies (Courtney Terrao and Bost 2004
Stein 2004) have also identified within this group of young people an
inconsistency of preparation for independence
The inconsistency of service delivery appears to apply to citizen young
people along with non-citizen
8
Chapter 2
A Review of the Literature
lsquoIf I had parents to go to I would go to my parents and ask them
for help Or Irsquod be with my parents so the strain wouldnrsquot be so
much But I donrsquot have anybody I donrsquot have anyone to turn torsquo
(Care leaver in Barnardorsquos (1) 2014)
Most parents have positive expectations for their own children and are
there offering full support when their child moves into independence
However children leaving the care system often have to live without
this Lack of parental support clearly contributes to a difficult
transition into independence (Barnardorsquos (1) 2014 1)
As previously noted literature pre 1970 is scarce Here the focus will
be on more recent findings in the consistency of services for care
leavers The service areas are
Housing and accommodation
Finance
Transition
It is noted by Stein (2012) that in the view of young care leavers foster
carers care workers and personal advisors that the young people left
care too young The earlier research notes the same problem Young
care leavers are being moved on from the age of 16 whereas studies
found the median age for leaving home was 22 for men and 20 for
women (Biehal et al 1995 30) In recent times the number of young
people [not in care] still living at home with their parents has risen from
27 million in 1996 to 33 million in 2013 their ages ranging from 20
ndash 34 (ONS 2014) It may be seen therefore how difficult it can be for
9
young people in Local Authority (hereafter LA) care to leave at such a
young age
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE 2013)
supported by the NSPCC state that ldquocare leavers move to independence
at their own pacerdquo recognising how difficult this time may be
Currently a new duty has been placed upon LArsquos in England This
implementation named the lsquoStaying Putrsquo scheme came into force in
May 2014 (part 5 Welfare of Children (98) of the Children and
Families Act 2014) and offers young people the chance to stay on in
their foster home where the LA regards this consistent with the welfare
of the young person although this does not include residential care
Additional funding has been allocated for each individual LArsquos for this
However nationally this service is inconsistent In Scotland a similar
scheme has been introduced in 2015 also including residential care
Wales has placed the same duty on their LArsquos through the lsquoWhen Irsquom
Readyrsquo scheme though no additional funding has been allocated (The
Fostering Network 2014)
Housing is a fundamental area of concern for young care leavers
Literature pre 1980rsquos is scarce for all issues however due to this lack of
information a National Survey of Leaving Care Schemes was
conducted in 1989 During this time housing was the most common
service provided to young care leavers After housing other services
were offered such as counselling advocacy training preparation for
leaving care and advice on leisure facilities food and clothing
However these services were not universal and most did not offer any
preparation for leaving care (Stone 1990 7)
More recently the LA are duty bound to provide such services
universally Current legislation held in the Children (Leaving Care) Act
2000 states ldquoIt is the duty of the local authority looking after a child to
advise assist and befriend him with a view to promoting his welfare
when they have ceased to look after himrdquo More recent legislation held
10
within the Children and Young Persons Act (2008) along with the
Transitions Guidance for LArsquos to assist with strengthening policy and
practice framework to encourage a lsquolevelling uprsquo of services (Stein
2012 24)
Although these measures are currently in place it is suggested by Dixon
and Baker (2012) that service quality and effectiveness is not consistent
and varies from LA to LA This is not surprising as a survey carried out
in 2011 by the National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) reported high
level of funding cuts to leaving care services (varying from 7 to 15)
making implementation of the Transitions Guidance problematic
Additionally it is apparent housing and accommodation are high on
the list of issues facing care leavers The LArsquos are only duty bound to
provide lsquosuitable accommodationrsquo to 16 and 17 year olds Once a care
leaver reaches 18 the LArsquos are only required to assist with
accommodation advice and support as far as their [young personrsquos]
welfare requires it
Dixon and Baker (2012) continue to identify that although legislation
and advances in support services have increased over the last couple of
decades from knowledge gained through research young care leavers
are still over- represented within the homeless and inadequately
housed With this in mind it is not surprising to find that recent figures
suggest 30 of homeless people have been in the care system (The
Who Carersquos Trust 2014)
This is evident in research compiled by Barnardorsquos (2) (2014) were by
even with the advances in policy the case studies show a chaotic
existence for some young people Several moves from one unsuitable
accommodation to another periods of homelessness and being moved
out of familiar areas [geographically] remains a prominent feature
(Appendix 1)
11
Stone (1990) identified this issue twenty years prior to Dixon
indicating the evidence then showed an over-representation of care
leavers experiencing homelessness The same problem occurs in
literature by Stein and Carey (1986) from their study during 1982
It is noted by Morgan and Lindsey (2012) that there is a need for more
support with accommodation however Munro et al (2011) identified
out of the young people offered extra support the take up was only
about 50 This may be due to wanting to get rid of the lsquobeing in carersquo
label or perhaps a lack of understanding of the extra support offered
There is evidence within the literature that finances present a
significant issue to care leavers (Broad 2005 Munro et al 2011
Stein 2012 54)
Regional differences in the levels of financial support in the form of
leaving care grants is significant ranging from pound400 to pound2000 with the
average payment being pound1000 (Broad 200547) Stein (2012) notes
more recently the leaving care grant still lack in consistency ranging
from zero to pound2000 A survey carried out by the Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation (2009) calculated the young people needed at least pound2500
in order to set up the most basic essentials to live independently [of 150
LArsquos surveyed only one provided this amount]
These financial inconsistencies clearly present challenges not only with
basic needs such as food and housing but also the ability to participate
in leisure activities and higher education This exclusion has a
potentially damaging impact on the health and well-being for young
people who are already vulnerable (Jackson and Cameron 2012)
Furthermore a lack of understanding of financial matters can lead to
long term debt and financial difficulties
ldquoIrsquom still paying off debts now [nine years after living in her first
independent placement] if somebody had have gone through
these bills bills I didnrsquot even know existed Irsquove had to figure
everything out myself Irsquove had to learn the hard way If I had
12
have had support with that it would have changed thingsrdquo (Care
leaver in Barnardorsquos (2) 2014 13)
There is evidence the young peoplersquos voices may not be listened to
The meetings and reviews appear stressful for the young people (Daly
2012) A large proportion felt ignored during meetings (Munro et al
2011 28) and approximately a third felt their lsquoPathway Planrsquo [the LA
is duty bound to have a Pathway Plan to assist in the transition to
independent living] was not adhered to at all It is noted young people
wish to have more control of when they leave care and for the
transition to be more gradual and less rushed (Morgan and Lindsey
2012 Morgan and Lindsey 2006)
Mendes and Moselhuddin (2006 113) note lsquoGraduation from care
needs to become a far more gradual and flexible process based on levels
of maturity and skill development rather than simply agersquo
Furthermore this view is held by the young people involved
ldquoI didnrsquot want to go I still had to go anyway I didnrsquot have a
choiceI was moving out at eighteen end of discussion and the
bit that really pissed me [off] is [that] they chucked me out on
my eighteenth birthdayrdquo (Care leaver in Munro et al 2011 21)
Although the age has been extended to 18 before a young person has to
leave care [unless they are in full time education] an Independent
Reviewing Officer (IRO) in Munro et al (2011 23) states
ldquoWe identified fairly quickly that all it has done is just knock it
back two years erm you know what used to be 16hellipused to have
all these arguments Wersquove shunted it back to 18 but you know
our 18 year olds are just as vulnerable as those 16 year olds
wererdquo
It is clear within the literature the young people fundamentally require
consistency and support from leaving care workers and services to aid
their transition from care to independence (Munro et al 2011 21)
Pride and an inability to ask for help to access services is apparent It
is recognised that many care leavers where reluctant to allow
13
themselves to be cared for The young people were more comfortable
with caring for others This is a result of often having to adopt the role
of carer within their birth family (Samuels and Pryce 2008 1203-
1205) However the literature does not identify other underlying
reasons for the young people having difficulty in accepting help
themselves Reasons such as lack of self- esteem and self- worth due to
the trauma they may have suffered
The transition to independence brings with it feelings of isolation and
loneliness which were connected to losing their carers
ldquoItrsquos hard to think that people you lived with for nine years are
not in your life anymorerdquo
(Care leaver in Morgan 2012 22)
There is evidence these feelings may also be connected to moving away
from friends and professionals changes in social workers and a
transition to adult services
One author notes the young people are living life lsquoin limborsquo (Hiles et
al 2014 6) It is suggested as the young people approach their
eighteenth birthday they are in a state of limbo knowing they may not
be lsquoin carersquo not knowing if they can lsquostay putrsquo with foster carers or
lsquomoving onrsquo to independent accommodation Leaving care workers
involved in Hilesrsquo et al (2014) study describe having ldquoinsufficient time
to prepare some young people for this transitionrdquo especially the young
people who had experienced problems in maintaining stable
placements prior to leaving care
Moreover the system is described as ldquochaotic and complexrdquo forced to
react rather than respond to crisis The cause of this is identified
through poor staff retention and therefore the use of temporary staff
leaving a lack of continuity and consistency (Hiles et al 2014 7)
This research examines policies potentially promoting negative
consequences For example a disengagement of adult mental health
services leading to re-engagement of childrenrsquos services those young
14
people most able being offered more support through education
leaving some young people of low risk but still vulnerable in an isolated
position Also it was noted the young people leaving care to return
home to their birth families for longer than six months lose access to
services when they may actually still be in a vulnerable position (Hiles
et al2014 7)
However Stein (2012 81) suggests there is evidence that most young
people experience good outcomes after leaving care Positive outcomes
are underpinned by the relationship between the young person and the
leaving care teams In addition the evidence points to a positive sense
of well-being when settled and happy even if past or leaving care
experiences have been negative (Wade and Dixon 2006)
In conclusion the literature identifies the inconsistency within leaving
care systems These inconsistencies span throughout the services
available to care leavers from financial to pathway planning and
implementation There is evidence of a somewhat uneven service
delivery despite policy stipulations
There has been an encouraging influx of research in the last fifteen
years or so which should promote a continued improvement in policy
and outcome for this fundamentally vulnerable group in society
There is evident progress within the leaving care system which has
been noted by Stein Wade and Dixon However despite progress
within the system [the introduction of personal advisors Pathway
Plans and specific leaving care teams] and extensive research
informing policy makers the uneven delivery still exists Additionally
care leavers are still disadvantaged compared to their peers even with
the progress that has been made
There is an emphasis on a proactive and preventative approach and a
significant need for placement stability underpinned by systematic and
consistent services As it stands young people are currently being
15
ldquopushed into fighting against a systemrdquo rather than a system that works
together for a positive outcome (Hiles et al 2014 11)
Contingency plans are an important recommendation outlined in recent
research as a necessity to prevent care leavers falling into crisis These
plans need to be in place regardless of assessed lsquoneedrsquo Moreover
access to an independent visitor enabling another supportive
relationship to be formed along with personal advisors would offer
greater assistance when decisions are being made for the young
personrsquos future (Barnardorsquos 2014 23)
Now the research is taking place identifying young peoplersquos
experiences of leaving care it is necessary to listen in order to make
effective changes in policy and practice to achieve better outcomes for
this vulnerable group
16
Chapter 3
Methodology
This research is of a qualitative nature The methodology included an
online questionnaire (n=50) to identify common themes followed up
by face- to-face interviews (n=10) for more detailed data However
the response rate for the online questionnaire was poor with only ten
returned The interviews adopted a semi-structured approach to allow
for participants to talk freely about their experiences The author used
an interview guide to achieve this containing the areas of interest
rather than a structured set of interview questions (Appendix i)
Support for this project was received from a local fostering group and
that provided some resources for sourcing the sample
Initially the author had positive support from social workers and
professionals within the leaving care sector Although actual response
from local authority was limited only one out of four who received
the research pack responded Participation by third sector
organisations was similarly positive however commitment to be
interviewed could not be obtained
The sample consisted of four young people aged 16 plus involved in
the leaving care process and four professionals working within the
leaving care system Geographically broken down to Gwynedd
Conwy Telford and Wrekin and Caerphilly
The interviews took place either in their own home place of work or
a mutually comfortable setting agreed by the participants The
researcher offered anonymity to the participants and the interviews
were handled sensitively keeping the vulnerability of some of the
sample in mind
The interviews were concerned with
17
Whether the young person feels supported
Whether the resources are accessible and the young person is made
aware of everything available
Whether the duties of the LA are being met from both points of view
(professional and young person)
The view of the use of BampB accommodation
Whether the leaving care process helps or hinders their future
How universal are the services provided
Is there enough financial assistance available resources and financial
advice
Are the young peoplersquos voices heard
Has policy and practice improved over the last couple of decades
The interviews were voice recorded with consent and a diary was kept
for all fieldwork undertaken The study adopted a grounded
theoretical approach and the data subjected to content analysis
a) Ethical Consideration
The sample where given thorough information regarding the study in
order for them to make an informed choice whether to participate or
not Confidentiality was adhered to and any disclosures were handled
appropriately and with ethical consideration in mind The researcher
was aware of the vulnerability of the young people and the sensitive
nature of the study
Due to the sensitivity of the research the data gathered was securely
kept in a locked filing cabinet (paper) and secure password protected
file (electronic) and destroyed on completion of the study
Permission to undertake this study was granted after a thorough and
detailed ethics application
18
Chapter 4
Findings
a) Transition
ldquoYou wouldnrsquot dream of kicking your own kids out so young
They give these kids to much artificial support to encourage
them to leaverdquo (Foster carer)
This is clearly reverberated in the literature particularly in the
Barnardorsquos report Someone to Care Experiences of leaving care
(2014) which highlights the plight of young care leavers and the lack
of parental support contributing to difficult transitions In addition it
has already been identified in the literature review that for children not
in care the leaving home age ranges from 20- 34 (ONS 2014)
Communication for this specific young person appeared to be lacking
ldquoWell my social worker didnrsquot really talk about what
would happenhelliphellipthey were like lsquooh yeah you will get
your own placersquo hellipbut not what will happen afterhellipso I
rushed into it thinking it was a good idea I think they
said it too soon to me if they wouldnrsquot have said it I
would still be here (foster care) for a while So I rushed
into it I had just left school maybe it would be
better at 17 or 18rdquo (Care leaver A currently aged 18 LA
Gwynedd)
This statement by a young care leaver is echoed by a set of foster carers
It was found that by giving the young person an offer of their own flat
complete with some furnishings of their choice seemed to sway their
decision whether or not to leave This was especially the case for 16
year olds
These foster carers stated that their young person had indicated they
wanted to stay in care at least until 18 years old however with a change
of social worker came a change of heart
19
ldquoYou see we had talked about when he would leave but he said
lsquono I wouldnrsquot like to be in a house on my ownrsquo He wanted to
stay when he first came to us he was having nightmares hellip he is
still having problems now He wonrsquot sleep in his bedroom now
he sleeps in the living room with the TV on They (Social
Services team) didnrsquot take any of this into account When his
social worker changed to the 16+ one he was like lsquooh well I
might move outrsquordquo
This particular interview found the process of leaving care very hasty
with very little preparation The young person in question was
identified by the LA as vulnerable however according to the foster
carers the process continued regardless
ldquoHe suddenly was kicking against us The social worker said he
was a troubled child he just said he had issues We know about
confidentiality but we were part of the care package but they (16
+ team) would not involve us There was no communication
between the 16+ team and us It was like he is an adult and thatrsquos
thatrdquo
The foster carers suggested the young person was being coached to
leave There was a sudden decision made and the young person went
lsquooff the railsrsquo It seemed a place was offered to enable them to move
out and that was when reality hit
ldquohelliphe drank a bottle of vodka and was talking about suicide He
suffers from low self- esteem There was no help for that I think
this was brought on by them (16+ team) telling him there was a
space somewhere He kept saying lsquoIrsquom so sorryrsquo It was reality
he had been going through the motions before thisrdquo
This illustrates a terrible indictment of a rushed transition Added to
the trauma which led the young person to being in care this does not
present a positive outcome
The findings for this report support the previous literature Steinrsquos
(2012) extensive research in this area continually reveals hasty
transitions from care to independence
Legislation relating to young people leaving care states
20
lsquoIt is the duty of the local authority looking after a child to advise assist
and befriend him with a view to promoting his welfare when they have
ceased to look after himrsquo (19A Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000)
Indicating a rushed transition should not be promoted rather that it
should be a much slower process with time being given to prepare fully
for independence
In contrast one participant going through the leaving care system in
2004 and within a different LA (Telford and Wrekin) had a much more
positive experience
ldquoI left care at 18 I was in a childrenrsquos homehellipfoster care didnrsquot
suit me I was always running away I had brilliant support all
the way until I was 25 I went to supported living and I had help
to learn to cook and manage money and bills Then I had help to
find a flat and become independent I even still see some of the
people who supported me when I go back to Telfordrdquo (Care
leaver B aged 30)
This indicates a far more gradual transition to independence
Unfortunately the majority of the data within this study points more
often to the former rushed transition
ldquoI turned 18 and it was like hellipyoursquore an adult now I was in a
hostel then a homeless place that was scary there were all sorts
there I liked the place in Bala it was good there But when I
turned 18 I couldnrsquot stay It was like one minute I had everything
done for me then nothingrdquo (Care leaver C currently aged 19
LA Conwy)
This young person moved into private care and currently resides in a
mixed home for people with mental health problems He has Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (Appendix 2)
The research suggests past history is not always taken into account
when assessing the suitability of independent living for these young
people
ldquoHis issues should have been recognised then he would not have
been offered to leave at 16 The social worker had not made the
effort to look at his historyrdquo (Foster carer)
21
Taking the young peoplersquos history and circumstances into account
could offer a more positive outcome than simply their age
ldquoThey had eight files on me from when I was little My foster
carer nagged them until she was able to have them to read
Then she knew what had happenedrdquo (Care leaver D currently
aged 19 LA Caerphilly)
It is recognised in policy that the system still does not seem to perform
as it should The Care Leaversrsquo Strategy (2013) identifies the abrupt
transition experienced by these young people in its opening paragraphs
However the report fails to include lsquotransitionrsquo as a fundamental area
of concern Instead usual sections such as education employment
housing and so on are highlighted as lsquobroad areas of concernrsquo It would
seem the young peoplersquos emotional well- being which is clearly
affected by the hasty exit from care does not hold the same
governmental importance
Additionally it may be prudent to add at this point that Edward
Timpson Minister of State for Children and Families was contacted
for the purpose of this research Mr Timpson was involved in the
development of the Care Leaversrsquo Strategy and in addition to this grew
up with looked after children as his parents were foster carers There
was no response to the research (Appendix 3)
A fundamental issue surrounding rushed transitions is the view these
young people are now adults although they are still virtually as
vulnerable as children The serious case review into the murder of
Jayden Parkinson highlights this Jayden was 17 and considered an
adult by services and practitioners The review stated
lsquoToo often [Parkinson] was viewed as a difficult young person and not
recognised as a child in need of safeguarding Professionals and
agencies did not always fully understand the serious nature of the risks
to [her] or were too quick to be reassured that she would be able to
protect herself from those risksrsquo (Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children
Board 2016 62)
22
It would seem important for policy to start considering the young
personrsquos position in life rather than their age as an indicator of their
readiness for independence
b) Housing and Accommodation
The participants were asked about their experiences with housing when
leaving care Questions about choice suitability and geographic area
where considered Consistent with past research and previous literature
(Barnardorsquos [2] 2014) issues where found in all these areas
Once again the Care Leaversrsquo Strategy recognises these issues found
in research past and present surrounding housing
lsquoCare leavers are a vulnerable group of young adults who have
particular needs in relation to housing and homelessness Around a
quarter of those living on the streets have a background in care The
majority of care leavers leave care by the age of 18 and rising demands
on social housing and other accommodation is making it increasingly
difficult for young people to find suitable accommodation as they enter
adulthoodrsquo (2013 14)
These findings suggest a significant risk of homelessness for these
participants In actual fact without the charity Gisda (Appendix 4) the
options for young people in Gwynedd would be seriously limited
It has already been noted that nationally care leavers are overly
represented within the homeless and inadequately housed with 30 of
homeless people formerly being in care (Who Cares Trust 2014)
When considering choice Bed and Breakfast (BampB) accommodation
was not always used but choice did appear limited Geographical
consideration and suitable match for the young person does not always
seem possible
23
ldquoWell there was a bit of choice but it was mainly Caernarfon I
had shared housing with Gisda not BampB and then I got my flat
with Gisdardquo (Care leaver A)
Once again this is echoed by foster carers
ldquoHe moved into shared housing for two weekshelliphe was
terrified he slit his mattress to hide his laptop in it There wasnrsquot
much choice had he had the choice to stay in Penygroes he
would have He has been trying to get back here ever since He
is afraid in Caernarfon He has two brothers living there which
he has had problems with and his brotherrsquos friend He is quite a
fearful child and finds living in Caernarfon stressful When he
gets home to his flat from here he doesnrsquot go outrdquo
This does not seem to be reserved to just this LA either
ldquoI was in a hostel but I kicked off so was in a BampB for a couple
of days They said I was smoking in the room so I got kicked out
of therehellipdidnrsquot even get all my stuff Then my social worker
said I could stay with my mum for the weekend cause my sister
wasnrsquot there But then she came backhellipshe winds me uphellipI
kicked off but hit the window hellipI wanted to hit her So my mum
called the police helliprdquo (Care leaver D)
There appears to be insecurity surrounding housing Care leaver D
went on to lsquosofa surfrsquo and then went back to his motherrsquos even though
that episode left him with a criminal damage conviction [brought on by
his mother] His support seemed to end there
Care leaver A was asked if the flat with Gisda was permanent
ldquoNo itrsquos two years temporary I have three months leftrdquo
When asked what happens then
ldquoI think Irsquom on the top the list with housing so Irsquove gotta hope
something comes up or I will probably end up in BampB The thing
is once you have had the flat and you get to 18 you sort of go in
circles so you can be put in BampB Itrsquos a worry being three months
awayhelliphellipI keep phoning themrdquo
This was reiterated by the foster carers
ldquoI canrsquot see Gisda putting him out on the street but they have to
give him notice of eviction in order for the council to do
something about it Sometimes he stays with his cousin or his
24
dad if there is any room But he will probably have to lsquosofa
surfrsquohellip thatrsquos what his brother had to do That will put him on
the list he has to be homeless to get helprdquo
The question of supported living was raised for this particular
participant the foster carer replied
ldquoThere doesnrsquot seem to be any here But for him it wouldnrsquot
work he would worry about the other people there He is afraid
of people that do drugs there is a family history with drugsrdquo
However a neighbouring LA had positive experiences with supported
living Their providers of supported living and BampB accommodation
had been the same for over ten years which would indicate some
consistency The manager for the leaving care team for this LA
commented that the staff at the BampBrsquos offered a sympathetic approach
with more of a lsquofamily feelrsquo to the service Furthermore this LA had
long term relationships with landlords who specifically offered
tenancies to care leavers This demonstrates the importance of
consistency Although BampB may not seem ideal if there are good long
term relationships with service providers this can offer a positive short
term solution
Likewise care leaver B had the right experience with their
accommodation
ldquoI went from the childrenrsquos home to supported lodgings and after
that had my own flat The supported lodgings really helped me
learn how to look after myself I did go off the rails a bit when I
was about 23 but because of my support I sorted myself outrdquo
Though care leaver C will be moving once again in the near future It
seems his ADHD leaves the LA at a loss as to where this young person
should live The condition necessitates extra support to enable him to
manage independence
ldquoI like where I am But the funding for here runs out soon They
(social services) have said there is a new place in Abergele I
think itrsquos a shared house If I turn that down though I will make
myself intentionally homeless so there is no choicerdquo
25
This young personrsquos worries where resonated by his mother too He
entered care under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989 (Appendix 5)
as his mother was unable to manage his behaviour Her understanding
was that he would be care for until he reached 21 It may be argued he
is being cared for and is continuing to be Yet as stated earlier a mental
health facility may not be seen as ideal equally shared housing may
not offer the level of support required for an eventual and positive
departure from care
Regrettably national statistics have shown a rise of 108 per cent in the
number of young people in unsuitable accommodation from 1660 in
2014 to 1840 in 2015 This is reiterated by Carrie Wilson young
peoplersquos project co-ordinator at The Care Leaversrsquo Association
ldquoOn a basic level [BampBs] are seen as a ldquosaferdquo place but those young
people do not feel safe regardless of the interventions put into place to
support a young person if they do not feel like they have personal
safety at the end of the day their coping mechanisms start to break
downrdquo (Puffett and Orfford 2016)
The experiences of these participants suggests a chaotic existence in
line with the research undertaken by Barnardorsquos (2) (2014)
This does not present an improvement of services Government
statistics from 2011 suggested only 17 local authorities were housing
100 per cent of care leavers in suitable accommodation (Higgs 2011)
These are dismal statistics as research conducted by Stein (201280)
found from 2004 to 2009 the numbers of care leavers in suitable
accommodation had risen from 77 to 90 The statistics from 2011
could correlate with the age of austerity and social service budget cuts
(Stein 2012 24)
In Gwynedd since 2013 there has been the lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
available and similar to Englandrsquos lsquoStaying Putrsquo scheme (Appendix 6
amp 7) These schemes are now available throughout Wales and offer the
26
young person an opportunity to stay within their foster care placement
until the age of 21 or beyond if they are engaged in education or
training which started before their twenty first birthday This extended
stay may last until completion of the education or training on the
condition it is set out in the young personrsquos pathway plan The
opportunity offers a more gradual transition similar to young people in
the general population (Gwynedd Council 2014)
However there was no evidence of this scheme to have been offered to
care leaver A Care leavers C and D appear to have merely been
managed until the LA no longer had the duty of care
c) Pathway Plans Personal Advisors and Social
Workers
ldquoI donrsquot remember how many social workers I had hellipmaybe 14
or 15 by the time I left care They kept changingrdquo (Care leaver
D)
The participants were asked about their experiences with personal
advisors social workers the creation and implementation of their
pathway plans (Appendix 8) and whether they felt they were listened
to
It would seem having several social workers is commonplace
ldquoThe 16+ team didnrsquot seem to support him They changed social
worker but he didnrsquot seem to know what was going on Then they
changed again to one from the 16+ team Thatrsquos when his
behaviour changed One of his previous social workers was
fantastic and he worshipped herhellip If only they had kept that
social worker it would have made such a differencerdquo (Foster
carer)
For care leaver A this seems to have happened with the personal
advisor too When asked about their personal advisor
27
ldquoThere was a foster meeting the lady what was her namehellip Jan
she was really good She was with social services and Gisda
But then when they thought I was ok they transferred me to
someone elserdquo
Though for some there was more consistency Care leaver C suggested
a good relationship with their personal advisor They indicated regular
visits phone calls and planning meetings In turn this young person felt
they were being listened to when the pathway plan was produced
The manager for this LAs leaving care team confirms his perspective
on personal advisors
ldquoWe have a team of four personal advisors They have about 40
cases each but they do a great job All of their cases have a
mobile phone number for them and they are all very dedicated
and approachable [from the young personrsquos point of view] They
offer a vital link from care to independencerdquo
However once again this service appears inconsistent depending on
the LA
Added to this frequent changes of case worker suggest a difficulty in
completion and implementation of pathway plans and causes the
young person to feel they are not being listened to
ldquoI was kind of listened to but then my social worker changed so
I had to start againhellipthere was no relationship there cause they
kept changing We would do one pathway plan then the social
worker changed and we would have to do another onerdquo (Care
leaver A)
When the foster carers were asked about the pathway plan and whether
they thought their young person was listened to
ldquoHe didnrsquot have a proper pathway plan for leaving it was rushed
There was no proper structure He was listened to but without
question or consideration of the consequences They ticked their
boxes and he was off their handsrdquo
These experiences were evident in the earlier research by Munro et al
(2011) whereby young people felt their voices were not heard and the
meetings surrounding their exit from care caused anxiety and stress
28
The foster carers then suggested their current placement who had just
turned 16 may suffer the same
ldquoShe is just about to change to the 16+ team they canrsquot wait to
get her on thathellipit will be her third social worker in two years
She is adamant she doesnrsquot want to leave at 16 but if they dangle
the carrot of her own flat in front of her it might be differentrdquo
Furthermore for the foster carers support appears to be inconsistent
One set had just been assigned a new social worker the third in two
years
ldquoWe have a new social worker and she just ticks the boxes She
seems terrified to use her initiative One social worker I was
dealing with said there were five people who were either off or
had left and not been replaced in his office alonerdquo
It is well documented that retention of staff within social work is
increasingly difficult Added to which there a national shortage of
approximately 3500 social workers both hindering continuity for the
people they provide services to (Community Care 2014) This and
aforementioned cuts to funding within leaving care services may
explain how the inconsistency and a lack of relationship with social
workers described within this data can infringe on the process of
leaving care
With this in mind it is imperative to consider the legal implications at
this point It would appear within the legal framework there are lsquogrey
areasrsquo which can allow the experiences of care leaverrsquos A C and D to
occur The Children (Leaving Care) Act (2000) states that an
assessment of needs must be carried out by the LA for the said child
(a)while they are still looking after him and
(b)after they cease to look after him (19B 4)
The proviso for this is the child has been looked after for a period of
time and that they are aged 16 or 17 (19B 2 a amp b)
However the Care Act (2014) has a section dedicated to the needs of a
child in the transition to adulthood including the requirement for a
29
needs assessment but in relation to the childrsquos needs after the age of
18 Furthermore section 58 (4) insists the assessment should be carried
out whether the child consents or not if there is a risk of or experiencing
abuse or neglect Bearing in mind the vulnerability of these young
people the causes for them to have been placed in care in the first place
it would be fair to consider this group eligible for this assessment and
extended care Added to which one would expect a more thorough and
consistent assessment to be carried out Clearly with several changes to
case workers [as experienced by care leavers A and D] this legal
standard is not being met
Perhaps government and policy makers should consider case worker
retention and better working environments as fundamental aspects of
policy in turn offering better outcomes for the young people
(Appendix 9)
d) Financial aspects
ldquoThey told him to choose what he needed for the flat but only
some of it turned up There is something I heard of might be
from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation where some money is put
into an ISA which can be accessed once they are 18 This is
because they have been in care But I feel the danger of that is it
could all be blown on something else or used as a carrot to
encourage leaving care As far as I have seen they just go and
spend it all then itrsquos gone ndash they would be better giving them a
furnished flatrdquo (Foster carer)
The Care Leavers Strategy states it encourages LArsquos to offer at least
pound2000 as a lsquoSetting Up Home Allowancersquo (leaving care grant)
although as this is not a legal requirement the amount varies from LA
to LA Care leaver A received in the region of pound400 (Gwynedd LA)
However the manager for Conwy laving care team indicated the
amount their care leavers receive is dependent on what they need This
is also stated on the LArsquos web site (Appendix 8) It may be suggested
that young people within less affluent LArsquos will fare worse financially
30
The Strategy maintains care leavers are entitled to a pound1200 bursary if
they are attending further education and a pound2000 bursary for higher
education This is financed by the Department for Education (2013
10) Extra funding of this kind would appear significant for these young
people however if the earlier literature is considered the statistics for
this grouprsquos educational achievements did not present well (See
chapter one) As this funding is reliant on the young person being in
education there will be a significant proportion unable to access this
extra help
Conwy LA did suggest promising outcomes for employment for their
care leavers with many undertaking apprenticeships within the
councilrsquos departments
ldquoWe have a number of our young people working and training in
the council (Conwy) with a selection of apprenticeships
specifically for them Some do go on to stay with us being
offered permanent contractsrdquo (Leaving care team manager)
Unfortunately a comparison cannot be made with other LArsquos or
voluntary organisations in this area as there was no response to the
research
Care leaver A did have temporary employment with a local leisure
centre although when a permanent contract was offered it was of a zero
hourrsquos nature
ldquoI wasnrsquot worth me taking ithellipI would lose my benefit and have
no guarantee of workrdquo
Care leaver C started a college course and managed a couple of shifts
in a restaurant kitchen however his chaotic accommodation provision
and a lack of support for his ADHD hampered his continuation
Care leaver D is NEET (Appendix 11) and has been since his exit from
care It would seem this has not been assisted by his family [to which
he returned] who have also never been in employment and his
reluctance to receive any more services It may be suggested his high
31
level of case worker turnover contributed to his reluctance Equally his
chaotic existence before entering care disrupted his education added
the rushed transition from care has not facilitated good employment
prospects
e) Evaluation and Reflection
When evaluating this research one must acknowledge the limitations
when assessing the size of the sample
Despite persistence there was a reluctance by professionals particularly
to participate Out of four LAs contacted only one responded and
agreed to be interviewed One LA received the research pack three
times follow up calls were made several times to no avail The same
may be said for the voluntary sector in spite of positive telephone
conversations and receipt of the research pack Barnardorsquos and Gisda
did not consent to be interviewed Therefore the findings were
somewhat one sided and the professional perspective limited
However even with the limited sample the original hypothesis of the
leaving care system failing the young people has a degree of truth
Equally the findings are reflective of earlier research identified in
chapter 2
There is certainly scope for further and more considerable research
within this field Although for future studies it may be beneficial to use
focus group methodology to encourage professional participation This
would possibly generate an improved response rate in comparison to
the online questionnaire used for the initial stages of this project The
face to face follow up interviews proved difficult to organise although
it was difficult to decipher whether this was due to a reluctance to
engage in the research or a lack of available time
32
Chapter 5
Conclusion
In conclusion the data collected for this study shows a system that sadly
does fail its young people Certainly in Gwynedd the leaving care
process is seemingly rushed and centred around a personrsquos age rather
than their readiness for independence Of course it may be argued there
has to be a lsquocut off pointrsquo and young people have to become
independent at some time for legal purposes that lsquopointrsquo is dictated by
their age It would seem this is the case regardless of the harm it may
cause Furthermore it could be argued this hasty process is a breach of
the young personrsquos human rights however despite searching no cases
were found
In 2006 research conducted by Mendes and Moselhuddin concluded
the leaving care process should be a gradual process based on levels of
maturity and ability to manage independence rather than simply age
The same recommendation is echoed in the majority of research both
past and present It would seem that ten years on we are no closer to an
ideal solution
For care leaver A C and D the outcome was poor Certainly they did
not feel supported through the transition although care leaver C had
significantly better support from their personal advisor post 18
However despite this support care leaver C was still living in less than
ideal circumstances and about to be moved once again
In line with the literature this study although with the limited sample
found immense inconsistencies within the system and in every area
from support to financial assistance
Evidently for some the system works against an already disadvantaged
group abandoning when needed the most so to speak
33
It would seem the introduction of legislation and the Transitions
Guidance to strengthen practice and policy has failed to make a
significant improvement especially surrounding the lsquolevelling uprsquo of
services Attributed by the cost cutting imposed on LArsquos by central
government this is hardly surprising
There are some encouraging outcomes such as care leaver B receiving
immense support from their LA beyond policy and legal requirement
This is in line with some of Steinrsquos (2012 81) research and positive
outcomes are underpinned by the level of good consistent and accurate
support received by the individual Yet as this study has found this is
not consistent or universal
It is clear inconsistencies lack of support young and rushed transitions
all contribute to poorer outcomes for this group of young people A
group which are already disadvantaged and at a much higher risk of
social exclusion
As a society we should consider these young people as just that ndash young
people Often with the same dreams and aspirations as any other young
person On the contrary perhaps we should consider these young
people further as many will have already been let down by society
Either way they are entitled to as much support guidance and
opportunity as any other Regrettably this does not seem to be the case
as despite advances in research policy and legislation the same
inconsistencies and failures appear to occur time and time again
The study has shown the importance of understanding the young
peoplersquos history Of understanding former problems or areas of
concern This aids the transition to independence as it identifies where
the support is needed and individualizes the young person There
cannot be a lsquoone size fits allrsquo approach to the leaving care system as
one can see these young people are individual It has identified how
fundamental it is to include a young personrsquos foster carers when
considering independence to recognise the relationship they may have
34
with the young person and the key role they play after leaving care (as
with care lever A)
With this in mind one must acknowledge the leaving care system has
indeed improved over the last 30 years however it needs to continue to
progress if there is any hope of achieving a consistent service with more
even and positive outcomes for these young people
35
Bibliography
Action for Children (2014) [Online]
Available at httpwwwactionforchildrenorgukour-
servicesadoption-fostering-and-children-in-carechildren-in-
careleaving-care
Barnardorsquos (2014)[1] [Online] Someone to Care Experiences of
leaving care Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorguksomeone_to_care_final_feb2014pdf
(Accessed 07 October 2015)
Barnardorsquos (2014)[2] [Online] The costs of not caring supporting
English care leavers into independence Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf (Accessed 07
October 2015)
Biehal N Clayden J Stein M and Wade J (1995) Moving On
Young people and leaving care schemes London HMSO
Broad B (2005) Improving the Health and Well-Being of Young
People Leaving Care Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing
Burgess C (1981) In Care and Into Work London Tavistock
Care Leaverrsquos Foundation (with Children and Young People Now)
(2009) [Online] Setting Up A place to call home Bala Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation Available at
httpwwwthecareleaversfoundationorgsitedatafilesSetting_Up_A
_Place_to_Callpdf (Accessed 06 April 2015)
Care Leavers Strategy (2013) [Online] Available at
httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachment_
datafile266484Care_Leaver_Strategypdf (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Care Act (2014) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga201423part1crossheadingtra
nsition-for-children-to-adult-care-and-support-etcenacted (Accessed
01 March 2016)
Children and Families Act 2014 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga20146section98enacted
(Accessed 02 October 2015)
36
Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200035pdfsukpga_20000035_
enpdf (Accessed 19 March 2015)
Children and Young Persons Act (2008) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200823contents (Accessed 02
October 2015)
Community Care (2014) [Online] Councils struggling to retain social
workers in face of high caseloads and competition over pay
Available at httpwwwcommunitycarecouk20140130councils-
struggling-retain-social-workers-face-high-caseloads-competition-
pay (Accessed 22 February 2016)
Courtney M Terrao S and Bost N (2004) Midwest evaluation of
the adult functioning of former foster youth Conditions of youth
preparing to leave state care Outcomes at age 19 Chicago Chapin
Hall Centre for Children at University of Chicago
Daly F (2012) lsquoMy voice has to be heardrsquo Research on outcomes
for young people leaving care in North Dublin Dublin EPIC
Dixon J and Baker C (2012) lsquoThe Housing Experience of Young
People Leaving Care in England What helpsrsquo Developing Practice
The Child Youth and Family Work Journal Issue 32 National Care
Advisory Service (NCAS)
wwweducationgovuk [Online]
Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20130123124929httpw
wweducationgovukresearchandstatisticsstatisticsa00195573
Family Rights Group (2014) [Online] Support for Young People
Leaving the Care System Available at
httpwwwfrgorgukimagesAdvice_Sheets16-support-for-young-
people-leaving-carepdf (Accessed 29 September 2015)
The Fostering Network (2014) [Online] Staying Put Available at
httpswwwfosteringnetall-about-fosteringprovidersstaying-put-
updateVg5D-PRdX1Y (Accessed 02 October 2015)
Godek S (1976) Leaving Care Barkingside Barnardorsquos
Gwynedd Council (2014) [Online] lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
Available at
httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrutin
y20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20When
37
20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf (Accessed
22 February 2016)
Harris R J (1982) Institutionalized Ambivalence Social Work and
the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 British Journal of Social
Work Vol12 pp 247-263
Higgs L (2011) [Online] Housing crisis around the corner for care
leavers experts warn Children and Young People Now Available
at httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1050066housing-crisis-
corner-care-leavers-experts-warn (Accessed 17 February 2016)
Hiles D Moss D Thorne L Wright J and Dallos R (2014) ldquoSo
what am Irdquo ndash Multiple perspectives on young peoplersquos experience of
leaving care Children and Youth Services Review Vol 41 pp 1-15
House of Commons (1968) Report of the Committee on Local
Authority and Allied Personal Social Services London HMSO
Hutchinson D (2013) [Online] Catch 22 National Care Advisory
Service (NCAS) Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads9b7793d8be6ffc05a501df3df
4a1ef5fpdf
Jackson S and Cameron C (2012) lsquoLeaving Care Looking ahead
and aiming higherrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 34 (6)
pp 1107-1114
Mendes P and Moslehuddin B (2006) lsquoFrom Dependence to
Interdependence Towards Better Outcomes for Young People
Leaving State Carersquo Child Abuse Review Vol15 pp 110-166
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2006) Young peoplersquos views on leaving
care Newcastle Commission for Social Care Inspection
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2012) Young peoplersquos views on care
and aftercare Office of the Childrenrsquos Rights Director London
Ofsted
Mulvey T (1977) lsquoAfter-care ndash who caresrsquo Concern No 26
London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Munro E Lushey C and Ward H (2011) Evaluation of the
Right2BCared4 Pilots Final report (NCAS) London Department
for Education
38
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2011) Making the Cut
Planning Transitions for Care Levers in an Age of Austerity London
NCAS
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2012) [Online] Statistical
Briefing Looked after children and care leavers 2012 Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads0e9a6e4f266b8e96ad7c8e25
7bd53982pdf (Accessed 30 March 2015)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2013)
[Online] The NICE quality standard on the health and wellbeing of
looked after children and young people Available at
httpwwwniceorgukguidanceQS31chapterQuality-statement-8-
Support-to-move-to-independence (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Office for National Statistics (2014) [Online] Large increase in 20 to
34-year-olds living with parents since 1996 Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20160105160709httpw
wwonsgovukonsrelfamily-demographyyoung-adults-living-with-
parents2013sty-young-adultshtml (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board (2016) [Online] Child J ndash
Domestic Homicide Review and Serious Case Review (combined)
Available at httpwwwoscborgukwp-contentuploadsChild-J-
OSCB-Overview-Reportpdf (Accessed 25 February 2016)
Page R and Clark G (eds) (1977) Who Cares Young People in
Care Speak Out London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Puffett N and Orfford A (2016) [Online] Increasing numbers of
care leavers in unsuitable accommodation Children and Young
People Now Available at
httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1155917increasing-numbers-of-
care-leavers-in-unsuitable-accommodation (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Samuels G M and Pryce J M (2008) ldquoWhat doesnrsquot kill you
makes you strongerrdquo Survivalist self-reliance as resilience and risk
among young adults aging out of foster care Children and Youth
Services Review Vol 30 (10) pp 1198-1210
Stein M (2002) Young People Leaving Care A Research
Perspective In A Wheal ed The RHP Companion to Leaving Care
Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing pp 28-33
39
Stein M (2004) What works for young people leaving care
Barkingside Barnardos
Stein M (2006) lsquoYoung people aging out of care The poverty of
theoryrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 28 (4) pp 422-434
Stein M (2012) Young People Leaving Care Supporting Pathways
to Adulthood London Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Stein M and Carey K (1986) Leaving Care Oxford Blackwell
Stein M and Ellis S (1983) Gizza Say Reviews and Young People
in Care London NAYPIC
Stein M and Maynard C (1985) Irsquove Never Been So Lonely
London NAYPIC
Stone M (1990) Young People Leaving Care A study of
management systems service delivery and user evaluation UK The
Royal Philanthropic Society
The Who Carersquos Trust (2014) [Online] Leaving Care Available at
httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpagesleaving-care-what-
happens-post-16html
Wade J (2011) lsquoPreparation and transition planning for
unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee young people A review
of evidence in Englandrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol
33 pp 2424-2430
Wade J and Dixon J (2006) lsquoMaking a home finding a job
investing early housing and employment outcomes for young people
leaving carersquo Child and Family Social Work Vol 11 (3) pp 199-208
Wade J Mitchel F and Baylis G (2005) Unaccompanied asylum
seeking children The response of social services London BAAF
40
Appendix
1) httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf page 25
Karenrsquos story
2) httpwwwnhsukConditionsAttention-deficit-hyperactivity-
disorderPagesIntroductionaspx
3) Email received in response to a request for Mr Timpson (Minister
of State for Children and Families) to answer three questions
regarding care leavers
Dear MsthinspThompsonthinsp
I am writing on behalf of the Minister of State for Children and
Families to thank you for your email of 9 February about your
dissertation
I am sorry but the department receives so many requests like yours
that we are unable to respond to them other than to point you to
sources of information I would therefore suggest that you look at the
departmentrsquos website
at httpswwwgovuksearchq=care+leavers+strategy
I hope you find this link helpful and that you are able to find the
information you need
Your correspondence has been allocated reference number 2016-
0008179 If you need to respond to us please
visit httpswwweducationgovukcontactus and quote your
reference number
As part of our commitment to improving the service we provide to
our customers we are interested in hearing your views and would
welcome your comments via our website
at httpswwweducationgovukpcusurvey
Yours sincerely
Kelly Walkerthinsp
Ministerial and Public Communications Division
Web
[httpswwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovuk]https
wwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovukgt
Twitter httpswwwtwittercomeducationgovuk
Facebook httpswwwfacebookcomeducationgovuk
41
[httpswwweducationgovukimages2irisdfepng]
4) httpwwwgisdaorgengamdanom-nihtml
5) httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga198941section20
6)httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrut
iny20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20Whe
n20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf
7)httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachme
nt_datafile201015Staying_Put_Guidancepdf
8) httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpageswhats-a-pathway-
planhtml
9) httpjobscommunitycarecoukarticlecoventry-tops-london-in-
the-best-place-to-live-league-tablescmpid=EMP|JOBS|SCJOB-
2016-0224-CH|READMORE-COVampcmpid
10) httpwwwconwygovukdocaspcat=4800ampdoc=19742
11)httpresearchbriefingsparliamentukResearchBriefingSummary
SN06705
42
i) Interview Guide
Generic areas of question
Age upon leaving care
Staying put scheme
Financial help
Choice of housing
Suitability of accommodation
Geographical position of accommodation
Further education
Access to support eg Personal Advisor social worker
Input with Pathway plan
Being listened to
Transition
Keeping in touch
Difference with peers
43
4
Table of Contents Chapter 1 5
Introduction 5
Chapter 2 8
A Review of the Literature 8
Chapter 3 16
Methodology 16
a) Ethical Consideration 17
Chapter 4 18
Findings 18
a) Transition 18
b) Housing and Accommodation 22
c) Pathway Plans Personal Advisors and Social Workers 26
d) Financial aspects 29
e) Evaluation and Reflection 31
Chapter 5 32
Conclusion 32
Appendix 40
5
Chapter 1
Introduction
The purpose of this project is to explore aspects of the leaving care
system how it currently operates and if or how the outcome for these
young people may be improved
This is important as the young people involved are usually incredibly
vulnerable and often stigmatised The question whether the current
system offers them good support and guidance suitable to their needs
will be examined This is especially relevant as the number of care
leavers has steadily risen since 1985 (Hutchinson 2013)
At present Action for Children identifies that young care leavers are
ldquothree times more likely to be cautioned or convicted of an offence
four times more likely to have a mental health disorder
five times less likely to achieve five good GCSEs eight times more
likely to be excluded from school and less likely to go to university
one in five homeless people are care leaversrdquo (2014 DfES 2007)
In 1968 the Seebohm Report the restructuring of the personal social
services including the suggestion of a complete after care service for
young people was considered This would be provided by the new
social service departments rather than the probation service which
supervised the young people at that time This and the knowledge
gained by childcare experts shaped the Children and Young Persons
Act 1969 (House of Commons 1968 para 257 cited in Stein
201215) The implementation of the act influenced by the emergence
of social work as a solid profession was due to the suggestion that
young people would be better served away from the juvenile court
system (Harris 1982)
6
However due to the poverty and identifying several social problems
during this time focus on care-leavers declined Though social services
were reorganised along with the implementation of the Children and
Young Persons Act 1969 in 1971 this did not lead to improve the after
care services ndash rather the opposite Studies such as Godek (1976) and
Mulvey (1977) emphasised the difficulties the young people faced
upon leaving care
There was an end to the probation services involvement a change in
approved school orders to all-purpose care orders and approved school
being replaced by Community Homes with Education all of which
aided the demise of specialist after-care officers Due to the social
climate of the time Stein (2012 16) notes ldquocare leavers became a
forgotten grouprdquo
This is reflected in the lack of literature pre 1970 due to scarce research
taking place at this time Added to which the lack of research was
attributed to favourable economic conditions and full youth
employment during the aftermath of World War II It seems only by
the beginning of the 1970rsquos as social work developed and looked
towards the future did research into young peoplersquos outcomes within
the care system take place (Stein 2012 14)
Nevertheless from 1973 young people came together to talk about their
experiences in care A ldquolack of power over their livesrdquo in relation to
their finances their own reviews and the opportunity to learn
independent skills whilst in care lead to the formation of local groups
such as the lsquoWho Cares Projectrsquo and the lsquoNational Association of
Young People in Carersquo This resulted in giving them a voice (Stein
2012 17) and small scale studies began to take place For example
Godek (1976) Mulvey (1977) and Page and Clark (1977) in the
1970rsquos In the 1980rsquos studies were undertaken by Burgess (1981) Stein
and Ellis (1983) Stein and Meynard (1985) and Stein and Carey
(1986) amongst others These studies found the aforementioned
7
challenges with finance and so on added to which more often than not
young people left care at 16 and were required to live independently
(Stein 2012 17) One reoccurring theme throughout the studies taking
place was the lack of preparation for this vulnerable group for living
independently The latter studies finding high levels of care leavers
becoming homeless
More recently this topic is of particular importance as the data held for
2012 found there were 67050 young people in care [by local
authority] of those 10000 aged 16 or over left care (NCAS 2012)
Stein (2002 32) notes their transition to adulthood is lsquocompressed and
acceleratedrsquo With this in mind Stein (2006 423) states that these
young people are ldquohellipthe most excluded groups of young people in
societyrdquo
Furthermore in light of the refugee crisis emerging from Syria there
is another particularly vulnerable group This group is identified by the
United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) as someone below the age
of 18 (or appearing to be should the proof be lacking) and claiming
asylum in their own right with no significant adult in the UK to provide
care (Wade 2011 2424-2425) Under UK guidelines a young person
may be given support whilst they are under the age of 18 only to be at
risk of deportation upon reaching 18 years old (Family Rights Group
2014) A study conducted by Wade (et al 2005) found younger
unaccompanied refugees received more thorough assessment of needs
as opposed to 16 and 17 year olds of the same status This being
resource driven due to less government funding for this age group
Added to which previous studies (Courtney Terrao and Bost 2004
Stein 2004) have also identified within this group of young people an
inconsistency of preparation for independence
The inconsistency of service delivery appears to apply to citizen young
people along with non-citizen
8
Chapter 2
A Review of the Literature
lsquoIf I had parents to go to I would go to my parents and ask them
for help Or Irsquod be with my parents so the strain wouldnrsquot be so
much But I donrsquot have anybody I donrsquot have anyone to turn torsquo
(Care leaver in Barnardorsquos (1) 2014)
Most parents have positive expectations for their own children and are
there offering full support when their child moves into independence
However children leaving the care system often have to live without
this Lack of parental support clearly contributes to a difficult
transition into independence (Barnardorsquos (1) 2014 1)
As previously noted literature pre 1970 is scarce Here the focus will
be on more recent findings in the consistency of services for care
leavers The service areas are
Housing and accommodation
Finance
Transition
It is noted by Stein (2012) that in the view of young care leavers foster
carers care workers and personal advisors that the young people left
care too young The earlier research notes the same problem Young
care leavers are being moved on from the age of 16 whereas studies
found the median age for leaving home was 22 for men and 20 for
women (Biehal et al 1995 30) In recent times the number of young
people [not in care] still living at home with their parents has risen from
27 million in 1996 to 33 million in 2013 their ages ranging from 20
ndash 34 (ONS 2014) It may be seen therefore how difficult it can be for
9
young people in Local Authority (hereafter LA) care to leave at such a
young age
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE 2013)
supported by the NSPCC state that ldquocare leavers move to independence
at their own pacerdquo recognising how difficult this time may be
Currently a new duty has been placed upon LArsquos in England This
implementation named the lsquoStaying Putrsquo scheme came into force in
May 2014 (part 5 Welfare of Children (98) of the Children and
Families Act 2014) and offers young people the chance to stay on in
their foster home where the LA regards this consistent with the welfare
of the young person although this does not include residential care
Additional funding has been allocated for each individual LArsquos for this
However nationally this service is inconsistent In Scotland a similar
scheme has been introduced in 2015 also including residential care
Wales has placed the same duty on their LArsquos through the lsquoWhen Irsquom
Readyrsquo scheme though no additional funding has been allocated (The
Fostering Network 2014)
Housing is a fundamental area of concern for young care leavers
Literature pre 1980rsquos is scarce for all issues however due to this lack of
information a National Survey of Leaving Care Schemes was
conducted in 1989 During this time housing was the most common
service provided to young care leavers After housing other services
were offered such as counselling advocacy training preparation for
leaving care and advice on leisure facilities food and clothing
However these services were not universal and most did not offer any
preparation for leaving care (Stone 1990 7)
More recently the LA are duty bound to provide such services
universally Current legislation held in the Children (Leaving Care) Act
2000 states ldquoIt is the duty of the local authority looking after a child to
advise assist and befriend him with a view to promoting his welfare
when they have ceased to look after himrdquo More recent legislation held
10
within the Children and Young Persons Act (2008) along with the
Transitions Guidance for LArsquos to assist with strengthening policy and
practice framework to encourage a lsquolevelling uprsquo of services (Stein
2012 24)
Although these measures are currently in place it is suggested by Dixon
and Baker (2012) that service quality and effectiveness is not consistent
and varies from LA to LA This is not surprising as a survey carried out
in 2011 by the National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) reported high
level of funding cuts to leaving care services (varying from 7 to 15)
making implementation of the Transitions Guidance problematic
Additionally it is apparent housing and accommodation are high on
the list of issues facing care leavers The LArsquos are only duty bound to
provide lsquosuitable accommodationrsquo to 16 and 17 year olds Once a care
leaver reaches 18 the LArsquos are only required to assist with
accommodation advice and support as far as their [young personrsquos]
welfare requires it
Dixon and Baker (2012) continue to identify that although legislation
and advances in support services have increased over the last couple of
decades from knowledge gained through research young care leavers
are still over- represented within the homeless and inadequately
housed With this in mind it is not surprising to find that recent figures
suggest 30 of homeless people have been in the care system (The
Who Carersquos Trust 2014)
This is evident in research compiled by Barnardorsquos (2) (2014) were by
even with the advances in policy the case studies show a chaotic
existence for some young people Several moves from one unsuitable
accommodation to another periods of homelessness and being moved
out of familiar areas [geographically] remains a prominent feature
(Appendix 1)
11
Stone (1990) identified this issue twenty years prior to Dixon
indicating the evidence then showed an over-representation of care
leavers experiencing homelessness The same problem occurs in
literature by Stein and Carey (1986) from their study during 1982
It is noted by Morgan and Lindsey (2012) that there is a need for more
support with accommodation however Munro et al (2011) identified
out of the young people offered extra support the take up was only
about 50 This may be due to wanting to get rid of the lsquobeing in carersquo
label or perhaps a lack of understanding of the extra support offered
There is evidence within the literature that finances present a
significant issue to care leavers (Broad 2005 Munro et al 2011
Stein 2012 54)
Regional differences in the levels of financial support in the form of
leaving care grants is significant ranging from pound400 to pound2000 with the
average payment being pound1000 (Broad 200547) Stein (2012) notes
more recently the leaving care grant still lack in consistency ranging
from zero to pound2000 A survey carried out by the Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation (2009) calculated the young people needed at least pound2500
in order to set up the most basic essentials to live independently [of 150
LArsquos surveyed only one provided this amount]
These financial inconsistencies clearly present challenges not only with
basic needs such as food and housing but also the ability to participate
in leisure activities and higher education This exclusion has a
potentially damaging impact on the health and well-being for young
people who are already vulnerable (Jackson and Cameron 2012)
Furthermore a lack of understanding of financial matters can lead to
long term debt and financial difficulties
ldquoIrsquom still paying off debts now [nine years after living in her first
independent placement] if somebody had have gone through
these bills bills I didnrsquot even know existed Irsquove had to figure
everything out myself Irsquove had to learn the hard way If I had
12
have had support with that it would have changed thingsrdquo (Care
leaver in Barnardorsquos (2) 2014 13)
There is evidence the young peoplersquos voices may not be listened to
The meetings and reviews appear stressful for the young people (Daly
2012) A large proportion felt ignored during meetings (Munro et al
2011 28) and approximately a third felt their lsquoPathway Planrsquo [the LA
is duty bound to have a Pathway Plan to assist in the transition to
independent living] was not adhered to at all It is noted young people
wish to have more control of when they leave care and for the
transition to be more gradual and less rushed (Morgan and Lindsey
2012 Morgan and Lindsey 2006)
Mendes and Moselhuddin (2006 113) note lsquoGraduation from care
needs to become a far more gradual and flexible process based on levels
of maturity and skill development rather than simply agersquo
Furthermore this view is held by the young people involved
ldquoI didnrsquot want to go I still had to go anyway I didnrsquot have a
choiceI was moving out at eighteen end of discussion and the
bit that really pissed me [off] is [that] they chucked me out on
my eighteenth birthdayrdquo (Care leaver in Munro et al 2011 21)
Although the age has been extended to 18 before a young person has to
leave care [unless they are in full time education] an Independent
Reviewing Officer (IRO) in Munro et al (2011 23) states
ldquoWe identified fairly quickly that all it has done is just knock it
back two years erm you know what used to be 16hellipused to have
all these arguments Wersquove shunted it back to 18 but you know
our 18 year olds are just as vulnerable as those 16 year olds
wererdquo
It is clear within the literature the young people fundamentally require
consistency and support from leaving care workers and services to aid
their transition from care to independence (Munro et al 2011 21)
Pride and an inability to ask for help to access services is apparent It
is recognised that many care leavers where reluctant to allow
13
themselves to be cared for The young people were more comfortable
with caring for others This is a result of often having to adopt the role
of carer within their birth family (Samuels and Pryce 2008 1203-
1205) However the literature does not identify other underlying
reasons for the young people having difficulty in accepting help
themselves Reasons such as lack of self- esteem and self- worth due to
the trauma they may have suffered
The transition to independence brings with it feelings of isolation and
loneliness which were connected to losing their carers
ldquoItrsquos hard to think that people you lived with for nine years are
not in your life anymorerdquo
(Care leaver in Morgan 2012 22)
There is evidence these feelings may also be connected to moving away
from friends and professionals changes in social workers and a
transition to adult services
One author notes the young people are living life lsquoin limborsquo (Hiles et
al 2014 6) It is suggested as the young people approach their
eighteenth birthday they are in a state of limbo knowing they may not
be lsquoin carersquo not knowing if they can lsquostay putrsquo with foster carers or
lsquomoving onrsquo to independent accommodation Leaving care workers
involved in Hilesrsquo et al (2014) study describe having ldquoinsufficient time
to prepare some young people for this transitionrdquo especially the young
people who had experienced problems in maintaining stable
placements prior to leaving care
Moreover the system is described as ldquochaotic and complexrdquo forced to
react rather than respond to crisis The cause of this is identified
through poor staff retention and therefore the use of temporary staff
leaving a lack of continuity and consistency (Hiles et al 2014 7)
This research examines policies potentially promoting negative
consequences For example a disengagement of adult mental health
services leading to re-engagement of childrenrsquos services those young
14
people most able being offered more support through education
leaving some young people of low risk but still vulnerable in an isolated
position Also it was noted the young people leaving care to return
home to their birth families for longer than six months lose access to
services when they may actually still be in a vulnerable position (Hiles
et al2014 7)
However Stein (2012 81) suggests there is evidence that most young
people experience good outcomes after leaving care Positive outcomes
are underpinned by the relationship between the young person and the
leaving care teams In addition the evidence points to a positive sense
of well-being when settled and happy even if past or leaving care
experiences have been negative (Wade and Dixon 2006)
In conclusion the literature identifies the inconsistency within leaving
care systems These inconsistencies span throughout the services
available to care leavers from financial to pathway planning and
implementation There is evidence of a somewhat uneven service
delivery despite policy stipulations
There has been an encouraging influx of research in the last fifteen
years or so which should promote a continued improvement in policy
and outcome for this fundamentally vulnerable group in society
There is evident progress within the leaving care system which has
been noted by Stein Wade and Dixon However despite progress
within the system [the introduction of personal advisors Pathway
Plans and specific leaving care teams] and extensive research
informing policy makers the uneven delivery still exists Additionally
care leavers are still disadvantaged compared to their peers even with
the progress that has been made
There is an emphasis on a proactive and preventative approach and a
significant need for placement stability underpinned by systematic and
consistent services As it stands young people are currently being
15
ldquopushed into fighting against a systemrdquo rather than a system that works
together for a positive outcome (Hiles et al 2014 11)
Contingency plans are an important recommendation outlined in recent
research as a necessity to prevent care leavers falling into crisis These
plans need to be in place regardless of assessed lsquoneedrsquo Moreover
access to an independent visitor enabling another supportive
relationship to be formed along with personal advisors would offer
greater assistance when decisions are being made for the young
personrsquos future (Barnardorsquos 2014 23)
Now the research is taking place identifying young peoplersquos
experiences of leaving care it is necessary to listen in order to make
effective changes in policy and practice to achieve better outcomes for
this vulnerable group
16
Chapter 3
Methodology
This research is of a qualitative nature The methodology included an
online questionnaire (n=50) to identify common themes followed up
by face- to-face interviews (n=10) for more detailed data However
the response rate for the online questionnaire was poor with only ten
returned The interviews adopted a semi-structured approach to allow
for participants to talk freely about their experiences The author used
an interview guide to achieve this containing the areas of interest
rather than a structured set of interview questions (Appendix i)
Support for this project was received from a local fostering group and
that provided some resources for sourcing the sample
Initially the author had positive support from social workers and
professionals within the leaving care sector Although actual response
from local authority was limited only one out of four who received
the research pack responded Participation by third sector
organisations was similarly positive however commitment to be
interviewed could not be obtained
The sample consisted of four young people aged 16 plus involved in
the leaving care process and four professionals working within the
leaving care system Geographically broken down to Gwynedd
Conwy Telford and Wrekin and Caerphilly
The interviews took place either in their own home place of work or
a mutually comfortable setting agreed by the participants The
researcher offered anonymity to the participants and the interviews
were handled sensitively keeping the vulnerability of some of the
sample in mind
The interviews were concerned with
17
Whether the young person feels supported
Whether the resources are accessible and the young person is made
aware of everything available
Whether the duties of the LA are being met from both points of view
(professional and young person)
The view of the use of BampB accommodation
Whether the leaving care process helps or hinders their future
How universal are the services provided
Is there enough financial assistance available resources and financial
advice
Are the young peoplersquos voices heard
Has policy and practice improved over the last couple of decades
The interviews were voice recorded with consent and a diary was kept
for all fieldwork undertaken The study adopted a grounded
theoretical approach and the data subjected to content analysis
a) Ethical Consideration
The sample where given thorough information regarding the study in
order for them to make an informed choice whether to participate or
not Confidentiality was adhered to and any disclosures were handled
appropriately and with ethical consideration in mind The researcher
was aware of the vulnerability of the young people and the sensitive
nature of the study
Due to the sensitivity of the research the data gathered was securely
kept in a locked filing cabinet (paper) and secure password protected
file (electronic) and destroyed on completion of the study
Permission to undertake this study was granted after a thorough and
detailed ethics application
18
Chapter 4
Findings
a) Transition
ldquoYou wouldnrsquot dream of kicking your own kids out so young
They give these kids to much artificial support to encourage
them to leaverdquo (Foster carer)
This is clearly reverberated in the literature particularly in the
Barnardorsquos report Someone to Care Experiences of leaving care
(2014) which highlights the plight of young care leavers and the lack
of parental support contributing to difficult transitions In addition it
has already been identified in the literature review that for children not
in care the leaving home age ranges from 20- 34 (ONS 2014)
Communication for this specific young person appeared to be lacking
ldquoWell my social worker didnrsquot really talk about what
would happenhelliphellipthey were like lsquooh yeah you will get
your own placersquo hellipbut not what will happen afterhellipso I
rushed into it thinking it was a good idea I think they
said it too soon to me if they wouldnrsquot have said it I
would still be here (foster care) for a while So I rushed
into it I had just left school maybe it would be
better at 17 or 18rdquo (Care leaver A currently aged 18 LA
Gwynedd)
This statement by a young care leaver is echoed by a set of foster carers
It was found that by giving the young person an offer of their own flat
complete with some furnishings of their choice seemed to sway their
decision whether or not to leave This was especially the case for 16
year olds
These foster carers stated that their young person had indicated they
wanted to stay in care at least until 18 years old however with a change
of social worker came a change of heart
19
ldquoYou see we had talked about when he would leave but he said
lsquono I wouldnrsquot like to be in a house on my ownrsquo He wanted to
stay when he first came to us he was having nightmares hellip he is
still having problems now He wonrsquot sleep in his bedroom now
he sleeps in the living room with the TV on They (Social
Services team) didnrsquot take any of this into account When his
social worker changed to the 16+ one he was like lsquooh well I
might move outrsquordquo
This particular interview found the process of leaving care very hasty
with very little preparation The young person in question was
identified by the LA as vulnerable however according to the foster
carers the process continued regardless
ldquoHe suddenly was kicking against us The social worker said he
was a troubled child he just said he had issues We know about
confidentiality but we were part of the care package but they (16
+ team) would not involve us There was no communication
between the 16+ team and us It was like he is an adult and thatrsquos
thatrdquo
The foster carers suggested the young person was being coached to
leave There was a sudden decision made and the young person went
lsquooff the railsrsquo It seemed a place was offered to enable them to move
out and that was when reality hit
ldquohelliphe drank a bottle of vodka and was talking about suicide He
suffers from low self- esteem There was no help for that I think
this was brought on by them (16+ team) telling him there was a
space somewhere He kept saying lsquoIrsquom so sorryrsquo It was reality
he had been going through the motions before thisrdquo
This illustrates a terrible indictment of a rushed transition Added to
the trauma which led the young person to being in care this does not
present a positive outcome
The findings for this report support the previous literature Steinrsquos
(2012) extensive research in this area continually reveals hasty
transitions from care to independence
Legislation relating to young people leaving care states
20
lsquoIt is the duty of the local authority looking after a child to advise assist
and befriend him with a view to promoting his welfare when they have
ceased to look after himrsquo (19A Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000)
Indicating a rushed transition should not be promoted rather that it
should be a much slower process with time being given to prepare fully
for independence
In contrast one participant going through the leaving care system in
2004 and within a different LA (Telford and Wrekin) had a much more
positive experience
ldquoI left care at 18 I was in a childrenrsquos homehellipfoster care didnrsquot
suit me I was always running away I had brilliant support all
the way until I was 25 I went to supported living and I had help
to learn to cook and manage money and bills Then I had help to
find a flat and become independent I even still see some of the
people who supported me when I go back to Telfordrdquo (Care
leaver B aged 30)
This indicates a far more gradual transition to independence
Unfortunately the majority of the data within this study points more
often to the former rushed transition
ldquoI turned 18 and it was like hellipyoursquore an adult now I was in a
hostel then a homeless place that was scary there were all sorts
there I liked the place in Bala it was good there But when I
turned 18 I couldnrsquot stay It was like one minute I had everything
done for me then nothingrdquo (Care leaver C currently aged 19
LA Conwy)
This young person moved into private care and currently resides in a
mixed home for people with mental health problems He has Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (Appendix 2)
The research suggests past history is not always taken into account
when assessing the suitability of independent living for these young
people
ldquoHis issues should have been recognised then he would not have
been offered to leave at 16 The social worker had not made the
effort to look at his historyrdquo (Foster carer)
21
Taking the young peoplersquos history and circumstances into account
could offer a more positive outcome than simply their age
ldquoThey had eight files on me from when I was little My foster
carer nagged them until she was able to have them to read
Then she knew what had happenedrdquo (Care leaver D currently
aged 19 LA Caerphilly)
It is recognised in policy that the system still does not seem to perform
as it should The Care Leaversrsquo Strategy (2013) identifies the abrupt
transition experienced by these young people in its opening paragraphs
However the report fails to include lsquotransitionrsquo as a fundamental area
of concern Instead usual sections such as education employment
housing and so on are highlighted as lsquobroad areas of concernrsquo It would
seem the young peoplersquos emotional well- being which is clearly
affected by the hasty exit from care does not hold the same
governmental importance
Additionally it may be prudent to add at this point that Edward
Timpson Minister of State for Children and Families was contacted
for the purpose of this research Mr Timpson was involved in the
development of the Care Leaversrsquo Strategy and in addition to this grew
up with looked after children as his parents were foster carers There
was no response to the research (Appendix 3)
A fundamental issue surrounding rushed transitions is the view these
young people are now adults although they are still virtually as
vulnerable as children The serious case review into the murder of
Jayden Parkinson highlights this Jayden was 17 and considered an
adult by services and practitioners The review stated
lsquoToo often [Parkinson] was viewed as a difficult young person and not
recognised as a child in need of safeguarding Professionals and
agencies did not always fully understand the serious nature of the risks
to [her] or were too quick to be reassured that she would be able to
protect herself from those risksrsquo (Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children
Board 2016 62)
22
It would seem important for policy to start considering the young
personrsquos position in life rather than their age as an indicator of their
readiness for independence
b) Housing and Accommodation
The participants were asked about their experiences with housing when
leaving care Questions about choice suitability and geographic area
where considered Consistent with past research and previous literature
(Barnardorsquos [2] 2014) issues where found in all these areas
Once again the Care Leaversrsquo Strategy recognises these issues found
in research past and present surrounding housing
lsquoCare leavers are a vulnerable group of young adults who have
particular needs in relation to housing and homelessness Around a
quarter of those living on the streets have a background in care The
majority of care leavers leave care by the age of 18 and rising demands
on social housing and other accommodation is making it increasingly
difficult for young people to find suitable accommodation as they enter
adulthoodrsquo (2013 14)
These findings suggest a significant risk of homelessness for these
participants In actual fact without the charity Gisda (Appendix 4) the
options for young people in Gwynedd would be seriously limited
It has already been noted that nationally care leavers are overly
represented within the homeless and inadequately housed with 30 of
homeless people formerly being in care (Who Cares Trust 2014)
When considering choice Bed and Breakfast (BampB) accommodation
was not always used but choice did appear limited Geographical
consideration and suitable match for the young person does not always
seem possible
23
ldquoWell there was a bit of choice but it was mainly Caernarfon I
had shared housing with Gisda not BampB and then I got my flat
with Gisdardquo (Care leaver A)
Once again this is echoed by foster carers
ldquoHe moved into shared housing for two weekshelliphe was
terrified he slit his mattress to hide his laptop in it There wasnrsquot
much choice had he had the choice to stay in Penygroes he
would have He has been trying to get back here ever since He
is afraid in Caernarfon He has two brothers living there which
he has had problems with and his brotherrsquos friend He is quite a
fearful child and finds living in Caernarfon stressful When he
gets home to his flat from here he doesnrsquot go outrdquo
This does not seem to be reserved to just this LA either
ldquoI was in a hostel but I kicked off so was in a BampB for a couple
of days They said I was smoking in the room so I got kicked out
of therehellipdidnrsquot even get all my stuff Then my social worker
said I could stay with my mum for the weekend cause my sister
wasnrsquot there But then she came backhellipshe winds me uphellipI
kicked off but hit the window hellipI wanted to hit her So my mum
called the police helliprdquo (Care leaver D)
There appears to be insecurity surrounding housing Care leaver D
went on to lsquosofa surfrsquo and then went back to his motherrsquos even though
that episode left him with a criminal damage conviction [brought on by
his mother] His support seemed to end there
Care leaver A was asked if the flat with Gisda was permanent
ldquoNo itrsquos two years temporary I have three months leftrdquo
When asked what happens then
ldquoI think Irsquom on the top the list with housing so Irsquove gotta hope
something comes up or I will probably end up in BampB The thing
is once you have had the flat and you get to 18 you sort of go in
circles so you can be put in BampB Itrsquos a worry being three months
awayhelliphellipI keep phoning themrdquo
This was reiterated by the foster carers
ldquoI canrsquot see Gisda putting him out on the street but they have to
give him notice of eviction in order for the council to do
something about it Sometimes he stays with his cousin or his
24
dad if there is any room But he will probably have to lsquosofa
surfrsquohellip thatrsquos what his brother had to do That will put him on
the list he has to be homeless to get helprdquo
The question of supported living was raised for this particular
participant the foster carer replied
ldquoThere doesnrsquot seem to be any here But for him it wouldnrsquot
work he would worry about the other people there He is afraid
of people that do drugs there is a family history with drugsrdquo
However a neighbouring LA had positive experiences with supported
living Their providers of supported living and BampB accommodation
had been the same for over ten years which would indicate some
consistency The manager for the leaving care team for this LA
commented that the staff at the BampBrsquos offered a sympathetic approach
with more of a lsquofamily feelrsquo to the service Furthermore this LA had
long term relationships with landlords who specifically offered
tenancies to care leavers This demonstrates the importance of
consistency Although BampB may not seem ideal if there are good long
term relationships with service providers this can offer a positive short
term solution
Likewise care leaver B had the right experience with their
accommodation
ldquoI went from the childrenrsquos home to supported lodgings and after
that had my own flat The supported lodgings really helped me
learn how to look after myself I did go off the rails a bit when I
was about 23 but because of my support I sorted myself outrdquo
Though care leaver C will be moving once again in the near future It
seems his ADHD leaves the LA at a loss as to where this young person
should live The condition necessitates extra support to enable him to
manage independence
ldquoI like where I am But the funding for here runs out soon They
(social services) have said there is a new place in Abergele I
think itrsquos a shared house If I turn that down though I will make
myself intentionally homeless so there is no choicerdquo
25
This young personrsquos worries where resonated by his mother too He
entered care under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989 (Appendix 5)
as his mother was unable to manage his behaviour Her understanding
was that he would be care for until he reached 21 It may be argued he
is being cared for and is continuing to be Yet as stated earlier a mental
health facility may not be seen as ideal equally shared housing may
not offer the level of support required for an eventual and positive
departure from care
Regrettably national statistics have shown a rise of 108 per cent in the
number of young people in unsuitable accommodation from 1660 in
2014 to 1840 in 2015 This is reiterated by Carrie Wilson young
peoplersquos project co-ordinator at The Care Leaversrsquo Association
ldquoOn a basic level [BampBs] are seen as a ldquosaferdquo place but those young
people do not feel safe regardless of the interventions put into place to
support a young person if they do not feel like they have personal
safety at the end of the day their coping mechanisms start to break
downrdquo (Puffett and Orfford 2016)
The experiences of these participants suggests a chaotic existence in
line with the research undertaken by Barnardorsquos (2) (2014)
This does not present an improvement of services Government
statistics from 2011 suggested only 17 local authorities were housing
100 per cent of care leavers in suitable accommodation (Higgs 2011)
These are dismal statistics as research conducted by Stein (201280)
found from 2004 to 2009 the numbers of care leavers in suitable
accommodation had risen from 77 to 90 The statistics from 2011
could correlate with the age of austerity and social service budget cuts
(Stein 2012 24)
In Gwynedd since 2013 there has been the lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
available and similar to Englandrsquos lsquoStaying Putrsquo scheme (Appendix 6
amp 7) These schemes are now available throughout Wales and offer the
26
young person an opportunity to stay within their foster care placement
until the age of 21 or beyond if they are engaged in education or
training which started before their twenty first birthday This extended
stay may last until completion of the education or training on the
condition it is set out in the young personrsquos pathway plan The
opportunity offers a more gradual transition similar to young people in
the general population (Gwynedd Council 2014)
However there was no evidence of this scheme to have been offered to
care leaver A Care leavers C and D appear to have merely been
managed until the LA no longer had the duty of care
c) Pathway Plans Personal Advisors and Social
Workers
ldquoI donrsquot remember how many social workers I had hellipmaybe 14
or 15 by the time I left care They kept changingrdquo (Care leaver
D)
The participants were asked about their experiences with personal
advisors social workers the creation and implementation of their
pathway plans (Appendix 8) and whether they felt they were listened
to
It would seem having several social workers is commonplace
ldquoThe 16+ team didnrsquot seem to support him They changed social
worker but he didnrsquot seem to know what was going on Then they
changed again to one from the 16+ team Thatrsquos when his
behaviour changed One of his previous social workers was
fantastic and he worshipped herhellip If only they had kept that
social worker it would have made such a differencerdquo (Foster
carer)
For care leaver A this seems to have happened with the personal
advisor too When asked about their personal advisor
27
ldquoThere was a foster meeting the lady what was her namehellip Jan
she was really good She was with social services and Gisda
But then when they thought I was ok they transferred me to
someone elserdquo
Though for some there was more consistency Care leaver C suggested
a good relationship with their personal advisor They indicated regular
visits phone calls and planning meetings In turn this young person felt
they were being listened to when the pathway plan was produced
The manager for this LAs leaving care team confirms his perspective
on personal advisors
ldquoWe have a team of four personal advisors They have about 40
cases each but they do a great job All of their cases have a
mobile phone number for them and they are all very dedicated
and approachable [from the young personrsquos point of view] They
offer a vital link from care to independencerdquo
However once again this service appears inconsistent depending on
the LA
Added to this frequent changes of case worker suggest a difficulty in
completion and implementation of pathway plans and causes the
young person to feel they are not being listened to
ldquoI was kind of listened to but then my social worker changed so
I had to start againhellipthere was no relationship there cause they
kept changing We would do one pathway plan then the social
worker changed and we would have to do another onerdquo (Care
leaver A)
When the foster carers were asked about the pathway plan and whether
they thought their young person was listened to
ldquoHe didnrsquot have a proper pathway plan for leaving it was rushed
There was no proper structure He was listened to but without
question or consideration of the consequences They ticked their
boxes and he was off their handsrdquo
These experiences were evident in the earlier research by Munro et al
(2011) whereby young people felt their voices were not heard and the
meetings surrounding their exit from care caused anxiety and stress
28
The foster carers then suggested their current placement who had just
turned 16 may suffer the same
ldquoShe is just about to change to the 16+ team they canrsquot wait to
get her on thathellipit will be her third social worker in two years
She is adamant she doesnrsquot want to leave at 16 but if they dangle
the carrot of her own flat in front of her it might be differentrdquo
Furthermore for the foster carers support appears to be inconsistent
One set had just been assigned a new social worker the third in two
years
ldquoWe have a new social worker and she just ticks the boxes She
seems terrified to use her initiative One social worker I was
dealing with said there were five people who were either off or
had left and not been replaced in his office alonerdquo
It is well documented that retention of staff within social work is
increasingly difficult Added to which there a national shortage of
approximately 3500 social workers both hindering continuity for the
people they provide services to (Community Care 2014) This and
aforementioned cuts to funding within leaving care services may
explain how the inconsistency and a lack of relationship with social
workers described within this data can infringe on the process of
leaving care
With this in mind it is imperative to consider the legal implications at
this point It would appear within the legal framework there are lsquogrey
areasrsquo which can allow the experiences of care leaverrsquos A C and D to
occur The Children (Leaving Care) Act (2000) states that an
assessment of needs must be carried out by the LA for the said child
(a)while they are still looking after him and
(b)after they cease to look after him (19B 4)
The proviso for this is the child has been looked after for a period of
time and that they are aged 16 or 17 (19B 2 a amp b)
However the Care Act (2014) has a section dedicated to the needs of a
child in the transition to adulthood including the requirement for a
29
needs assessment but in relation to the childrsquos needs after the age of
18 Furthermore section 58 (4) insists the assessment should be carried
out whether the child consents or not if there is a risk of or experiencing
abuse or neglect Bearing in mind the vulnerability of these young
people the causes for them to have been placed in care in the first place
it would be fair to consider this group eligible for this assessment and
extended care Added to which one would expect a more thorough and
consistent assessment to be carried out Clearly with several changes to
case workers [as experienced by care leavers A and D] this legal
standard is not being met
Perhaps government and policy makers should consider case worker
retention and better working environments as fundamental aspects of
policy in turn offering better outcomes for the young people
(Appendix 9)
d) Financial aspects
ldquoThey told him to choose what he needed for the flat but only
some of it turned up There is something I heard of might be
from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation where some money is put
into an ISA which can be accessed once they are 18 This is
because they have been in care But I feel the danger of that is it
could all be blown on something else or used as a carrot to
encourage leaving care As far as I have seen they just go and
spend it all then itrsquos gone ndash they would be better giving them a
furnished flatrdquo (Foster carer)
The Care Leavers Strategy states it encourages LArsquos to offer at least
pound2000 as a lsquoSetting Up Home Allowancersquo (leaving care grant)
although as this is not a legal requirement the amount varies from LA
to LA Care leaver A received in the region of pound400 (Gwynedd LA)
However the manager for Conwy laving care team indicated the
amount their care leavers receive is dependent on what they need This
is also stated on the LArsquos web site (Appendix 8) It may be suggested
that young people within less affluent LArsquos will fare worse financially
30
The Strategy maintains care leavers are entitled to a pound1200 bursary if
they are attending further education and a pound2000 bursary for higher
education This is financed by the Department for Education (2013
10) Extra funding of this kind would appear significant for these young
people however if the earlier literature is considered the statistics for
this grouprsquos educational achievements did not present well (See
chapter one) As this funding is reliant on the young person being in
education there will be a significant proportion unable to access this
extra help
Conwy LA did suggest promising outcomes for employment for their
care leavers with many undertaking apprenticeships within the
councilrsquos departments
ldquoWe have a number of our young people working and training in
the council (Conwy) with a selection of apprenticeships
specifically for them Some do go on to stay with us being
offered permanent contractsrdquo (Leaving care team manager)
Unfortunately a comparison cannot be made with other LArsquos or
voluntary organisations in this area as there was no response to the
research
Care leaver A did have temporary employment with a local leisure
centre although when a permanent contract was offered it was of a zero
hourrsquos nature
ldquoI wasnrsquot worth me taking ithellipI would lose my benefit and have
no guarantee of workrdquo
Care leaver C started a college course and managed a couple of shifts
in a restaurant kitchen however his chaotic accommodation provision
and a lack of support for his ADHD hampered his continuation
Care leaver D is NEET (Appendix 11) and has been since his exit from
care It would seem this has not been assisted by his family [to which
he returned] who have also never been in employment and his
reluctance to receive any more services It may be suggested his high
31
level of case worker turnover contributed to his reluctance Equally his
chaotic existence before entering care disrupted his education added
the rushed transition from care has not facilitated good employment
prospects
e) Evaluation and Reflection
When evaluating this research one must acknowledge the limitations
when assessing the size of the sample
Despite persistence there was a reluctance by professionals particularly
to participate Out of four LAs contacted only one responded and
agreed to be interviewed One LA received the research pack three
times follow up calls were made several times to no avail The same
may be said for the voluntary sector in spite of positive telephone
conversations and receipt of the research pack Barnardorsquos and Gisda
did not consent to be interviewed Therefore the findings were
somewhat one sided and the professional perspective limited
However even with the limited sample the original hypothesis of the
leaving care system failing the young people has a degree of truth
Equally the findings are reflective of earlier research identified in
chapter 2
There is certainly scope for further and more considerable research
within this field Although for future studies it may be beneficial to use
focus group methodology to encourage professional participation This
would possibly generate an improved response rate in comparison to
the online questionnaire used for the initial stages of this project The
face to face follow up interviews proved difficult to organise although
it was difficult to decipher whether this was due to a reluctance to
engage in the research or a lack of available time
32
Chapter 5
Conclusion
In conclusion the data collected for this study shows a system that sadly
does fail its young people Certainly in Gwynedd the leaving care
process is seemingly rushed and centred around a personrsquos age rather
than their readiness for independence Of course it may be argued there
has to be a lsquocut off pointrsquo and young people have to become
independent at some time for legal purposes that lsquopointrsquo is dictated by
their age It would seem this is the case regardless of the harm it may
cause Furthermore it could be argued this hasty process is a breach of
the young personrsquos human rights however despite searching no cases
were found
In 2006 research conducted by Mendes and Moselhuddin concluded
the leaving care process should be a gradual process based on levels of
maturity and ability to manage independence rather than simply age
The same recommendation is echoed in the majority of research both
past and present It would seem that ten years on we are no closer to an
ideal solution
For care leaver A C and D the outcome was poor Certainly they did
not feel supported through the transition although care leaver C had
significantly better support from their personal advisor post 18
However despite this support care leaver C was still living in less than
ideal circumstances and about to be moved once again
In line with the literature this study although with the limited sample
found immense inconsistencies within the system and in every area
from support to financial assistance
Evidently for some the system works against an already disadvantaged
group abandoning when needed the most so to speak
33
It would seem the introduction of legislation and the Transitions
Guidance to strengthen practice and policy has failed to make a
significant improvement especially surrounding the lsquolevelling uprsquo of
services Attributed by the cost cutting imposed on LArsquos by central
government this is hardly surprising
There are some encouraging outcomes such as care leaver B receiving
immense support from their LA beyond policy and legal requirement
This is in line with some of Steinrsquos (2012 81) research and positive
outcomes are underpinned by the level of good consistent and accurate
support received by the individual Yet as this study has found this is
not consistent or universal
It is clear inconsistencies lack of support young and rushed transitions
all contribute to poorer outcomes for this group of young people A
group which are already disadvantaged and at a much higher risk of
social exclusion
As a society we should consider these young people as just that ndash young
people Often with the same dreams and aspirations as any other young
person On the contrary perhaps we should consider these young
people further as many will have already been let down by society
Either way they are entitled to as much support guidance and
opportunity as any other Regrettably this does not seem to be the case
as despite advances in research policy and legislation the same
inconsistencies and failures appear to occur time and time again
The study has shown the importance of understanding the young
peoplersquos history Of understanding former problems or areas of
concern This aids the transition to independence as it identifies where
the support is needed and individualizes the young person There
cannot be a lsquoone size fits allrsquo approach to the leaving care system as
one can see these young people are individual It has identified how
fundamental it is to include a young personrsquos foster carers when
considering independence to recognise the relationship they may have
34
with the young person and the key role they play after leaving care (as
with care lever A)
With this in mind one must acknowledge the leaving care system has
indeed improved over the last 30 years however it needs to continue to
progress if there is any hope of achieving a consistent service with more
even and positive outcomes for these young people
35
Bibliography
Action for Children (2014) [Online]
Available at httpwwwactionforchildrenorgukour-
servicesadoption-fostering-and-children-in-carechildren-in-
careleaving-care
Barnardorsquos (2014)[1] [Online] Someone to Care Experiences of
leaving care Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorguksomeone_to_care_final_feb2014pdf
(Accessed 07 October 2015)
Barnardorsquos (2014)[2] [Online] The costs of not caring supporting
English care leavers into independence Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf (Accessed 07
October 2015)
Biehal N Clayden J Stein M and Wade J (1995) Moving On
Young people and leaving care schemes London HMSO
Broad B (2005) Improving the Health and Well-Being of Young
People Leaving Care Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing
Burgess C (1981) In Care and Into Work London Tavistock
Care Leaverrsquos Foundation (with Children and Young People Now)
(2009) [Online] Setting Up A place to call home Bala Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation Available at
httpwwwthecareleaversfoundationorgsitedatafilesSetting_Up_A
_Place_to_Callpdf (Accessed 06 April 2015)
Care Leavers Strategy (2013) [Online] Available at
httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachment_
datafile266484Care_Leaver_Strategypdf (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Care Act (2014) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga201423part1crossheadingtra
nsition-for-children-to-adult-care-and-support-etcenacted (Accessed
01 March 2016)
Children and Families Act 2014 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga20146section98enacted
(Accessed 02 October 2015)
36
Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200035pdfsukpga_20000035_
enpdf (Accessed 19 March 2015)
Children and Young Persons Act (2008) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200823contents (Accessed 02
October 2015)
Community Care (2014) [Online] Councils struggling to retain social
workers in face of high caseloads and competition over pay
Available at httpwwwcommunitycarecouk20140130councils-
struggling-retain-social-workers-face-high-caseloads-competition-
pay (Accessed 22 February 2016)
Courtney M Terrao S and Bost N (2004) Midwest evaluation of
the adult functioning of former foster youth Conditions of youth
preparing to leave state care Outcomes at age 19 Chicago Chapin
Hall Centre for Children at University of Chicago
Daly F (2012) lsquoMy voice has to be heardrsquo Research on outcomes
for young people leaving care in North Dublin Dublin EPIC
Dixon J and Baker C (2012) lsquoThe Housing Experience of Young
People Leaving Care in England What helpsrsquo Developing Practice
The Child Youth and Family Work Journal Issue 32 National Care
Advisory Service (NCAS)
wwweducationgovuk [Online]
Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20130123124929httpw
wweducationgovukresearchandstatisticsstatisticsa00195573
Family Rights Group (2014) [Online] Support for Young People
Leaving the Care System Available at
httpwwwfrgorgukimagesAdvice_Sheets16-support-for-young-
people-leaving-carepdf (Accessed 29 September 2015)
The Fostering Network (2014) [Online] Staying Put Available at
httpswwwfosteringnetall-about-fosteringprovidersstaying-put-
updateVg5D-PRdX1Y (Accessed 02 October 2015)
Godek S (1976) Leaving Care Barkingside Barnardorsquos
Gwynedd Council (2014) [Online] lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
Available at
httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrutin
y20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20When
37
20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf (Accessed
22 February 2016)
Harris R J (1982) Institutionalized Ambivalence Social Work and
the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 British Journal of Social
Work Vol12 pp 247-263
Higgs L (2011) [Online] Housing crisis around the corner for care
leavers experts warn Children and Young People Now Available
at httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1050066housing-crisis-
corner-care-leavers-experts-warn (Accessed 17 February 2016)
Hiles D Moss D Thorne L Wright J and Dallos R (2014) ldquoSo
what am Irdquo ndash Multiple perspectives on young peoplersquos experience of
leaving care Children and Youth Services Review Vol 41 pp 1-15
House of Commons (1968) Report of the Committee on Local
Authority and Allied Personal Social Services London HMSO
Hutchinson D (2013) [Online] Catch 22 National Care Advisory
Service (NCAS) Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads9b7793d8be6ffc05a501df3df
4a1ef5fpdf
Jackson S and Cameron C (2012) lsquoLeaving Care Looking ahead
and aiming higherrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 34 (6)
pp 1107-1114
Mendes P and Moslehuddin B (2006) lsquoFrom Dependence to
Interdependence Towards Better Outcomes for Young People
Leaving State Carersquo Child Abuse Review Vol15 pp 110-166
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2006) Young peoplersquos views on leaving
care Newcastle Commission for Social Care Inspection
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2012) Young peoplersquos views on care
and aftercare Office of the Childrenrsquos Rights Director London
Ofsted
Mulvey T (1977) lsquoAfter-care ndash who caresrsquo Concern No 26
London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Munro E Lushey C and Ward H (2011) Evaluation of the
Right2BCared4 Pilots Final report (NCAS) London Department
for Education
38
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2011) Making the Cut
Planning Transitions for Care Levers in an Age of Austerity London
NCAS
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2012) [Online] Statistical
Briefing Looked after children and care leavers 2012 Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads0e9a6e4f266b8e96ad7c8e25
7bd53982pdf (Accessed 30 March 2015)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2013)
[Online] The NICE quality standard on the health and wellbeing of
looked after children and young people Available at
httpwwwniceorgukguidanceQS31chapterQuality-statement-8-
Support-to-move-to-independence (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Office for National Statistics (2014) [Online] Large increase in 20 to
34-year-olds living with parents since 1996 Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20160105160709httpw
wwonsgovukonsrelfamily-demographyyoung-adults-living-with-
parents2013sty-young-adultshtml (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board (2016) [Online] Child J ndash
Domestic Homicide Review and Serious Case Review (combined)
Available at httpwwwoscborgukwp-contentuploadsChild-J-
OSCB-Overview-Reportpdf (Accessed 25 February 2016)
Page R and Clark G (eds) (1977) Who Cares Young People in
Care Speak Out London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Puffett N and Orfford A (2016) [Online] Increasing numbers of
care leavers in unsuitable accommodation Children and Young
People Now Available at
httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1155917increasing-numbers-of-
care-leavers-in-unsuitable-accommodation (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Samuels G M and Pryce J M (2008) ldquoWhat doesnrsquot kill you
makes you strongerrdquo Survivalist self-reliance as resilience and risk
among young adults aging out of foster care Children and Youth
Services Review Vol 30 (10) pp 1198-1210
Stein M (2002) Young People Leaving Care A Research
Perspective In A Wheal ed The RHP Companion to Leaving Care
Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing pp 28-33
39
Stein M (2004) What works for young people leaving care
Barkingside Barnardos
Stein M (2006) lsquoYoung people aging out of care The poverty of
theoryrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 28 (4) pp 422-434
Stein M (2012) Young People Leaving Care Supporting Pathways
to Adulthood London Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Stein M and Carey K (1986) Leaving Care Oxford Blackwell
Stein M and Ellis S (1983) Gizza Say Reviews and Young People
in Care London NAYPIC
Stein M and Maynard C (1985) Irsquove Never Been So Lonely
London NAYPIC
Stone M (1990) Young People Leaving Care A study of
management systems service delivery and user evaluation UK The
Royal Philanthropic Society
The Who Carersquos Trust (2014) [Online] Leaving Care Available at
httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpagesleaving-care-what-
happens-post-16html
Wade J (2011) lsquoPreparation and transition planning for
unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee young people A review
of evidence in Englandrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol
33 pp 2424-2430
Wade J and Dixon J (2006) lsquoMaking a home finding a job
investing early housing and employment outcomes for young people
leaving carersquo Child and Family Social Work Vol 11 (3) pp 199-208
Wade J Mitchel F and Baylis G (2005) Unaccompanied asylum
seeking children The response of social services London BAAF
40
Appendix
1) httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf page 25
Karenrsquos story
2) httpwwwnhsukConditionsAttention-deficit-hyperactivity-
disorderPagesIntroductionaspx
3) Email received in response to a request for Mr Timpson (Minister
of State for Children and Families) to answer three questions
regarding care leavers
Dear MsthinspThompsonthinsp
I am writing on behalf of the Minister of State for Children and
Families to thank you for your email of 9 February about your
dissertation
I am sorry but the department receives so many requests like yours
that we are unable to respond to them other than to point you to
sources of information I would therefore suggest that you look at the
departmentrsquos website
at httpswwwgovuksearchq=care+leavers+strategy
I hope you find this link helpful and that you are able to find the
information you need
Your correspondence has been allocated reference number 2016-
0008179 If you need to respond to us please
visit httpswwweducationgovukcontactus and quote your
reference number
As part of our commitment to improving the service we provide to
our customers we are interested in hearing your views and would
welcome your comments via our website
at httpswwweducationgovukpcusurvey
Yours sincerely
Kelly Walkerthinsp
Ministerial and Public Communications Division
Web
[httpswwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovuk]https
wwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovukgt
Twitter httpswwwtwittercomeducationgovuk
Facebook httpswwwfacebookcomeducationgovuk
41
[httpswwweducationgovukimages2irisdfepng]
4) httpwwwgisdaorgengamdanom-nihtml
5) httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga198941section20
6)httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrut
iny20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20Whe
n20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf
7)httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachme
nt_datafile201015Staying_Put_Guidancepdf
8) httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpageswhats-a-pathway-
planhtml
9) httpjobscommunitycarecoukarticlecoventry-tops-london-in-
the-best-place-to-live-league-tablescmpid=EMP|JOBS|SCJOB-
2016-0224-CH|READMORE-COVampcmpid
10) httpwwwconwygovukdocaspcat=4800ampdoc=19742
11)httpresearchbriefingsparliamentukResearchBriefingSummary
SN06705
42
i) Interview Guide
Generic areas of question
Age upon leaving care
Staying put scheme
Financial help
Choice of housing
Suitability of accommodation
Geographical position of accommodation
Further education
Access to support eg Personal Advisor social worker
Input with Pathway plan
Being listened to
Transition
Keeping in touch
Difference with peers
43
5
Chapter 1
Introduction
The purpose of this project is to explore aspects of the leaving care
system how it currently operates and if or how the outcome for these
young people may be improved
This is important as the young people involved are usually incredibly
vulnerable and often stigmatised The question whether the current
system offers them good support and guidance suitable to their needs
will be examined This is especially relevant as the number of care
leavers has steadily risen since 1985 (Hutchinson 2013)
At present Action for Children identifies that young care leavers are
ldquothree times more likely to be cautioned or convicted of an offence
four times more likely to have a mental health disorder
five times less likely to achieve five good GCSEs eight times more
likely to be excluded from school and less likely to go to university
one in five homeless people are care leaversrdquo (2014 DfES 2007)
In 1968 the Seebohm Report the restructuring of the personal social
services including the suggestion of a complete after care service for
young people was considered This would be provided by the new
social service departments rather than the probation service which
supervised the young people at that time This and the knowledge
gained by childcare experts shaped the Children and Young Persons
Act 1969 (House of Commons 1968 para 257 cited in Stein
201215) The implementation of the act influenced by the emergence
of social work as a solid profession was due to the suggestion that
young people would be better served away from the juvenile court
system (Harris 1982)
6
However due to the poverty and identifying several social problems
during this time focus on care-leavers declined Though social services
were reorganised along with the implementation of the Children and
Young Persons Act 1969 in 1971 this did not lead to improve the after
care services ndash rather the opposite Studies such as Godek (1976) and
Mulvey (1977) emphasised the difficulties the young people faced
upon leaving care
There was an end to the probation services involvement a change in
approved school orders to all-purpose care orders and approved school
being replaced by Community Homes with Education all of which
aided the demise of specialist after-care officers Due to the social
climate of the time Stein (2012 16) notes ldquocare leavers became a
forgotten grouprdquo
This is reflected in the lack of literature pre 1970 due to scarce research
taking place at this time Added to which the lack of research was
attributed to favourable economic conditions and full youth
employment during the aftermath of World War II It seems only by
the beginning of the 1970rsquos as social work developed and looked
towards the future did research into young peoplersquos outcomes within
the care system take place (Stein 2012 14)
Nevertheless from 1973 young people came together to talk about their
experiences in care A ldquolack of power over their livesrdquo in relation to
their finances their own reviews and the opportunity to learn
independent skills whilst in care lead to the formation of local groups
such as the lsquoWho Cares Projectrsquo and the lsquoNational Association of
Young People in Carersquo This resulted in giving them a voice (Stein
2012 17) and small scale studies began to take place For example
Godek (1976) Mulvey (1977) and Page and Clark (1977) in the
1970rsquos In the 1980rsquos studies were undertaken by Burgess (1981) Stein
and Ellis (1983) Stein and Meynard (1985) and Stein and Carey
(1986) amongst others These studies found the aforementioned
7
challenges with finance and so on added to which more often than not
young people left care at 16 and were required to live independently
(Stein 2012 17) One reoccurring theme throughout the studies taking
place was the lack of preparation for this vulnerable group for living
independently The latter studies finding high levels of care leavers
becoming homeless
More recently this topic is of particular importance as the data held for
2012 found there were 67050 young people in care [by local
authority] of those 10000 aged 16 or over left care (NCAS 2012)
Stein (2002 32) notes their transition to adulthood is lsquocompressed and
acceleratedrsquo With this in mind Stein (2006 423) states that these
young people are ldquohellipthe most excluded groups of young people in
societyrdquo
Furthermore in light of the refugee crisis emerging from Syria there
is another particularly vulnerable group This group is identified by the
United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) as someone below the age
of 18 (or appearing to be should the proof be lacking) and claiming
asylum in their own right with no significant adult in the UK to provide
care (Wade 2011 2424-2425) Under UK guidelines a young person
may be given support whilst they are under the age of 18 only to be at
risk of deportation upon reaching 18 years old (Family Rights Group
2014) A study conducted by Wade (et al 2005) found younger
unaccompanied refugees received more thorough assessment of needs
as opposed to 16 and 17 year olds of the same status This being
resource driven due to less government funding for this age group
Added to which previous studies (Courtney Terrao and Bost 2004
Stein 2004) have also identified within this group of young people an
inconsistency of preparation for independence
The inconsistency of service delivery appears to apply to citizen young
people along with non-citizen
8
Chapter 2
A Review of the Literature
lsquoIf I had parents to go to I would go to my parents and ask them
for help Or Irsquod be with my parents so the strain wouldnrsquot be so
much But I donrsquot have anybody I donrsquot have anyone to turn torsquo
(Care leaver in Barnardorsquos (1) 2014)
Most parents have positive expectations for their own children and are
there offering full support when their child moves into independence
However children leaving the care system often have to live without
this Lack of parental support clearly contributes to a difficult
transition into independence (Barnardorsquos (1) 2014 1)
As previously noted literature pre 1970 is scarce Here the focus will
be on more recent findings in the consistency of services for care
leavers The service areas are
Housing and accommodation
Finance
Transition
It is noted by Stein (2012) that in the view of young care leavers foster
carers care workers and personal advisors that the young people left
care too young The earlier research notes the same problem Young
care leavers are being moved on from the age of 16 whereas studies
found the median age for leaving home was 22 for men and 20 for
women (Biehal et al 1995 30) In recent times the number of young
people [not in care] still living at home with their parents has risen from
27 million in 1996 to 33 million in 2013 their ages ranging from 20
ndash 34 (ONS 2014) It may be seen therefore how difficult it can be for
9
young people in Local Authority (hereafter LA) care to leave at such a
young age
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE 2013)
supported by the NSPCC state that ldquocare leavers move to independence
at their own pacerdquo recognising how difficult this time may be
Currently a new duty has been placed upon LArsquos in England This
implementation named the lsquoStaying Putrsquo scheme came into force in
May 2014 (part 5 Welfare of Children (98) of the Children and
Families Act 2014) and offers young people the chance to stay on in
their foster home where the LA regards this consistent with the welfare
of the young person although this does not include residential care
Additional funding has been allocated for each individual LArsquos for this
However nationally this service is inconsistent In Scotland a similar
scheme has been introduced in 2015 also including residential care
Wales has placed the same duty on their LArsquos through the lsquoWhen Irsquom
Readyrsquo scheme though no additional funding has been allocated (The
Fostering Network 2014)
Housing is a fundamental area of concern for young care leavers
Literature pre 1980rsquos is scarce for all issues however due to this lack of
information a National Survey of Leaving Care Schemes was
conducted in 1989 During this time housing was the most common
service provided to young care leavers After housing other services
were offered such as counselling advocacy training preparation for
leaving care and advice on leisure facilities food and clothing
However these services were not universal and most did not offer any
preparation for leaving care (Stone 1990 7)
More recently the LA are duty bound to provide such services
universally Current legislation held in the Children (Leaving Care) Act
2000 states ldquoIt is the duty of the local authority looking after a child to
advise assist and befriend him with a view to promoting his welfare
when they have ceased to look after himrdquo More recent legislation held
10
within the Children and Young Persons Act (2008) along with the
Transitions Guidance for LArsquos to assist with strengthening policy and
practice framework to encourage a lsquolevelling uprsquo of services (Stein
2012 24)
Although these measures are currently in place it is suggested by Dixon
and Baker (2012) that service quality and effectiveness is not consistent
and varies from LA to LA This is not surprising as a survey carried out
in 2011 by the National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) reported high
level of funding cuts to leaving care services (varying from 7 to 15)
making implementation of the Transitions Guidance problematic
Additionally it is apparent housing and accommodation are high on
the list of issues facing care leavers The LArsquos are only duty bound to
provide lsquosuitable accommodationrsquo to 16 and 17 year olds Once a care
leaver reaches 18 the LArsquos are only required to assist with
accommodation advice and support as far as their [young personrsquos]
welfare requires it
Dixon and Baker (2012) continue to identify that although legislation
and advances in support services have increased over the last couple of
decades from knowledge gained through research young care leavers
are still over- represented within the homeless and inadequately
housed With this in mind it is not surprising to find that recent figures
suggest 30 of homeless people have been in the care system (The
Who Carersquos Trust 2014)
This is evident in research compiled by Barnardorsquos (2) (2014) were by
even with the advances in policy the case studies show a chaotic
existence for some young people Several moves from one unsuitable
accommodation to another periods of homelessness and being moved
out of familiar areas [geographically] remains a prominent feature
(Appendix 1)
11
Stone (1990) identified this issue twenty years prior to Dixon
indicating the evidence then showed an over-representation of care
leavers experiencing homelessness The same problem occurs in
literature by Stein and Carey (1986) from their study during 1982
It is noted by Morgan and Lindsey (2012) that there is a need for more
support with accommodation however Munro et al (2011) identified
out of the young people offered extra support the take up was only
about 50 This may be due to wanting to get rid of the lsquobeing in carersquo
label or perhaps a lack of understanding of the extra support offered
There is evidence within the literature that finances present a
significant issue to care leavers (Broad 2005 Munro et al 2011
Stein 2012 54)
Regional differences in the levels of financial support in the form of
leaving care grants is significant ranging from pound400 to pound2000 with the
average payment being pound1000 (Broad 200547) Stein (2012) notes
more recently the leaving care grant still lack in consistency ranging
from zero to pound2000 A survey carried out by the Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation (2009) calculated the young people needed at least pound2500
in order to set up the most basic essentials to live independently [of 150
LArsquos surveyed only one provided this amount]
These financial inconsistencies clearly present challenges not only with
basic needs such as food and housing but also the ability to participate
in leisure activities and higher education This exclusion has a
potentially damaging impact on the health and well-being for young
people who are already vulnerable (Jackson and Cameron 2012)
Furthermore a lack of understanding of financial matters can lead to
long term debt and financial difficulties
ldquoIrsquom still paying off debts now [nine years after living in her first
independent placement] if somebody had have gone through
these bills bills I didnrsquot even know existed Irsquove had to figure
everything out myself Irsquove had to learn the hard way If I had
12
have had support with that it would have changed thingsrdquo (Care
leaver in Barnardorsquos (2) 2014 13)
There is evidence the young peoplersquos voices may not be listened to
The meetings and reviews appear stressful for the young people (Daly
2012) A large proportion felt ignored during meetings (Munro et al
2011 28) and approximately a third felt their lsquoPathway Planrsquo [the LA
is duty bound to have a Pathway Plan to assist in the transition to
independent living] was not adhered to at all It is noted young people
wish to have more control of when they leave care and for the
transition to be more gradual and less rushed (Morgan and Lindsey
2012 Morgan and Lindsey 2006)
Mendes and Moselhuddin (2006 113) note lsquoGraduation from care
needs to become a far more gradual and flexible process based on levels
of maturity and skill development rather than simply agersquo
Furthermore this view is held by the young people involved
ldquoI didnrsquot want to go I still had to go anyway I didnrsquot have a
choiceI was moving out at eighteen end of discussion and the
bit that really pissed me [off] is [that] they chucked me out on
my eighteenth birthdayrdquo (Care leaver in Munro et al 2011 21)
Although the age has been extended to 18 before a young person has to
leave care [unless they are in full time education] an Independent
Reviewing Officer (IRO) in Munro et al (2011 23) states
ldquoWe identified fairly quickly that all it has done is just knock it
back two years erm you know what used to be 16hellipused to have
all these arguments Wersquove shunted it back to 18 but you know
our 18 year olds are just as vulnerable as those 16 year olds
wererdquo
It is clear within the literature the young people fundamentally require
consistency and support from leaving care workers and services to aid
their transition from care to independence (Munro et al 2011 21)
Pride and an inability to ask for help to access services is apparent It
is recognised that many care leavers where reluctant to allow
13
themselves to be cared for The young people were more comfortable
with caring for others This is a result of often having to adopt the role
of carer within their birth family (Samuels and Pryce 2008 1203-
1205) However the literature does not identify other underlying
reasons for the young people having difficulty in accepting help
themselves Reasons such as lack of self- esteem and self- worth due to
the trauma they may have suffered
The transition to independence brings with it feelings of isolation and
loneliness which were connected to losing their carers
ldquoItrsquos hard to think that people you lived with for nine years are
not in your life anymorerdquo
(Care leaver in Morgan 2012 22)
There is evidence these feelings may also be connected to moving away
from friends and professionals changes in social workers and a
transition to adult services
One author notes the young people are living life lsquoin limborsquo (Hiles et
al 2014 6) It is suggested as the young people approach their
eighteenth birthday they are in a state of limbo knowing they may not
be lsquoin carersquo not knowing if they can lsquostay putrsquo with foster carers or
lsquomoving onrsquo to independent accommodation Leaving care workers
involved in Hilesrsquo et al (2014) study describe having ldquoinsufficient time
to prepare some young people for this transitionrdquo especially the young
people who had experienced problems in maintaining stable
placements prior to leaving care
Moreover the system is described as ldquochaotic and complexrdquo forced to
react rather than respond to crisis The cause of this is identified
through poor staff retention and therefore the use of temporary staff
leaving a lack of continuity and consistency (Hiles et al 2014 7)
This research examines policies potentially promoting negative
consequences For example a disengagement of adult mental health
services leading to re-engagement of childrenrsquos services those young
14
people most able being offered more support through education
leaving some young people of low risk but still vulnerable in an isolated
position Also it was noted the young people leaving care to return
home to their birth families for longer than six months lose access to
services when they may actually still be in a vulnerable position (Hiles
et al2014 7)
However Stein (2012 81) suggests there is evidence that most young
people experience good outcomes after leaving care Positive outcomes
are underpinned by the relationship between the young person and the
leaving care teams In addition the evidence points to a positive sense
of well-being when settled and happy even if past or leaving care
experiences have been negative (Wade and Dixon 2006)
In conclusion the literature identifies the inconsistency within leaving
care systems These inconsistencies span throughout the services
available to care leavers from financial to pathway planning and
implementation There is evidence of a somewhat uneven service
delivery despite policy stipulations
There has been an encouraging influx of research in the last fifteen
years or so which should promote a continued improvement in policy
and outcome for this fundamentally vulnerable group in society
There is evident progress within the leaving care system which has
been noted by Stein Wade and Dixon However despite progress
within the system [the introduction of personal advisors Pathway
Plans and specific leaving care teams] and extensive research
informing policy makers the uneven delivery still exists Additionally
care leavers are still disadvantaged compared to their peers even with
the progress that has been made
There is an emphasis on a proactive and preventative approach and a
significant need for placement stability underpinned by systematic and
consistent services As it stands young people are currently being
15
ldquopushed into fighting against a systemrdquo rather than a system that works
together for a positive outcome (Hiles et al 2014 11)
Contingency plans are an important recommendation outlined in recent
research as a necessity to prevent care leavers falling into crisis These
plans need to be in place regardless of assessed lsquoneedrsquo Moreover
access to an independent visitor enabling another supportive
relationship to be formed along with personal advisors would offer
greater assistance when decisions are being made for the young
personrsquos future (Barnardorsquos 2014 23)
Now the research is taking place identifying young peoplersquos
experiences of leaving care it is necessary to listen in order to make
effective changes in policy and practice to achieve better outcomes for
this vulnerable group
16
Chapter 3
Methodology
This research is of a qualitative nature The methodology included an
online questionnaire (n=50) to identify common themes followed up
by face- to-face interviews (n=10) for more detailed data However
the response rate for the online questionnaire was poor with only ten
returned The interviews adopted a semi-structured approach to allow
for participants to talk freely about their experiences The author used
an interview guide to achieve this containing the areas of interest
rather than a structured set of interview questions (Appendix i)
Support for this project was received from a local fostering group and
that provided some resources for sourcing the sample
Initially the author had positive support from social workers and
professionals within the leaving care sector Although actual response
from local authority was limited only one out of four who received
the research pack responded Participation by third sector
organisations was similarly positive however commitment to be
interviewed could not be obtained
The sample consisted of four young people aged 16 plus involved in
the leaving care process and four professionals working within the
leaving care system Geographically broken down to Gwynedd
Conwy Telford and Wrekin and Caerphilly
The interviews took place either in their own home place of work or
a mutually comfortable setting agreed by the participants The
researcher offered anonymity to the participants and the interviews
were handled sensitively keeping the vulnerability of some of the
sample in mind
The interviews were concerned with
17
Whether the young person feels supported
Whether the resources are accessible and the young person is made
aware of everything available
Whether the duties of the LA are being met from both points of view
(professional and young person)
The view of the use of BampB accommodation
Whether the leaving care process helps or hinders their future
How universal are the services provided
Is there enough financial assistance available resources and financial
advice
Are the young peoplersquos voices heard
Has policy and practice improved over the last couple of decades
The interviews were voice recorded with consent and a diary was kept
for all fieldwork undertaken The study adopted a grounded
theoretical approach and the data subjected to content analysis
a) Ethical Consideration
The sample where given thorough information regarding the study in
order for them to make an informed choice whether to participate or
not Confidentiality was adhered to and any disclosures were handled
appropriately and with ethical consideration in mind The researcher
was aware of the vulnerability of the young people and the sensitive
nature of the study
Due to the sensitivity of the research the data gathered was securely
kept in a locked filing cabinet (paper) and secure password protected
file (electronic) and destroyed on completion of the study
Permission to undertake this study was granted after a thorough and
detailed ethics application
18
Chapter 4
Findings
a) Transition
ldquoYou wouldnrsquot dream of kicking your own kids out so young
They give these kids to much artificial support to encourage
them to leaverdquo (Foster carer)
This is clearly reverberated in the literature particularly in the
Barnardorsquos report Someone to Care Experiences of leaving care
(2014) which highlights the plight of young care leavers and the lack
of parental support contributing to difficult transitions In addition it
has already been identified in the literature review that for children not
in care the leaving home age ranges from 20- 34 (ONS 2014)
Communication for this specific young person appeared to be lacking
ldquoWell my social worker didnrsquot really talk about what
would happenhelliphellipthey were like lsquooh yeah you will get
your own placersquo hellipbut not what will happen afterhellipso I
rushed into it thinking it was a good idea I think they
said it too soon to me if they wouldnrsquot have said it I
would still be here (foster care) for a while So I rushed
into it I had just left school maybe it would be
better at 17 or 18rdquo (Care leaver A currently aged 18 LA
Gwynedd)
This statement by a young care leaver is echoed by a set of foster carers
It was found that by giving the young person an offer of their own flat
complete with some furnishings of their choice seemed to sway their
decision whether or not to leave This was especially the case for 16
year olds
These foster carers stated that their young person had indicated they
wanted to stay in care at least until 18 years old however with a change
of social worker came a change of heart
19
ldquoYou see we had talked about when he would leave but he said
lsquono I wouldnrsquot like to be in a house on my ownrsquo He wanted to
stay when he first came to us he was having nightmares hellip he is
still having problems now He wonrsquot sleep in his bedroom now
he sleeps in the living room with the TV on They (Social
Services team) didnrsquot take any of this into account When his
social worker changed to the 16+ one he was like lsquooh well I
might move outrsquordquo
This particular interview found the process of leaving care very hasty
with very little preparation The young person in question was
identified by the LA as vulnerable however according to the foster
carers the process continued regardless
ldquoHe suddenly was kicking against us The social worker said he
was a troubled child he just said he had issues We know about
confidentiality but we were part of the care package but they (16
+ team) would not involve us There was no communication
between the 16+ team and us It was like he is an adult and thatrsquos
thatrdquo
The foster carers suggested the young person was being coached to
leave There was a sudden decision made and the young person went
lsquooff the railsrsquo It seemed a place was offered to enable them to move
out and that was when reality hit
ldquohelliphe drank a bottle of vodka and was talking about suicide He
suffers from low self- esteem There was no help for that I think
this was brought on by them (16+ team) telling him there was a
space somewhere He kept saying lsquoIrsquom so sorryrsquo It was reality
he had been going through the motions before thisrdquo
This illustrates a terrible indictment of a rushed transition Added to
the trauma which led the young person to being in care this does not
present a positive outcome
The findings for this report support the previous literature Steinrsquos
(2012) extensive research in this area continually reveals hasty
transitions from care to independence
Legislation relating to young people leaving care states
20
lsquoIt is the duty of the local authority looking after a child to advise assist
and befriend him with a view to promoting his welfare when they have
ceased to look after himrsquo (19A Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000)
Indicating a rushed transition should not be promoted rather that it
should be a much slower process with time being given to prepare fully
for independence
In contrast one participant going through the leaving care system in
2004 and within a different LA (Telford and Wrekin) had a much more
positive experience
ldquoI left care at 18 I was in a childrenrsquos homehellipfoster care didnrsquot
suit me I was always running away I had brilliant support all
the way until I was 25 I went to supported living and I had help
to learn to cook and manage money and bills Then I had help to
find a flat and become independent I even still see some of the
people who supported me when I go back to Telfordrdquo (Care
leaver B aged 30)
This indicates a far more gradual transition to independence
Unfortunately the majority of the data within this study points more
often to the former rushed transition
ldquoI turned 18 and it was like hellipyoursquore an adult now I was in a
hostel then a homeless place that was scary there were all sorts
there I liked the place in Bala it was good there But when I
turned 18 I couldnrsquot stay It was like one minute I had everything
done for me then nothingrdquo (Care leaver C currently aged 19
LA Conwy)
This young person moved into private care and currently resides in a
mixed home for people with mental health problems He has Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (Appendix 2)
The research suggests past history is not always taken into account
when assessing the suitability of independent living for these young
people
ldquoHis issues should have been recognised then he would not have
been offered to leave at 16 The social worker had not made the
effort to look at his historyrdquo (Foster carer)
21
Taking the young peoplersquos history and circumstances into account
could offer a more positive outcome than simply their age
ldquoThey had eight files on me from when I was little My foster
carer nagged them until she was able to have them to read
Then she knew what had happenedrdquo (Care leaver D currently
aged 19 LA Caerphilly)
It is recognised in policy that the system still does not seem to perform
as it should The Care Leaversrsquo Strategy (2013) identifies the abrupt
transition experienced by these young people in its opening paragraphs
However the report fails to include lsquotransitionrsquo as a fundamental area
of concern Instead usual sections such as education employment
housing and so on are highlighted as lsquobroad areas of concernrsquo It would
seem the young peoplersquos emotional well- being which is clearly
affected by the hasty exit from care does not hold the same
governmental importance
Additionally it may be prudent to add at this point that Edward
Timpson Minister of State for Children and Families was contacted
for the purpose of this research Mr Timpson was involved in the
development of the Care Leaversrsquo Strategy and in addition to this grew
up with looked after children as his parents were foster carers There
was no response to the research (Appendix 3)
A fundamental issue surrounding rushed transitions is the view these
young people are now adults although they are still virtually as
vulnerable as children The serious case review into the murder of
Jayden Parkinson highlights this Jayden was 17 and considered an
adult by services and practitioners The review stated
lsquoToo often [Parkinson] was viewed as a difficult young person and not
recognised as a child in need of safeguarding Professionals and
agencies did not always fully understand the serious nature of the risks
to [her] or were too quick to be reassured that she would be able to
protect herself from those risksrsquo (Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children
Board 2016 62)
22
It would seem important for policy to start considering the young
personrsquos position in life rather than their age as an indicator of their
readiness for independence
b) Housing and Accommodation
The participants were asked about their experiences with housing when
leaving care Questions about choice suitability and geographic area
where considered Consistent with past research and previous literature
(Barnardorsquos [2] 2014) issues where found in all these areas
Once again the Care Leaversrsquo Strategy recognises these issues found
in research past and present surrounding housing
lsquoCare leavers are a vulnerable group of young adults who have
particular needs in relation to housing and homelessness Around a
quarter of those living on the streets have a background in care The
majority of care leavers leave care by the age of 18 and rising demands
on social housing and other accommodation is making it increasingly
difficult for young people to find suitable accommodation as they enter
adulthoodrsquo (2013 14)
These findings suggest a significant risk of homelessness for these
participants In actual fact without the charity Gisda (Appendix 4) the
options for young people in Gwynedd would be seriously limited
It has already been noted that nationally care leavers are overly
represented within the homeless and inadequately housed with 30 of
homeless people formerly being in care (Who Cares Trust 2014)
When considering choice Bed and Breakfast (BampB) accommodation
was not always used but choice did appear limited Geographical
consideration and suitable match for the young person does not always
seem possible
23
ldquoWell there was a bit of choice but it was mainly Caernarfon I
had shared housing with Gisda not BampB and then I got my flat
with Gisdardquo (Care leaver A)
Once again this is echoed by foster carers
ldquoHe moved into shared housing for two weekshelliphe was
terrified he slit his mattress to hide his laptop in it There wasnrsquot
much choice had he had the choice to stay in Penygroes he
would have He has been trying to get back here ever since He
is afraid in Caernarfon He has two brothers living there which
he has had problems with and his brotherrsquos friend He is quite a
fearful child and finds living in Caernarfon stressful When he
gets home to his flat from here he doesnrsquot go outrdquo
This does not seem to be reserved to just this LA either
ldquoI was in a hostel but I kicked off so was in a BampB for a couple
of days They said I was smoking in the room so I got kicked out
of therehellipdidnrsquot even get all my stuff Then my social worker
said I could stay with my mum for the weekend cause my sister
wasnrsquot there But then she came backhellipshe winds me uphellipI
kicked off but hit the window hellipI wanted to hit her So my mum
called the police helliprdquo (Care leaver D)
There appears to be insecurity surrounding housing Care leaver D
went on to lsquosofa surfrsquo and then went back to his motherrsquos even though
that episode left him with a criminal damage conviction [brought on by
his mother] His support seemed to end there
Care leaver A was asked if the flat with Gisda was permanent
ldquoNo itrsquos two years temporary I have three months leftrdquo
When asked what happens then
ldquoI think Irsquom on the top the list with housing so Irsquove gotta hope
something comes up or I will probably end up in BampB The thing
is once you have had the flat and you get to 18 you sort of go in
circles so you can be put in BampB Itrsquos a worry being three months
awayhelliphellipI keep phoning themrdquo
This was reiterated by the foster carers
ldquoI canrsquot see Gisda putting him out on the street but they have to
give him notice of eviction in order for the council to do
something about it Sometimes he stays with his cousin or his
24
dad if there is any room But he will probably have to lsquosofa
surfrsquohellip thatrsquos what his brother had to do That will put him on
the list he has to be homeless to get helprdquo
The question of supported living was raised for this particular
participant the foster carer replied
ldquoThere doesnrsquot seem to be any here But for him it wouldnrsquot
work he would worry about the other people there He is afraid
of people that do drugs there is a family history with drugsrdquo
However a neighbouring LA had positive experiences with supported
living Their providers of supported living and BampB accommodation
had been the same for over ten years which would indicate some
consistency The manager for the leaving care team for this LA
commented that the staff at the BampBrsquos offered a sympathetic approach
with more of a lsquofamily feelrsquo to the service Furthermore this LA had
long term relationships with landlords who specifically offered
tenancies to care leavers This demonstrates the importance of
consistency Although BampB may not seem ideal if there are good long
term relationships with service providers this can offer a positive short
term solution
Likewise care leaver B had the right experience with their
accommodation
ldquoI went from the childrenrsquos home to supported lodgings and after
that had my own flat The supported lodgings really helped me
learn how to look after myself I did go off the rails a bit when I
was about 23 but because of my support I sorted myself outrdquo
Though care leaver C will be moving once again in the near future It
seems his ADHD leaves the LA at a loss as to where this young person
should live The condition necessitates extra support to enable him to
manage independence
ldquoI like where I am But the funding for here runs out soon They
(social services) have said there is a new place in Abergele I
think itrsquos a shared house If I turn that down though I will make
myself intentionally homeless so there is no choicerdquo
25
This young personrsquos worries where resonated by his mother too He
entered care under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989 (Appendix 5)
as his mother was unable to manage his behaviour Her understanding
was that he would be care for until he reached 21 It may be argued he
is being cared for and is continuing to be Yet as stated earlier a mental
health facility may not be seen as ideal equally shared housing may
not offer the level of support required for an eventual and positive
departure from care
Regrettably national statistics have shown a rise of 108 per cent in the
number of young people in unsuitable accommodation from 1660 in
2014 to 1840 in 2015 This is reiterated by Carrie Wilson young
peoplersquos project co-ordinator at The Care Leaversrsquo Association
ldquoOn a basic level [BampBs] are seen as a ldquosaferdquo place but those young
people do not feel safe regardless of the interventions put into place to
support a young person if they do not feel like they have personal
safety at the end of the day their coping mechanisms start to break
downrdquo (Puffett and Orfford 2016)
The experiences of these participants suggests a chaotic existence in
line with the research undertaken by Barnardorsquos (2) (2014)
This does not present an improvement of services Government
statistics from 2011 suggested only 17 local authorities were housing
100 per cent of care leavers in suitable accommodation (Higgs 2011)
These are dismal statistics as research conducted by Stein (201280)
found from 2004 to 2009 the numbers of care leavers in suitable
accommodation had risen from 77 to 90 The statistics from 2011
could correlate with the age of austerity and social service budget cuts
(Stein 2012 24)
In Gwynedd since 2013 there has been the lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
available and similar to Englandrsquos lsquoStaying Putrsquo scheme (Appendix 6
amp 7) These schemes are now available throughout Wales and offer the
26
young person an opportunity to stay within their foster care placement
until the age of 21 or beyond if they are engaged in education or
training which started before their twenty first birthday This extended
stay may last until completion of the education or training on the
condition it is set out in the young personrsquos pathway plan The
opportunity offers a more gradual transition similar to young people in
the general population (Gwynedd Council 2014)
However there was no evidence of this scheme to have been offered to
care leaver A Care leavers C and D appear to have merely been
managed until the LA no longer had the duty of care
c) Pathway Plans Personal Advisors and Social
Workers
ldquoI donrsquot remember how many social workers I had hellipmaybe 14
or 15 by the time I left care They kept changingrdquo (Care leaver
D)
The participants were asked about their experiences with personal
advisors social workers the creation and implementation of their
pathway plans (Appendix 8) and whether they felt they were listened
to
It would seem having several social workers is commonplace
ldquoThe 16+ team didnrsquot seem to support him They changed social
worker but he didnrsquot seem to know what was going on Then they
changed again to one from the 16+ team Thatrsquos when his
behaviour changed One of his previous social workers was
fantastic and he worshipped herhellip If only they had kept that
social worker it would have made such a differencerdquo (Foster
carer)
For care leaver A this seems to have happened with the personal
advisor too When asked about their personal advisor
27
ldquoThere was a foster meeting the lady what was her namehellip Jan
she was really good She was with social services and Gisda
But then when they thought I was ok they transferred me to
someone elserdquo
Though for some there was more consistency Care leaver C suggested
a good relationship with their personal advisor They indicated regular
visits phone calls and planning meetings In turn this young person felt
they were being listened to when the pathway plan was produced
The manager for this LAs leaving care team confirms his perspective
on personal advisors
ldquoWe have a team of four personal advisors They have about 40
cases each but they do a great job All of their cases have a
mobile phone number for them and they are all very dedicated
and approachable [from the young personrsquos point of view] They
offer a vital link from care to independencerdquo
However once again this service appears inconsistent depending on
the LA
Added to this frequent changes of case worker suggest a difficulty in
completion and implementation of pathway plans and causes the
young person to feel they are not being listened to
ldquoI was kind of listened to but then my social worker changed so
I had to start againhellipthere was no relationship there cause they
kept changing We would do one pathway plan then the social
worker changed and we would have to do another onerdquo (Care
leaver A)
When the foster carers were asked about the pathway plan and whether
they thought their young person was listened to
ldquoHe didnrsquot have a proper pathway plan for leaving it was rushed
There was no proper structure He was listened to but without
question or consideration of the consequences They ticked their
boxes and he was off their handsrdquo
These experiences were evident in the earlier research by Munro et al
(2011) whereby young people felt their voices were not heard and the
meetings surrounding their exit from care caused anxiety and stress
28
The foster carers then suggested their current placement who had just
turned 16 may suffer the same
ldquoShe is just about to change to the 16+ team they canrsquot wait to
get her on thathellipit will be her third social worker in two years
She is adamant she doesnrsquot want to leave at 16 but if they dangle
the carrot of her own flat in front of her it might be differentrdquo
Furthermore for the foster carers support appears to be inconsistent
One set had just been assigned a new social worker the third in two
years
ldquoWe have a new social worker and she just ticks the boxes She
seems terrified to use her initiative One social worker I was
dealing with said there were five people who were either off or
had left and not been replaced in his office alonerdquo
It is well documented that retention of staff within social work is
increasingly difficult Added to which there a national shortage of
approximately 3500 social workers both hindering continuity for the
people they provide services to (Community Care 2014) This and
aforementioned cuts to funding within leaving care services may
explain how the inconsistency and a lack of relationship with social
workers described within this data can infringe on the process of
leaving care
With this in mind it is imperative to consider the legal implications at
this point It would appear within the legal framework there are lsquogrey
areasrsquo which can allow the experiences of care leaverrsquos A C and D to
occur The Children (Leaving Care) Act (2000) states that an
assessment of needs must be carried out by the LA for the said child
(a)while they are still looking after him and
(b)after they cease to look after him (19B 4)
The proviso for this is the child has been looked after for a period of
time and that they are aged 16 or 17 (19B 2 a amp b)
However the Care Act (2014) has a section dedicated to the needs of a
child in the transition to adulthood including the requirement for a
29
needs assessment but in relation to the childrsquos needs after the age of
18 Furthermore section 58 (4) insists the assessment should be carried
out whether the child consents or not if there is a risk of or experiencing
abuse or neglect Bearing in mind the vulnerability of these young
people the causes for them to have been placed in care in the first place
it would be fair to consider this group eligible for this assessment and
extended care Added to which one would expect a more thorough and
consistent assessment to be carried out Clearly with several changes to
case workers [as experienced by care leavers A and D] this legal
standard is not being met
Perhaps government and policy makers should consider case worker
retention and better working environments as fundamental aspects of
policy in turn offering better outcomes for the young people
(Appendix 9)
d) Financial aspects
ldquoThey told him to choose what he needed for the flat but only
some of it turned up There is something I heard of might be
from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation where some money is put
into an ISA which can be accessed once they are 18 This is
because they have been in care But I feel the danger of that is it
could all be blown on something else or used as a carrot to
encourage leaving care As far as I have seen they just go and
spend it all then itrsquos gone ndash they would be better giving them a
furnished flatrdquo (Foster carer)
The Care Leavers Strategy states it encourages LArsquos to offer at least
pound2000 as a lsquoSetting Up Home Allowancersquo (leaving care grant)
although as this is not a legal requirement the amount varies from LA
to LA Care leaver A received in the region of pound400 (Gwynedd LA)
However the manager for Conwy laving care team indicated the
amount their care leavers receive is dependent on what they need This
is also stated on the LArsquos web site (Appendix 8) It may be suggested
that young people within less affluent LArsquos will fare worse financially
30
The Strategy maintains care leavers are entitled to a pound1200 bursary if
they are attending further education and a pound2000 bursary for higher
education This is financed by the Department for Education (2013
10) Extra funding of this kind would appear significant for these young
people however if the earlier literature is considered the statistics for
this grouprsquos educational achievements did not present well (See
chapter one) As this funding is reliant on the young person being in
education there will be a significant proportion unable to access this
extra help
Conwy LA did suggest promising outcomes for employment for their
care leavers with many undertaking apprenticeships within the
councilrsquos departments
ldquoWe have a number of our young people working and training in
the council (Conwy) with a selection of apprenticeships
specifically for them Some do go on to stay with us being
offered permanent contractsrdquo (Leaving care team manager)
Unfortunately a comparison cannot be made with other LArsquos or
voluntary organisations in this area as there was no response to the
research
Care leaver A did have temporary employment with a local leisure
centre although when a permanent contract was offered it was of a zero
hourrsquos nature
ldquoI wasnrsquot worth me taking ithellipI would lose my benefit and have
no guarantee of workrdquo
Care leaver C started a college course and managed a couple of shifts
in a restaurant kitchen however his chaotic accommodation provision
and a lack of support for his ADHD hampered his continuation
Care leaver D is NEET (Appendix 11) and has been since his exit from
care It would seem this has not been assisted by his family [to which
he returned] who have also never been in employment and his
reluctance to receive any more services It may be suggested his high
31
level of case worker turnover contributed to his reluctance Equally his
chaotic existence before entering care disrupted his education added
the rushed transition from care has not facilitated good employment
prospects
e) Evaluation and Reflection
When evaluating this research one must acknowledge the limitations
when assessing the size of the sample
Despite persistence there was a reluctance by professionals particularly
to participate Out of four LAs contacted only one responded and
agreed to be interviewed One LA received the research pack three
times follow up calls were made several times to no avail The same
may be said for the voluntary sector in spite of positive telephone
conversations and receipt of the research pack Barnardorsquos and Gisda
did not consent to be interviewed Therefore the findings were
somewhat one sided and the professional perspective limited
However even with the limited sample the original hypothesis of the
leaving care system failing the young people has a degree of truth
Equally the findings are reflective of earlier research identified in
chapter 2
There is certainly scope for further and more considerable research
within this field Although for future studies it may be beneficial to use
focus group methodology to encourage professional participation This
would possibly generate an improved response rate in comparison to
the online questionnaire used for the initial stages of this project The
face to face follow up interviews proved difficult to organise although
it was difficult to decipher whether this was due to a reluctance to
engage in the research or a lack of available time
32
Chapter 5
Conclusion
In conclusion the data collected for this study shows a system that sadly
does fail its young people Certainly in Gwynedd the leaving care
process is seemingly rushed and centred around a personrsquos age rather
than their readiness for independence Of course it may be argued there
has to be a lsquocut off pointrsquo and young people have to become
independent at some time for legal purposes that lsquopointrsquo is dictated by
their age It would seem this is the case regardless of the harm it may
cause Furthermore it could be argued this hasty process is a breach of
the young personrsquos human rights however despite searching no cases
were found
In 2006 research conducted by Mendes and Moselhuddin concluded
the leaving care process should be a gradual process based on levels of
maturity and ability to manage independence rather than simply age
The same recommendation is echoed in the majority of research both
past and present It would seem that ten years on we are no closer to an
ideal solution
For care leaver A C and D the outcome was poor Certainly they did
not feel supported through the transition although care leaver C had
significantly better support from their personal advisor post 18
However despite this support care leaver C was still living in less than
ideal circumstances and about to be moved once again
In line with the literature this study although with the limited sample
found immense inconsistencies within the system and in every area
from support to financial assistance
Evidently for some the system works against an already disadvantaged
group abandoning when needed the most so to speak
33
It would seem the introduction of legislation and the Transitions
Guidance to strengthen practice and policy has failed to make a
significant improvement especially surrounding the lsquolevelling uprsquo of
services Attributed by the cost cutting imposed on LArsquos by central
government this is hardly surprising
There are some encouraging outcomes such as care leaver B receiving
immense support from their LA beyond policy and legal requirement
This is in line with some of Steinrsquos (2012 81) research and positive
outcomes are underpinned by the level of good consistent and accurate
support received by the individual Yet as this study has found this is
not consistent or universal
It is clear inconsistencies lack of support young and rushed transitions
all contribute to poorer outcomes for this group of young people A
group which are already disadvantaged and at a much higher risk of
social exclusion
As a society we should consider these young people as just that ndash young
people Often with the same dreams and aspirations as any other young
person On the contrary perhaps we should consider these young
people further as many will have already been let down by society
Either way they are entitled to as much support guidance and
opportunity as any other Regrettably this does not seem to be the case
as despite advances in research policy and legislation the same
inconsistencies and failures appear to occur time and time again
The study has shown the importance of understanding the young
peoplersquos history Of understanding former problems or areas of
concern This aids the transition to independence as it identifies where
the support is needed and individualizes the young person There
cannot be a lsquoone size fits allrsquo approach to the leaving care system as
one can see these young people are individual It has identified how
fundamental it is to include a young personrsquos foster carers when
considering independence to recognise the relationship they may have
34
with the young person and the key role they play after leaving care (as
with care lever A)
With this in mind one must acknowledge the leaving care system has
indeed improved over the last 30 years however it needs to continue to
progress if there is any hope of achieving a consistent service with more
even and positive outcomes for these young people
35
Bibliography
Action for Children (2014) [Online]
Available at httpwwwactionforchildrenorgukour-
servicesadoption-fostering-and-children-in-carechildren-in-
careleaving-care
Barnardorsquos (2014)[1] [Online] Someone to Care Experiences of
leaving care Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorguksomeone_to_care_final_feb2014pdf
(Accessed 07 October 2015)
Barnardorsquos (2014)[2] [Online] The costs of not caring supporting
English care leavers into independence Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf (Accessed 07
October 2015)
Biehal N Clayden J Stein M and Wade J (1995) Moving On
Young people and leaving care schemes London HMSO
Broad B (2005) Improving the Health and Well-Being of Young
People Leaving Care Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing
Burgess C (1981) In Care and Into Work London Tavistock
Care Leaverrsquos Foundation (with Children and Young People Now)
(2009) [Online] Setting Up A place to call home Bala Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation Available at
httpwwwthecareleaversfoundationorgsitedatafilesSetting_Up_A
_Place_to_Callpdf (Accessed 06 April 2015)
Care Leavers Strategy (2013) [Online] Available at
httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachment_
datafile266484Care_Leaver_Strategypdf (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Care Act (2014) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga201423part1crossheadingtra
nsition-for-children-to-adult-care-and-support-etcenacted (Accessed
01 March 2016)
Children and Families Act 2014 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga20146section98enacted
(Accessed 02 October 2015)
36
Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200035pdfsukpga_20000035_
enpdf (Accessed 19 March 2015)
Children and Young Persons Act (2008) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200823contents (Accessed 02
October 2015)
Community Care (2014) [Online] Councils struggling to retain social
workers in face of high caseloads and competition over pay
Available at httpwwwcommunitycarecouk20140130councils-
struggling-retain-social-workers-face-high-caseloads-competition-
pay (Accessed 22 February 2016)
Courtney M Terrao S and Bost N (2004) Midwest evaluation of
the adult functioning of former foster youth Conditions of youth
preparing to leave state care Outcomes at age 19 Chicago Chapin
Hall Centre for Children at University of Chicago
Daly F (2012) lsquoMy voice has to be heardrsquo Research on outcomes
for young people leaving care in North Dublin Dublin EPIC
Dixon J and Baker C (2012) lsquoThe Housing Experience of Young
People Leaving Care in England What helpsrsquo Developing Practice
The Child Youth and Family Work Journal Issue 32 National Care
Advisory Service (NCAS)
wwweducationgovuk [Online]
Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20130123124929httpw
wweducationgovukresearchandstatisticsstatisticsa00195573
Family Rights Group (2014) [Online] Support for Young People
Leaving the Care System Available at
httpwwwfrgorgukimagesAdvice_Sheets16-support-for-young-
people-leaving-carepdf (Accessed 29 September 2015)
The Fostering Network (2014) [Online] Staying Put Available at
httpswwwfosteringnetall-about-fosteringprovidersstaying-put-
updateVg5D-PRdX1Y (Accessed 02 October 2015)
Godek S (1976) Leaving Care Barkingside Barnardorsquos
Gwynedd Council (2014) [Online] lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
Available at
httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrutin
y20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20When
37
20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf (Accessed
22 February 2016)
Harris R J (1982) Institutionalized Ambivalence Social Work and
the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 British Journal of Social
Work Vol12 pp 247-263
Higgs L (2011) [Online] Housing crisis around the corner for care
leavers experts warn Children and Young People Now Available
at httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1050066housing-crisis-
corner-care-leavers-experts-warn (Accessed 17 February 2016)
Hiles D Moss D Thorne L Wright J and Dallos R (2014) ldquoSo
what am Irdquo ndash Multiple perspectives on young peoplersquos experience of
leaving care Children and Youth Services Review Vol 41 pp 1-15
House of Commons (1968) Report of the Committee on Local
Authority and Allied Personal Social Services London HMSO
Hutchinson D (2013) [Online] Catch 22 National Care Advisory
Service (NCAS) Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads9b7793d8be6ffc05a501df3df
4a1ef5fpdf
Jackson S and Cameron C (2012) lsquoLeaving Care Looking ahead
and aiming higherrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 34 (6)
pp 1107-1114
Mendes P and Moslehuddin B (2006) lsquoFrom Dependence to
Interdependence Towards Better Outcomes for Young People
Leaving State Carersquo Child Abuse Review Vol15 pp 110-166
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2006) Young peoplersquos views on leaving
care Newcastle Commission for Social Care Inspection
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2012) Young peoplersquos views on care
and aftercare Office of the Childrenrsquos Rights Director London
Ofsted
Mulvey T (1977) lsquoAfter-care ndash who caresrsquo Concern No 26
London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Munro E Lushey C and Ward H (2011) Evaluation of the
Right2BCared4 Pilots Final report (NCAS) London Department
for Education
38
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2011) Making the Cut
Planning Transitions for Care Levers in an Age of Austerity London
NCAS
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2012) [Online] Statistical
Briefing Looked after children and care leavers 2012 Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads0e9a6e4f266b8e96ad7c8e25
7bd53982pdf (Accessed 30 March 2015)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2013)
[Online] The NICE quality standard on the health and wellbeing of
looked after children and young people Available at
httpwwwniceorgukguidanceQS31chapterQuality-statement-8-
Support-to-move-to-independence (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Office for National Statistics (2014) [Online] Large increase in 20 to
34-year-olds living with parents since 1996 Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20160105160709httpw
wwonsgovukonsrelfamily-demographyyoung-adults-living-with-
parents2013sty-young-adultshtml (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board (2016) [Online] Child J ndash
Domestic Homicide Review and Serious Case Review (combined)
Available at httpwwwoscborgukwp-contentuploadsChild-J-
OSCB-Overview-Reportpdf (Accessed 25 February 2016)
Page R and Clark G (eds) (1977) Who Cares Young People in
Care Speak Out London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Puffett N and Orfford A (2016) [Online] Increasing numbers of
care leavers in unsuitable accommodation Children and Young
People Now Available at
httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1155917increasing-numbers-of-
care-leavers-in-unsuitable-accommodation (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Samuels G M and Pryce J M (2008) ldquoWhat doesnrsquot kill you
makes you strongerrdquo Survivalist self-reliance as resilience and risk
among young adults aging out of foster care Children and Youth
Services Review Vol 30 (10) pp 1198-1210
Stein M (2002) Young People Leaving Care A Research
Perspective In A Wheal ed The RHP Companion to Leaving Care
Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing pp 28-33
39
Stein M (2004) What works for young people leaving care
Barkingside Barnardos
Stein M (2006) lsquoYoung people aging out of care The poverty of
theoryrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 28 (4) pp 422-434
Stein M (2012) Young People Leaving Care Supporting Pathways
to Adulthood London Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Stein M and Carey K (1986) Leaving Care Oxford Blackwell
Stein M and Ellis S (1983) Gizza Say Reviews and Young People
in Care London NAYPIC
Stein M and Maynard C (1985) Irsquove Never Been So Lonely
London NAYPIC
Stone M (1990) Young People Leaving Care A study of
management systems service delivery and user evaluation UK The
Royal Philanthropic Society
The Who Carersquos Trust (2014) [Online] Leaving Care Available at
httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpagesleaving-care-what-
happens-post-16html
Wade J (2011) lsquoPreparation and transition planning for
unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee young people A review
of evidence in Englandrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol
33 pp 2424-2430
Wade J and Dixon J (2006) lsquoMaking a home finding a job
investing early housing and employment outcomes for young people
leaving carersquo Child and Family Social Work Vol 11 (3) pp 199-208
Wade J Mitchel F and Baylis G (2005) Unaccompanied asylum
seeking children The response of social services London BAAF
40
Appendix
1) httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf page 25
Karenrsquos story
2) httpwwwnhsukConditionsAttention-deficit-hyperactivity-
disorderPagesIntroductionaspx
3) Email received in response to a request for Mr Timpson (Minister
of State for Children and Families) to answer three questions
regarding care leavers
Dear MsthinspThompsonthinsp
I am writing on behalf of the Minister of State for Children and
Families to thank you for your email of 9 February about your
dissertation
I am sorry but the department receives so many requests like yours
that we are unable to respond to them other than to point you to
sources of information I would therefore suggest that you look at the
departmentrsquos website
at httpswwwgovuksearchq=care+leavers+strategy
I hope you find this link helpful and that you are able to find the
information you need
Your correspondence has been allocated reference number 2016-
0008179 If you need to respond to us please
visit httpswwweducationgovukcontactus and quote your
reference number
As part of our commitment to improving the service we provide to
our customers we are interested in hearing your views and would
welcome your comments via our website
at httpswwweducationgovukpcusurvey
Yours sincerely
Kelly Walkerthinsp
Ministerial and Public Communications Division
Web
[httpswwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovuk]https
wwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovukgt
Twitter httpswwwtwittercomeducationgovuk
Facebook httpswwwfacebookcomeducationgovuk
41
[httpswwweducationgovukimages2irisdfepng]
4) httpwwwgisdaorgengamdanom-nihtml
5) httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga198941section20
6)httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrut
iny20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20Whe
n20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf
7)httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachme
nt_datafile201015Staying_Put_Guidancepdf
8) httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpageswhats-a-pathway-
planhtml
9) httpjobscommunitycarecoukarticlecoventry-tops-london-in-
the-best-place-to-live-league-tablescmpid=EMP|JOBS|SCJOB-
2016-0224-CH|READMORE-COVampcmpid
10) httpwwwconwygovukdocaspcat=4800ampdoc=19742
11)httpresearchbriefingsparliamentukResearchBriefingSummary
SN06705
42
i) Interview Guide
Generic areas of question
Age upon leaving care
Staying put scheme
Financial help
Choice of housing
Suitability of accommodation
Geographical position of accommodation
Further education
Access to support eg Personal Advisor social worker
Input with Pathway plan
Being listened to
Transition
Keeping in touch
Difference with peers
43
6
However due to the poverty and identifying several social problems
during this time focus on care-leavers declined Though social services
were reorganised along with the implementation of the Children and
Young Persons Act 1969 in 1971 this did not lead to improve the after
care services ndash rather the opposite Studies such as Godek (1976) and
Mulvey (1977) emphasised the difficulties the young people faced
upon leaving care
There was an end to the probation services involvement a change in
approved school orders to all-purpose care orders and approved school
being replaced by Community Homes with Education all of which
aided the demise of specialist after-care officers Due to the social
climate of the time Stein (2012 16) notes ldquocare leavers became a
forgotten grouprdquo
This is reflected in the lack of literature pre 1970 due to scarce research
taking place at this time Added to which the lack of research was
attributed to favourable economic conditions and full youth
employment during the aftermath of World War II It seems only by
the beginning of the 1970rsquos as social work developed and looked
towards the future did research into young peoplersquos outcomes within
the care system take place (Stein 2012 14)
Nevertheless from 1973 young people came together to talk about their
experiences in care A ldquolack of power over their livesrdquo in relation to
their finances their own reviews and the opportunity to learn
independent skills whilst in care lead to the formation of local groups
such as the lsquoWho Cares Projectrsquo and the lsquoNational Association of
Young People in Carersquo This resulted in giving them a voice (Stein
2012 17) and small scale studies began to take place For example
Godek (1976) Mulvey (1977) and Page and Clark (1977) in the
1970rsquos In the 1980rsquos studies were undertaken by Burgess (1981) Stein
and Ellis (1983) Stein and Meynard (1985) and Stein and Carey
(1986) amongst others These studies found the aforementioned
7
challenges with finance and so on added to which more often than not
young people left care at 16 and were required to live independently
(Stein 2012 17) One reoccurring theme throughout the studies taking
place was the lack of preparation for this vulnerable group for living
independently The latter studies finding high levels of care leavers
becoming homeless
More recently this topic is of particular importance as the data held for
2012 found there were 67050 young people in care [by local
authority] of those 10000 aged 16 or over left care (NCAS 2012)
Stein (2002 32) notes their transition to adulthood is lsquocompressed and
acceleratedrsquo With this in mind Stein (2006 423) states that these
young people are ldquohellipthe most excluded groups of young people in
societyrdquo
Furthermore in light of the refugee crisis emerging from Syria there
is another particularly vulnerable group This group is identified by the
United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) as someone below the age
of 18 (or appearing to be should the proof be lacking) and claiming
asylum in their own right with no significant adult in the UK to provide
care (Wade 2011 2424-2425) Under UK guidelines a young person
may be given support whilst they are under the age of 18 only to be at
risk of deportation upon reaching 18 years old (Family Rights Group
2014) A study conducted by Wade (et al 2005) found younger
unaccompanied refugees received more thorough assessment of needs
as opposed to 16 and 17 year olds of the same status This being
resource driven due to less government funding for this age group
Added to which previous studies (Courtney Terrao and Bost 2004
Stein 2004) have also identified within this group of young people an
inconsistency of preparation for independence
The inconsistency of service delivery appears to apply to citizen young
people along with non-citizen
8
Chapter 2
A Review of the Literature
lsquoIf I had parents to go to I would go to my parents and ask them
for help Or Irsquod be with my parents so the strain wouldnrsquot be so
much But I donrsquot have anybody I donrsquot have anyone to turn torsquo
(Care leaver in Barnardorsquos (1) 2014)
Most parents have positive expectations for their own children and are
there offering full support when their child moves into independence
However children leaving the care system often have to live without
this Lack of parental support clearly contributes to a difficult
transition into independence (Barnardorsquos (1) 2014 1)
As previously noted literature pre 1970 is scarce Here the focus will
be on more recent findings in the consistency of services for care
leavers The service areas are
Housing and accommodation
Finance
Transition
It is noted by Stein (2012) that in the view of young care leavers foster
carers care workers and personal advisors that the young people left
care too young The earlier research notes the same problem Young
care leavers are being moved on from the age of 16 whereas studies
found the median age for leaving home was 22 for men and 20 for
women (Biehal et al 1995 30) In recent times the number of young
people [not in care] still living at home with their parents has risen from
27 million in 1996 to 33 million in 2013 their ages ranging from 20
ndash 34 (ONS 2014) It may be seen therefore how difficult it can be for
9
young people in Local Authority (hereafter LA) care to leave at such a
young age
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE 2013)
supported by the NSPCC state that ldquocare leavers move to independence
at their own pacerdquo recognising how difficult this time may be
Currently a new duty has been placed upon LArsquos in England This
implementation named the lsquoStaying Putrsquo scheme came into force in
May 2014 (part 5 Welfare of Children (98) of the Children and
Families Act 2014) and offers young people the chance to stay on in
their foster home where the LA regards this consistent with the welfare
of the young person although this does not include residential care
Additional funding has been allocated for each individual LArsquos for this
However nationally this service is inconsistent In Scotland a similar
scheme has been introduced in 2015 also including residential care
Wales has placed the same duty on their LArsquos through the lsquoWhen Irsquom
Readyrsquo scheme though no additional funding has been allocated (The
Fostering Network 2014)
Housing is a fundamental area of concern for young care leavers
Literature pre 1980rsquos is scarce for all issues however due to this lack of
information a National Survey of Leaving Care Schemes was
conducted in 1989 During this time housing was the most common
service provided to young care leavers After housing other services
were offered such as counselling advocacy training preparation for
leaving care and advice on leisure facilities food and clothing
However these services were not universal and most did not offer any
preparation for leaving care (Stone 1990 7)
More recently the LA are duty bound to provide such services
universally Current legislation held in the Children (Leaving Care) Act
2000 states ldquoIt is the duty of the local authority looking after a child to
advise assist and befriend him with a view to promoting his welfare
when they have ceased to look after himrdquo More recent legislation held
10
within the Children and Young Persons Act (2008) along with the
Transitions Guidance for LArsquos to assist with strengthening policy and
practice framework to encourage a lsquolevelling uprsquo of services (Stein
2012 24)
Although these measures are currently in place it is suggested by Dixon
and Baker (2012) that service quality and effectiveness is not consistent
and varies from LA to LA This is not surprising as a survey carried out
in 2011 by the National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) reported high
level of funding cuts to leaving care services (varying from 7 to 15)
making implementation of the Transitions Guidance problematic
Additionally it is apparent housing and accommodation are high on
the list of issues facing care leavers The LArsquos are only duty bound to
provide lsquosuitable accommodationrsquo to 16 and 17 year olds Once a care
leaver reaches 18 the LArsquos are only required to assist with
accommodation advice and support as far as their [young personrsquos]
welfare requires it
Dixon and Baker (2012) continue to identify that although legislation
and advances in support services have increased over the last couple of
decades from knowledge gained through research young care leavers
are still over- represented within the homeless and inadequately
housed With this in mind it is not surprising to find that recent figures
suggest 30 of homeless people have been in the care system (The
Who Carersquos Trust 2014)
This is evident in research compiled by Barnardorsquos (2) (2014) were by
even with the advances in policy the case studies show a chaotic
existence for some young people Several moves from one unsuitable
accommodation to another periods of homelessness and being moved
out of familiar areas [geographically] remains a prominent feature
(Appendix 1)
11
Stone (1990) identified this issue twenty years prior to Dixon
indicating the evidence then showed an over-representation of care
leavers experiencing homelessness The same problem occurs in
literature by Stein and Carey (1986) from their study during 1982
It is noted by Morgan and Lindsey (2012) that there is a need for more
support with accommodation however Munro et al (2011) identified
out of the young people offered extra support the take up was only
about 50 This may be due to wanting to get rid of the lsquobeing in carersquo
label or perhaps a lack of understanding of the extra support offered
There is evidence within the literature that finances present a
significant issue to care leavers (Broad 2005 Munro et al 2011
Stein 2012 54)
Regional differences in the levels of financial support in the form of
leaving care grants is significant ranging from pound400 to pound2000 with the
average payment being pound1000 (Broad 200547) Stein (2012) notes
more recently the leaving care grant still lack in consistency ranging
from zero to pound2000 A survey carried out by the Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation (2009) calculated the young people needed at least pound2500
in order to set up the most basic essentials to live independently [of 150
LArsquos surveyed only one provided this amount]
These financial inconsistencies clearly present challenges not only with
basic needs such as food and housing but also the ability to participate
in leisure activities and higher education This exclusion has a
potentially damaging impact on the health and well-being for young
people who are already vulnerable (Jackson and Cameron 2012)
Furthermore a lack of understanding of financial matters can lead to
long term debt and financial difficulties
ldquoIrsquom still paying off debts now [nine years after living in her first
independent placement] if somebody had have gone through
these bills bills I didnrsquot even know existed Irsquove had to figure
everything out myself Irsquove had to learn the hard way If I had
12
have had support with that it would have changed thingsrdquo (Care
leaver in Barnardorsquos (2) 2014 13)
There is evidence the young peoplersquos voices may not be listened to
The meetings and reviews appear stressful for the young people (Daly
2012) A large proportion felt ignored during meetings (Munro et al
2011 28) and approximately a third felt their lsquoPathway Planrsquo [the LA
is duty bound to have a Pathway Plan to assist in the transition to
independent living] was not adhered to at all It is noted young people
wish to have more control of when they leave care and for the
transition to be more gradual and less rushed (Morgan and Lindsey
2012 Morgan and Lindsey 2006)
Mendes and Moselhuddin (2006 113) note lsquoGraduation from care
needs to become a far more gradual and flexible process based on levels
of maturity and skill development rather than simply agersquo
Furthermore this view is held by the young people involved
ldquoI didnrsquot want to go I still had to go anyway I didnrsquot have a
choiceI was moving out at eighteen end of discussion and the
bit that really pissed me [off] is [that] they chucked me out on
my eighteenth birthdayrdquo (Care leaver in Munro et al 2011 21)
Although the age has been extended to 18 before a young person has to
leave care [unless they are in full time education] an Independent
Reviewing Officer (IRO) in Munro et al (2011 23) states
ldquoWe identified fairly quickly that all it has done is just knock it
back two years erm you know what used to be 16hellipused to have
all these arguments Wersquove shunted it back to 18 but you know
our 18 year olds are just as vulnerable as those 16 year olds
wererdquo
It is clear within the literature the young people fundamentally require
consistency and support from leaving care workers and services to aid
their transition from care to independence (Munro et al 2011 21)
Pride and an inability to ask for help to access services is apparent It
is recognised that many care leavers where reluctant to allow
13
themselves to be cared for The young people were more comfortable
with caring for others This is a result of often having to adopt the role
of carer within their birth family (Samuels and Pryce 2008 1203-
1205) However the literature does not identify other underlying
reasons for the young people having difficulty in accepting help
themselves Reasons such as lack of self- esteem and self- worth due to
the trauma they may have suffered
The transition to independence brings with it feelings of isolation and
loneliness which were connected to losing their carers
ldquoItrsquos hard to think that people you lived with for nine years are
not in your life anymorerdquo
(Care leaver in Morgan 2012 22)
There is evidence these feelings may also be connected to moving away
from friends and professionals changes in social workers and a
transition to adult services
One author notes the young people are living life lsquoin limborsquo (Hiles et
al 2014 6) It is suggested as the young people approach their
eighteenth birthday they are in a state of limbo knowing they may not
be lsquoin carersquo not knowing if they can lsquostay putrsquo with foster carers or
lsquomoving onrsquo to independent accommodation Leaving care workers
involved in Hilesrsquo et al (2014) study describe having ldquoinsufficient time
to prepare some young people for this transitionrdquo especially the young
people who had experienced problems in maintaining stable
placements prior to leaving care
Moreover the system is described as ldquochaotic and complexrdquo forced to
react rather than respond to crisis The cause of this is identified
through poor staff retention and therefore the use of temporary staff
leaving a lack of continuity and consistency (Hiles et al 2014 7)
This research examines policies potentially promoting negative
consequences For example a disengagement of adult mental health
services leading to re-engagement of childrenrsquos services those young
14
people most able being offered more support through education
leaving some young people of low risk but still vulnerable in an isolated
position Also it was noted the young people leaving care to return
home to their birth families for longer than six months lose access to
services when they may actually still be in a vulnerable position (Hiles
et al2014 7)
However Stein (2012 81) suggests there is evidence that most young
people experience good outcomes after leaving care Positive outcomes
are underpinned by the relationship between the young person and the
leaving care teams In addition the evidence points to a positive sense
of well-being when settled and happy even if past or leaving care
experiences have been negative (Wade and Dixon 2006)
In conclusion the literature identifies the inconsistency within leaving
care systems These inconsistencies span throughout the services
available to care leavers from financial to pathway planning and
implementation There is evidence of a somewhat uneven service
delivery despite policy stipulations
There has been an encouraging influx of research in the last fifteen
years or so which should promote a continued improvement in policy
and outcome for this fundamentally vulnerable group in society
There is evident progress within the leaving care system which has
been noted by Stein Wade and Dixon However despite progress
within the system [the introduction of personal advisors Pathway
Plans and specific leaving care teams] and extensive research
informing policy makers the uneven delivery still exists Additionally
care leavers are still disadvantaged compared to their peers even with
the progress that has been made
There is an emphasis on a proactive and preventative approach and a
significant need for placement stability underpinned by systematic and
consistent services As it stands young people are currently being
15
ldquopushed into fighting against a systemrdquo rather than a system that works
together for a positive outcome (Hiles et al 2014 11)
Contingency plans are an important recommendation outlined in recent
research as a necessity to prevent care leavers falling into crisis These
plans need to be in place regardless of assessed lsquoneedrsquo Moreover
access to an independent visitor enabling another supportive
relationship to be formed along with personal advisors would offer
greater assistance when decisions are being made for the young
personrsquos future (Barnardorsquos 2014 23)
Now the research is taking place identifying young peoplersquos
experiences of leaving care it is necessary to listen in order to make
effective changes in policy and practice to achieve better outcomes for
this vulnerable group
16
Chapter 3
Methodology
This research is of a qualitative nature The methodology included an
online questionnaire (n=50) to identify common themes followed up
by face- to-face interviews (n=10) for more detailed data However
the response rate for the online questionnaire was poor with only ten
returned The interviews adopted a semi-structured approach to allow
for participants to talk freely about their experiences The author used
an interview guide to achieve this containing the areas of interest
rather than a structured set of interview questions (Appendix i)
Support for this project was received from a local fostering group and
that provided some resources for sourcing the sample
Initially the author had positive support from social workers and
professionals within the leaving care sector Although actual response
from local authority was limited only one out of four who received
the research pack responded Participation by third sector
organisations was similarly positive however commitment to be
interviewed could not be obtained
The sample consisted of four young people aged 16 plus involved in
the leaving care process and four professionals working within the
leaving care system Geographically broken down to Gwynedd
Conwy Telford and Wrekin and Caerphilly
The interviews took place either in their own home place of work or
a mutually comfortable setting agreed by the participants The
researcher offered anonymity to the participants and the interviews
were handled sensitively keeping the vulnerability of some of the
sample in mind
The interviews were concerned with
17
Whether the young person feels supported
Whether the resources are accessible and the young person is made
aware of everything available
Whether the duties of the LA are being met from both points of view
(professional and young person)
The view of the use of BampB accommodation
Whether the leaving care process helps or hinders their future
How universal are the services provided
Is there enough financial assistance available resources and financial
advice
Are the young peoplersquos voices heard
Has policy and practice improved over the last couple of decades
The interviews were voice recorded with consent and a diary was kept
for all fieldwork undertaken The study adopted a grounded
theoretical approach and the data subjected to content analysis
a) Ethical Consideration
The sample where given thorough information regarding the study in
order for them to make an informed choice whether to participate or
not Confidentiality was adhered to and any disclosures were handled
appropriately and with ethical consideration in mind The researcher
was aware of the vulnerability of the young people and the sensitive
nature of the study
Due to the sensitivity of the research the data gathered was securely
kept in a locked filing cabinet (paper) and secure password protected
file (electronic) and destroyed on completion of the study
Permission to undertake this study was granted after a thorough and
detailed ethics application
18
Chapter 4
Findings
a) Transition
ldquoYou wouldnrsquot dream of kicking your own kids out so young
They give these kids to much artificial support to encourage
them to leaverdquo (Foster carer)
This is clearly reverberated in the literature particularly in the
Barnardorsquos report Someone to Care Experiences of leaving care
(2014) which highlights the plight of young care leavers and the lack
of parental support contributing to difficult transitions In addition it
has already been identified in the literature review that for children not
in care the leaving home age ranges from 20- 34 (ONS 2014)
Communication for this specific young person appeared to be lacking
ldquoWell my social worker didnrsquot really talk about what
would happenhelliphellipthey were like lsquooh yeah you will get
your own placersquo hellipbut not what will happen afterhellipso I
rushed into it thinking it was a good idea I think they
said it too soon to me if they wouldnrsquot have said it I
would still be here (foster care) for a while So I rushed
into it I had just left school maybe it would be
better at 17 or 18rdquo (Care leaver A currently aged 18 LA
Gwynedd)
This statement by a young care leaver is echoed by a set of foster carers
It was found that by giving the young person an offer of their own flat
complete with some furnishings of their choice seemed to sway their
decision whether or not to leave This was especially the case for 16
year olds
These foster carers stated that their young person had indicated they
wanted to stay in care at least until 18 years old however with a change
of social worker came a change of heart
19
ldquoYou see we had talked about when he would leave but he said
lsquono I wouldnrsquot like to be in a house on my ownrsquo He wanted to
stay when he first came to us he was having nightmares hellip he is
still having problems now He wonrsquot sleep in his bedroom now
he sleeps in the living room with the TV on They (Social
Services team) didnrsquot take any of this into account When his
social worker changed to the 16+ one he was like lsquooh well I
might move outrsquordquo
This particular interview found the process of leaving care very hasty
with very little preparation The young person in question was
identified by the LA as vulnerable however according to the foster
carers the process continued regardless
ldquoHe suddenly was kicking against us The social worker said he
was a troubled child he just said he had issues We know about
confidentiality but we were part of the care package but they (16
+ team) would not involve us There was no communication
between the 16+ team and us It was like he is an adult and thatrsquos
thatrdquo
The foster carers suggested the young person was being coached to
leave There was a sudden decision made and the young person went
lsquooff the railsrsquo It seemed a place was offered to enable them to move
out and that was when reality hit
ldquohelliphe drank a bottle of vodka and was talking about suicide He
suffers from low self- esteem There was no help for that I think
this was brought on by them (16+ team) telling him there was a
space somewhere He kept saying lsquoIrsquom so sorryrsquo It was reality
he had been going through the motions before thisrdquo
This illustrates a terrible indictment of a rushed transition Added to
the trauma which led the young person to being in care this does not
present a positive outcome
The findings for this report support the previous literature Steinrsquos
(2012) extensive research in this area continually reveals hasty
transitions from care to independence
Legislation relating to young people leaving care states
20
lsquoIt is the duty of the local authority looking after a child to advise assist
and befriend him with a view to promoting his welfare when they have
ceased to look after himrsquo (19A Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000)
Indicating a rushed transition should not be promoted rather that it
should be a much slower process with time being given to prepare fully
for independence
In contrast one participant going through the leaving care system in
2004 and within a different LA (Telford and Wrekin) had a much more
positive experience
ldquoI left care at 18 I was in a childrenrsquos homehellipfoster care didnrsquot
suit me I was always running away I had brilliant support all
the way until I was 25 I went to supported living and I had help
to learn to cook and manage money and bills Then I had help to
find a flat and become independent I even still see some of the
people who supported me when I go back to Telfordrdquo (Care
leaver B aged 30)
This indicates a far more gradual transition to independence
Unfortunately the majority of the data within this study points more
often to the former rushed transition
ldquoI turned 18 and it was like hellipyoursquore an adult now I was in a
hostel then a homeless place that was scary there were all sorts
there I liked the place in Bala it was good there But when I
turned 18 I couldnrsquot stay It was like one minute I had everything
done for me then nothingrdquo (Care leaver C currently aged 19
LA Conwy)
This young person moved into private care and currently resides in a
mixed home for people with mental health problems He has Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (Appendix 2)
The research suggests past history is not always taken into account
when assessing the suitability of independent living for these young
people
ldquoHis issues should have been recognised then he would not have
been offered to leave at 16 The social worker had not made the
effort to look at his historyrdquo (Foster carer)
21
Taking the young peoplersquos history and circumstances into account
could offer a more positive outcome than simply their age
ldquoThey had eight files on me from when I was little My foster
carer nagged them until she was able to have them to read
Then she knew what had happenedrdquo (Care leaver D currently
aged 19 LA Caerphilly)
It is recognised in policy that the system still does not seem to perform
as it should The Care Leaversrsquo Strategy (2013) identifies the abrupt
transition experienced by these young people in its opening paragraphs
However the report fails to include lsquotransitionrsquo as a fundamental area
of concern Instead usual sections such as education employment
housing and so on are highlighted as lsquobroad areas of concernrsquo It would
seem the young peoplersquos emotional well- being which is clearly
affected by the hasty exit from care does not hold the same
governmental importance
Additionally it may be prudent to add at this point that Edward
Timpson Minister of State for Children and Families was contacted
for the purpose of this research Mr Timpson was involved in the
development of the Care Leaversrsquo Strategy and in addition to this grew
up with looked after children as his parents were foster carers There
was no response to the research (Appendix 3)
A fundamental issue surrounding rushed transitions is the view these
young people are now adults although they are still virtually as
vulnerable as children The serious case review into the murder of
Jayden Parkinson highlights this Jayden was 17 and considered an
adult by services and practitioners The review stated
lsquoToo often [Parkinson] was viewed as a difficult young person and not
recognised as a child in need of safeguarding Professionals and
agencies did not always fully understand the serious nature of the risks
to [her] or were too quick to be reassured that she would be able to
protect herself from those risksrsquo (Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children
Board 2016 62)
22
It would seem important for policy to start considering the young
personrsquos position in life rather than their age as an indicator of their
readiness for independence
b) Housing and Accommodation
The participants were asked about their experiences with housing when
leaving care Questions about choice suitability and geographic area
where considered Consistent with past research and previous literature
(Barnardorsquos [2] 2014) issues where found in all these areas
Once again the Care Leaversrsquo Strategy recognises these issues found
in research past and present surrounding housing
lsquoCare leavers are a vulnerable group of young adults who have
particular needs in relation to housing and homelessness Around a
quarter of those living on the streets have a background in care The
majority of care leavers leave care by the age of 18 and rising demands
on social housing and other accommodation is making it increasingly
difficult for young people to find suitable accommodation as they enter
adulthoodrsquo (2013 14)
These findings suggest a significant risk of homelessness for these
participants In actual fact without the charity Gisda (Appendix 4) the
options for young people in Gwynedd would be seriously limited
It has already been noted that nationally care leavers are overly
represented within the homeless and inadequately housed with 30 of
homeless people formerly being in care (Who Cares Trust 2014)
When considering choice Bed and Breakfast (BampB) accommodation
was not always used but choice did appear limited Geographical
consideration and suitable match for the young person does not always
seem possible
23
ldquoWell there was a bit of choice but it was mainly Caernarfon I
had shared housing with Gisda not BampB and then I got my flat
with Gisdardquo (Care leaver A)
Once again this is echoed by foster carers
ldquoHe moved into shared housing for two weekshelliphe was
terrified he slit his mattress to hide his laptop in it There wasnrsquot
much choice had he had the choice to stay in Penygroes he
would have He has been trying to get back here ever since He
is afraid in Caernarfon He has two brothers living there which
he has had problems with and his brotherrsquos friend He is quite a
fearful child and finds living in Caernarfon stressful When he
gets home to his flat from here he doesnrsquot go outrdquo
This does not seem to be reserved to just this LA either
ldquoI was in a hostel but I kicked off so was in a BampB for a couple
of days They said I was smoking in the room so I got kicked out
of therehellipdidnrsquot even get all my stuff Then my social worker
said I could stay with my mum for the weekend cause my sister
wasnrsquot there But then she came backhellipshe winds me uphellipI
kicked off but hit the window hellipI wanted to hit her So my mum
called the police helliprdquo (Care leaver D)
There appears to be insecurity surrounding housing Care leaver D
went on to lsquosofa surfrsquo and then went back to his motherrsquos even though
that episode left him with a criminal damage conviction [brought on by
his mother] His support seemed to end there
Care leaver A was asked if the flat with Gisda was permanent
ldquoNo itrsquos two years temporary I have three months leftrdquo
When asked what happens then
ldquoI think Irsquom on the top the list with housing so Irsquove gotta hope
something comes up or I will probably end up in BampB The thing
is once you have had the flat and you get to 18 you sort of go in
circles so you can be put in BampB Itrsquos a worry being three months
awayhelliphellipI keep phoning themrdquo
This was reiterated by the foster carers
ldquoI canrsquot see Gisda putting him out on the street but they have to
give him notice of eviction in order for the council to do
something about it Sometimes he stays with his cousin or his
24
dad if there is any room But he will probably have to lsquosofa
surfrsquohellip thatrsquos what his brother had to do That will put him on
the list he has to be homeless to get helprdquo
The question of supported living was raised for this particular
participant the foster carer replied
ldquoThere doesnrsquot seem to be any here But for him it wouldnrsquot
work he would worry about the other people there He is afraid
of people that do drugs there is a family history with drugsrdquo
However a neighbouring LA had positive experiences with supported
living Their providers of supported living and BampB accommodation
had been the same for over ten years which would indicate some
consistency The manager for the leaving care team for this LA
commented that the staff at the BampBrsquos offered a sympathetic approach
with more of a lsquofamily feelrsquo to the service Furthermore this LA had
long term relationships with landlords who specifically offered
tenancies to care leavers This demonstrates the importance of
consistency Although BampB may not seem ideal if there are good long
term relationships with service providers this can offer a positive short
term solution
Likewise care leaver B had the right experience with their
accommodation
ldquoI went from the childrenrsquos home to supported lodgings and after
that had my own flat The supported lodgings really helped me
learn how to look after myself I did go off the rails a bit when I
was about 23 but because of my support I sorted myself outrdquo
Though care leaver C will be moving once again in the near future It
seems his ADHD leaves the LA at a loss as to where this young person
should live The condition necessitates extra support to enable him to
manage independence
ldquoI like where I am But the funding for here runs out soon They
(social services) have said there is a new place in Abergele I
think itrsquos a shared house If I turn that down though I will make
myself intentionally homeless so there is no choicerdquo
25
This young personrsquos worries where resonated by his mother too He
entered care under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989 (Appendix 5)
as his mother was unable to manage his behaviour Her understanding
was that he would be care for until he reached 21 It may be argued he
is being cared for and is continuing to be Yet as stated earlier a mental
health facility may not be seen as ideal equally shared housing may
not offer the level of support required for an eventual and positive
departure from care
Regrettably national statistics have shown a rise of 108 per cent in the
number of young people in unsuitable accommodation from 1660 in
2014 to 1840 in 2015 This is reiterated by Carrie Wilson young
peoplersquos project co-ordinator at The Care Leaversrsquo Association
ldquoOn a basic level [BampBs] are seen as a ldquosaferdquo place but those young
people do not feel safe regardless of the interventions put into place to
support a young person if they do not feel like they have personal
safety at the end of the day their coping mechanisms start to break
downrdquo (Puffett and Orfford 2016)
The experiences of these participants suggests a chaotic existence in
line with the research undertaken by Barnardorsquos (2) (2014)
This does not present an improvement of services Government
statistics from 2011 suggested only 17 local authorities were housing
100 per cent of care leavers in suitable accommodation (Higgs 2011)
These are dismal statistics as research conducted by Stein (201280)
found from 2004 to 2009 the numbers of care leavers in suitable
accommodation had risen from 77 to 90 The statistics from 2011
could correlate with the age of austerity and social service budget cuts
(Stein 2012 24)
In Gwynedd since 2013 there has been the lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
available and similar to Englandrsquos lsquoStaying Putrsquo scheme (Appendix 6
amp 7) These schemes are now available throughout Wales and offer the
26
young person an opportunity to stay within their foster care placement
until the age of 21 or beyond if they are engaged in education or
training which started before their twenty first birthday This extended
stay may last until completion of the education or training on the
condition it is set out in the young personrsquos pathway plan The
opportunity offers a more gradual transition similar to young people in
the general population (Gwynedd Council 2014)
However there was no evidence of this scheme to have been offered to
care leaver A Care leavers C and D appear to have merely been
managed until the LA no longer had the duty of care
c) Pathway Plans Personal Advisors and Social
Workers
ldquoI donrsquot remember how many social workers I had hellipmaybe 14
or 15 by the time I left care They kept changingrdquo (Care leaver
D)
The participants were asked about their experiences with personal
advisors social workers the creation and implementation of their
pathway plans (Appendix 8) and whether they felt they were listened
to
It would seem having several social workers is commonplace
ldquoThe 16+ team didnrsquot seem to support him They changed social
worker but he didnrsquot seem to know what was going on Then they
changed again to one from the 16+ team Thatrsquos when his
behaviour changed One of his previous social workers was
fantastic and he worshipped herhellip If only they had kept that
social worker it would have made such a differencerdquo (Foster
carer)
For care leaver A this seems to have happened with the personal
advisor too When asked about their personal advisor
27
ldquoThere was a foster meeting the lady what was her namehellip Jan
she was really good She was with social services and Gisda
But then when they thought I was ok they transferred me to
someone elserdquo
Though for some there was more consistency Care leaver C suggested
a good relationship with their personal advisor They indicated regular
visits phone calls and planning meetings In turn this young person felt
they were being listened to when the pathway plan was produced
The manager for this LAs leaving care team confirms his perspective
on personal advisors
ldquoWe have a team of four personal advisors They have about 40
cases each but they do a great job All of their cases have a
mobile phone number for them and they are all very dedicated
and approachable [from the young personrsquos point of view] They
offer a vital link from care to independencerdquo
However once again this service appears inconsistent depending on
the LA
Added to this frequent changes of case worker suggest a difficulty in
completion and implementation of pathway plans and causes the
young person to feel they are not being listened to
ldquoI was kind of listened to but then my social worker changed so
I had to start againhellipthere was no relationship there cause they
kept changing We would do one pathway plan then the social
worker changed and we would have to do another onerdquo (Care
leaver A)
When the foster carers were asked about the pathway plan and whether
they thought their young person was listened to
ldquoHe didnrsquot have a proper pathway plan for leaving it was rushed
There was no proper structure He was listened to but without
question or consideration of the consequences They ticked their
boxes and he was off their handsrdquo
These experiences were evident in the earlier research by Munro et al
(2011) whereby young people felt their voices were not heard and the
meetings surrounding their exit from care caused anxiety and stress
28
The foster carers then suggested their current placement who had just
turned 16 may suffer the same
ldquoShe is just about to change to the 16+ team they canrsquot wait to
get her on thathellipit will be her third social worker in two years
She is adamant she doesnrsquot want to leave at 16 but if they dangle
the carrot of her own flat in front of her it might be differentrdquo
Furthermore for the foster carers support appears to be inconsistent
One set had just been assigned a new social worker the third in two
years
ldquoWe have a new social worker and she just ticks the boxes She
seems terrified to use her initiative One social worker I was
dealing with said there were five people who were either off or
had left and not been replaced in his office alonerdquo
It is well documented that retention of staff within social work is
increasingly difficult Added to which there a national shortage of
approximately 3500 social workers both hindering continuity for the
people they provide services to (Community Care 2014) This and
aforementioned cuts to funding within leaving care services may
explain how the inconsistency and a lack of relationship with social
workers described within this data can infringe on the process of
leaving care
With this in mind it is imperative to consider the legal implications at
this point It would appear within the legal framework there are lsquogrey
areasrsquo which can allow the experiences of care leaverrsquos A C and D to
occur The Children (Leaving Care) Act (2000) states that an
assessment of needs must be carried out by the LA for the said child
(a)while they are still looking after him and
(b)after they cease to look after him (19B 4)
The proviso for this is the child has been looked after for a period of
time and that they are aged 16 or 17 (19B 2 a amp b)
However the Care Act (2014) has a section dedicated to the needs of a
child in the transition to adulthood including the requirement for a
29
needs assessment but in relation to the childrsquos needs after the age of
18 Furthermore section 58 (4) insists the assessment should be carried
out whether the child consents or not if there is a risk of or experiencing
abuse or neglect Bearing in mind the vulnerability of these young
people the causes for them to have been placed in care in the first place
it would be fair to consider this group eligible for this assessment and
extended care Added to which one would expect a more thorough and
consistent assessment to be carried out Clearly with several changes to
case workers [as experienced by care leavers A and D] this legal
standard is not being met
Perhaps government and policy makers should consider case worker
retention and better working environments as fundamental aspects of
policy in turn offering better outcomes for the young people
(Appendix 9)
d) Financial aspects
ldquoThey told him to choose what he needed for the flat but only
some of it turned up There is something I heard of might be
from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation where some money is put
into an ISA which can be accessed once they are 18 This is
because they have been in care But I feel the danger of that is it
could all be blown on something else or used as a carrot to
encourage leaving care As far as I have seen they just go and
spend it all then itrsquos gone ndash they would be better giving them a
furnished flatrdquo (Foster carer)
The Care Leavers Strategy states it encourages LArsquos to offer at least
pound2000 as a lsquoSetting Up Home Allowancersquo (leaving care grant)
although as this is not a legal requirement the amount varies from LA
to LA Care leaver A received in the region of pound400 (Gwynedd LA)
However the manager for Conwy laving care team indicated the
amount their care leavers receive is dependent on what they need This
is also stated on the LArsquos web site (Appendix 8) It may be suggested
that young people within less affluent LArsquos will fare worse financially
30
The Strategy maintains care leavers are entitled to a pound1200 bursary if
they are attending further education and a pound2000 bursary for higher
education This is financed by the Department for Education (2013
10) Extra funding of this kind would appear significant for these young
people however if the earlier literature is considered the statistics for
this grouprsquos educational achievements did not present well (See
chapter one) As this funding is reliant on the young person being in
education there will be a significant proportion unable to access this
extra help
Conwy LA did suggest promising outcomes for employment for their
care leavers with many undertaking apprenticeships within the
councilrsquos departments
ldquoWe have a number of our young people working and training in
the council (Conwy) with a selection of apprenticeships
specifically for them Some do go on to stay with us being
offered permanent contractsrdquo (Leaving care team manager)
Unfortunately a comparison cannot be made with other LArsquos or
voluntary organisations in this area as there was no response to the
research
Care leaver A did have temporary employment with a local leisure
centre although when a permanent contract was offered it was of a zero
hourrsquos nature
ldquoI wasnrsquot worth me taking ithellipI would lose my benefit and have
no guarantee of workrdquo
Care leaver C started a college course and managed a couple of shifts
in a restaurant kitchen however his chaotic accommodation provision
and a lack of support for his ADHD hampered his continuation
Care leaver D is NEET (Appendix 11) and has been since his exit from
care It would seem this has not been assisted by his family [to which
he returned] who have also never been in employment and his
reluctance to receive any more services It may be suggested his high
31
level of case worker turnover contributed to his reluctance Equally his
chaotic existence before entering care disrupted his education added
the rushed transition from care has not facilitated good employment
prospects
e) Evaluation and Reflection
When evaluating this research one must acknowledge the limitations
when assessing the size of the sample
Despite persistence there was a reluctance by professionals particularly
to participate Out of four LAs contacted only one responded and
agreed to be interviewed One LA received the research pack three
times follow up calls were made several times to no avail The same
may be said for the voluntary sector in spite of positive telephone
conversations and receipt of the research pack Barnardorsquos and Gisda
did not consent to be interviewed Therefore the findings were
somewhat one sided and the professional perspective limited
However even with the limited sample the original hypothesis of the
leaving care system failing the young people has a degree of truth
Equally the findings are reflective of earlier research identified in
chapter 2
There is certainly scope for further and more considerable research
within this field Although for future studies it may be beneficial to use
focus group methodology to encourage professional participation This
would possibly generate an improved response rate in comparison to
the online questionnaire used for the initial stages of this project The
face to face follow up interviews proved difficult to organise although
it was difficult to decipher whether this was due to a reluctance to
engage in the research or a lack of available time
32
Chapter 5
Conclusion
In conclusion the data collected for this study shows a system that sadly
does fail its young people Certainly in Gwynedd the leaving care
process is seemingly rushed and centred around a personrsquos age rather
than their readiness for independence Of course it may be argued there
has to be a lsquocut off pointrsquo and young people have to become
independent at some time for legal purposes that lsquopointrsquo is dictated by
their age It would seem this is the case regardless of the harm it may
cause Furthermore it could be argued this hasty process is a breach of
the young personrsquos human rights however despite searching no cases
were found
In 2006 research conducted by Mendes and Moselhuddin concluded
the leaving care process should be a gradual process based on levels of
maturity and ability to manage independence rather than simply age
The same recommendation is echoed in the majority of research both
past and present It would seem that ten years on we are no closer to an
ideal solution
For care leaver A C and D the outcome was poor Certainly they did
not feel supported through the transition although care leaver C had
significantly better support from their personal advisor post 18
However despite this support care leaver C was still living in less than
ideal circumstances and about to be moved once again
In line with the literature this study although with the limited sample
found immense inconsistencies within the system and in every area
from support to financial assistance
Evidently for some the system works against an already disadvantaged
group abandoning when needed the most so to speak
33
It would seem the introduction of legislation and the Transitions
Guidance to strengthen practice and policy has failed to make a
significant improvement especially surrounding the lsquolevelling uprsquo of
services Attributed by the cost cutting imposed on LArsquos by central
government this is hardly surprising
There are some encouraging outcomes such as care leaver B receiving
immense support from their LA beyond policy and legal requirement
This is in line with some of Steinrsquos (2012 81) research and positive
outcomes are underpinned by the level of good consistent and accurate
support received by the individual Yet as this study has found this is
not consistent or universal
It is clear inconsistencies lack of support young and rushed transitions
all contribute to poorer outcomes for this group of young people A
group which are already disadvantaged and at a much higher risk of
social exclusion
As a society we should consider these young people as just that ndash young
people Often with the same dreams and aspirations as any other young
person On the contrary perhaps we should consider these young
people further as many will have already been let down by society
Either way they are entitled to as much support guidance and
opportunity as any other Regrettably this does not seem to be the case
as despite advances in research policy and legislation the same
inconsistencies and failures appear to occur time and time again
The study has shown the importance of understanding the young
peoplersquos history Of understanding former problems or areas of
concern This aids the transition to independence as it identifies where
the support is needed and individualizes the young person There
cannot be a lsquoone size fits allrsquo approach to the leaving care system as
one can see these young people are individual It has identified how
fundamental it is to include a young personrsquos foster carers when
considering independence to recognise the relationship they may have
34
with the young person and the key role they play after leaving care (as
with care lever A)
With this in mind one must acknowledge the leaving care system has
indeed improved over the last 30 years however it needs to continue to
progress if there is any hope of achieving a consistent service with more
even and positive outcomes for these young people
35
Bibliography
Action for Children (2014) [Online]
Available at httpwwwactionforchildrenorgukour-
servicesadoption-fostering-and-children-in-carechildren-in-
careleaving-care
Barnardorsquos (2014)[1] [Online] Someone to Care Experiences of
leaving care Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorguksomeone_to_care_final_feb2014pdf
(Accessed 07 October 2015)
Barnardorsquos (2014)[2] [Online] The costs of not caring supporting
English care leavers into independence Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf (Accessed 07
October 2015)
Biehal N Clayden J Stein M and Wade J (1995) Moving On
Young people and leaving care schemes London HMSO
Broad B (2005) Improving the Health and Well-Being of Young
People Leaving Care Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing
Burgess C (1981) In Care and Into Work London Tavistock
Care Leaverrsquos Foundation (with Children and Young People Now)
(2009) [Online] Setting Up A place to call home Bala Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation Available at
httpwwwthecareleaversfoundationorgsitedatafilesSetting_Up_A
_Place_to_Callpdf (Accessed 06 April 2015)
Care Leavers Strategy (2013) [Online] Available at
httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachment_
datafile266484Care_Leaver_Strategypdf (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Care Act (2014) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga201423part1crossheadingtra
nsition-for-children-to-adult-care-and-support-etcenacted (Accessed
01 March 2016)
Children and Families Act 2014 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga20146section98enacted
(Accessed 02 October 2015)
36
Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200035pdfsukpga_20000035_
enpdf (Accessed 19 March 2015)
Children and Young Persons Act (2008) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200823contents (Accessed 02
October 2015)
Community Care (2014) [Online] Councils struggling to retain social
workers in face of high caseloads and competition over pay
Available at httpwwwcommunitycarecouk20140130councils-
struggling-retain-social-workers-face-high-caseloads-competition-
pay (Accessed 22 February 2016)
Courtney M Terrao S and Bost N (2004) Midwest evaluation of
the adult functioning of former foster youth Conditions of youth
preparing to leave state care Outcomes at age 19 Chicago Chapin
Hall Centre for Children at University of Chicago
Daly F (2012) lsquoMy voice has to be heardrsquo Research on outcomes
for young people leaving care in North Dublin Dublin EPIC
Dixon J and Baker C (2012) lsquoThe Housing Experience of Young
People Leaving Care in England What helpsrsquo Developing Practice
The Child Youth and Family Work Journal Issue 32 National Care
Advisory Service (NCAS)
wwweducationgovuk [Online]
Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20130123124929httpw
wweducationgovukresearchandstatisticsstatisticsa00195573
Family Rights Group (2014) [Online] Support for Young People
Leaving the Care System Available at
httpwwwfrgorgukimagesAdvice_Sheets16-support-for-young-
people-leaving-carepdf (Accessed 29 September 2015)
The Fostering Network (2014) [Online] Staying Put Available at
httpswwwfosteringnetall-about-fosteringprovidersstaying-put-
updateVg5D-PRdX1Y (Accessed 02 October 2015)
Godek S (1976) Leaving Care Barkingside Barnardorsquos
Gwynedd Council (2014) [Online] lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
Available at
httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrutin
y20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20When
37
20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf (Accessed
22 February 2016)
Harris R J (1982) Institutionalized Ambivalence Social Work and
the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 British Journal of Social
Work Vol12 pp 247-263
Higgs L (2011) [Online] Housing crisis around the corner for care
leavers experts warn Children and Young People Now Available
at httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1050066housing-crisis-
corner-care-leavers-experts-warn (Accessed 17 February 2016)
Hiles D Moss D Thorne L Wright J and Dallos R (2014) ldquoSo
what am Irdquo ndash Multiple perspectives on young peoplersquos experience of
leaving care Children and Youth Services Review Vol 41 pp 1-15
House of Commons (1968) Report of the Committee on Local
Authority and Allied Personal Social Services London HMSO
Hutchinson D (2013) [Online] Catch 22 National Care Advisory
Service (NCAS) Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads9b7793d8be6ffc05a501df3df
4a1ef5fpdf
Jackson S and Cameron C (2012) lsquoLeaving Care Looking ahead
and aiming higherrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 34 (6)
pp 1107-1114
Mendes P and Moslehuddin B (2006) lsquoFrom Dependence to
Interdependence Towards Better Outcomes for Young People
Leaving State Carersquo Child Abuse Review Vol15 pp 110-166
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2006) Young peoplersquos views on leaving
care Newcastle Commission for Social Care Inspection
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2012) Young peoplersquos views on care
and aftercare Office of the Childrenrsquos Rights Director London
Ofsted
Mulvey T (1977) lsquoAfter-care ndash who caresrsquo Concern No 26
London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Munro E Lushey C and Ward H (2011) Evaluation of the
Right2BCared4 Pilots Final report (NCAS) London Department
for Education
38
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2011) Making the Cut
Planning Transitions for Care Levers in an Age of Austerity London
NCAS
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2012) [Online] Statistical
Briefing Looked after children and care leavers 2012 Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads0e9a6e4f266b8e96ad7c8e25
7bd53982pdf (Accessed 30 March 2015)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2013)
[Online] The NICE quality standard on the health and wellbeing of
looked after children and young people Available at
httpwwwniceorgukguidanceQS31chapterQuality-statement-8-
Support-to-move-to-independence (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Office for National Statistics (2014) [Online] Large increase in 20 to
34-year-olds living with parents since 1996 Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20160105160709httpw
wwonsgovukonsrelfamily-demographyyoung-adults-living-with-
parents2013sty-young-adultshtml (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board (2016) [Online] Child J ndash
Domestic Homicide Review and Serious Case Review (combined)
Available at httpwwwoscborgukwp-contentuploadsChild-J-
OSCB-Overview-Reportpdf (Accessed 25 February 2016)
Page R and Clark G (eds) (1977) Who Cares Young People in
Care Speak Out London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Puffett N and Orfford A (2016) [Online] Increasing numbers of
care leavers in unsuitable accommodation Children and Young
People Now Available at
httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1155917increasing-numbers-of-
care-leavers-in-unsuitable-accommodation (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Samuels G M and Pryce J M (2008) ldquoWhat doesnrsquot kill you
makes you strongerrdquo Survivalist self-reliance as resilience and risk
among young adults aging out of foster care Children and Youth
Services Review Vol 30 (10) pp 1198-1210
Stein M (2002) Young People Leaving Care A Research
Perspective In A Wheal ed The RHP Companion to Leaving Care
Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing pp 28-33
39
Stein M (2004) What works for young people leaving care
Barkingside Barnardos
Stein M (2006) lsquoYoung people aging out of care The poverty of
theoryrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 28 (4) pp 422-434
Stein M (2012) Young People Leaving Care Supporting Pathways
to Adulthood London Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Stein M and Carey K (1986) Leaving Care Oxford Blackwell
Stein M and Ellis S (1983) Gizza Say Reviews and Young People
in Care London NAYPIC
Stein M and Maynard C (1985) Irsquove Never Been So Lonely
London NAYPIC
Stone M (1990) Young People Leaving Care A study of
management systems service delivery and user evaluation UK The
Royal Philanthropic Society
The Who Carersquos Trust (2014) [Online] Leaving Care Available at
httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpagesleaving-care-what-
happens-post-16html
Wade J (2011) lsquoPreparation and transition planning for
unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee young people A review
of evidence in Englandrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol
33 pp 2424-2430
Wade J and Dixon J (2006) lsquoMaking a home finding a job
investing early housing and employment outcomes for young people
leaving carersquo Child and Family Social Work Vol 11 (3) pp 199-208
Wade J Mitchel F and Baylis G (2005) Unaccompanied asylum
seeking children The response of social services London BAAF
40
Appendix
1) httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf page 25
Karenrsquos story
2) httpwwwnhsukConditionsAttention-deficit-hyperactivity-
disorderPagesIntroductionaspx
3) Email received in response to a request for Mr Timpson (Minister
of State for Children and Families) to answer three questions
regarding care leavers
Dear MsthinspThompsonthinsp
I am writing on behalf of the Minister of State for Children and
Families to thank you for your email of 9 February about your
dissertation
I am sorry but the department receives so many requests like yours
that we are unable to respond to them other than to point you to
sources of information I would therefore suggest that you look at the
departmentrsquos website
at httpswwwgovuksearchq=care+leavers+strategy
I hope you find this link helpful and that you are able to find the
information you need
Your correspondence has been allocated reference number 2016-
0008179 If you need to respond to us please
visit httpswwweducationgovukcontactus and quote your
reference number
As part of our commitment to improving the service we provide to
our customers we are interested in hearing your views and would
welcome your comments via our website
at httpswwweducationgovukpcusurvey
Yours sincerely
Kelly Walkerthinsp
Ministerial and Public Communications Division
Web
[httpswwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovuk]https
wwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovukgt
Twitter httpswwwtwittercomeducationgovuk
Facebook httpswwwfacebookcomeducationgovuk
41
[httpswwweducationgovukimages2irisdfepng]
4) httpwwwgisdaorgengamdanom-nihtml
5) httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga198941section20
6)httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrut
iny20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20Whe
n20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf
7)httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachme
nt_datafile201015Staying_Put_Guidancepdf
8) httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpageswhats-a-pathway-
planhtml
9) httpjobscommunitycarecoukarticlecoventry-tops-london-in-
the-best-place-to-live-league-tablescmpid=EMP|JOBS|SCJOB-
2016-0224-CH|READMORE-COVampcmpid
10) httpwwwconwygovukdocaspcat=4800ampdoc=19742
11)httpresearchbriefingsparliamentukResearchBriefingSummary
SN06705
42
i) Interview Guide
Generic areas of question
Age upon leaving care
Staying put scheme
Financial help
Choice of housing
Suitability of accommodation
Geographical position of accommodation
Further education
Access to support eg Personal Advisor social worker
Input with Pathway plan
Being listened to
Transition
Keeping in touch
Difference with peers
43
7
challenges with finance and so on added to which more often than not
young people left care at 16 and were required to live independently
(Stein 2012 17) One reoccurring theme throughout the studies taking
place was the lack of preparation for this vulnerable group for living
independently The latter studies finding high levels of care leavers
becoming homeless
More recently this topic is of particular importance as the data held for
2012 found there were 67050 young people in care [by local
authority] of those 10000 aged 16 or over left care (NCAS 2012)
Stein (2002 32) notes their transition to adulthood is lsquocompressed and
acceleratedrsquo With this in mind Stein (2006 423) states that these
young people are ldquohellipthe most excluded groups of young people in
societyrdquo
Furthermore in light of the refugee crisis emerging from Syria there
is another particularly vulnerable group This group is identified by the
United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) as someone below the age
of 18 (or appearing to be should the proof be lacking) and claiming
asylum in their own right with no significant adult in the UK to provide
care (Wade 2011 2424-2425) Under UK guidelines a young person
may be given support whilst they are under the age of 18 only to be at
risk of deportation upon reaching 18 years old (Family Rights Group
2014) A study conducted by Wade (et al 2005) found younger
unaccompanied refugees received more thorough assessment of needs
as opposed to 16 and 17 year olds of the same status This being
resource driven due to less government funding for this age group
Added to which previous studies (Courtney Terrao and Bost 2004
Stein 2004) have also identified within this group of young people an
inconsistency of preparation for independence
The inconsistency of service delivery appears to apply to citizen young
people along with non-citizen
8
Chapter 2
A Review of the Literature
lsquoIf I had parents to go to I would go to my parents and ask them
for help Or Irsquod be with my parents so the strain wouldnrsquot be so
much But I donrsquot have anybody I donrsquot have anyone to turn torsquo
(Care leaver in Barnardorsquos (1) 2014)
Most parents have positive expectations for their own children and are
there offering full support when their child moves into independence
However children leaving the care system often have to live without
this Lack of parental support clearly contributes to a difficult
transition into independence (Barnardorsquos (1) 2014 1)
As previously noted literature pre 1970 is scarce Here the focus will
be on more recent findings in the consistency of services for care
leavers The service areas are
Housing and accommodation
Finance
Transition
It is noted by Stein (2012) that in the view of young care leavers foster
carers care workers and personal advisors that the young people left
care too young The earlier research notes the same problem Young
care leavers are being moved on from the age of 16 whereas studies
found the median age for leaving home was 22 for men and 20 for
women (Biehal et al 1995 30) In recent times the number of young
people [not in care] still living at home with their parents has risen from
27 million in 1996 to 33 million in 2013 their ages ranging from 20
ndash 34 (ONS 2014) It may be seen therefore how difficult it can be for
9
young people in Local Authority (hereafter LA) care to leave at such a
young age
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE 2013)
supported by the NSPCC state that ldquocare leavers move to independence
at their own pacerdquo recognising how difficult this time may be
Currently a new duty has been placed upon LArsquos in England This
implementation named the lsquoStaying Putrsquo scheme came into force in
May 2014 (part 5 Welfare of Children (98) of the Children and
Families Act 2014) and offers young people the chance to stay on in
their foster home where the LA regards this consistent with the welfare
of the young person although this does not include residential care
Additional funding has been allocated for each individual LArsquos for this
However nationally this service is inconsistent In Scotland a similar
scheme has been introduced in 2015 also including residential care
Wales has placed the same duty on their LArsquos through the lsquoWhen Irsquom
Readyrsquo scheme though no additional funding has been allocated (The
Fostering Network 2014)
Housing is a fundamental area of concern for young care leavers
Literature pre 1980rsquos is scarce for all issues however due to this lack of
information a National Survey of Leaving Care Schemes was
conducted in 1989 During this time housing was the most common
service provided to young care leavers After housing other services
were offered such as counselling advocacy training preparation for
leaving care and advice on leisure facilities food and clothing
However these services were not universal and most did not offer any
preparation for leaving care (Stone 1990 7)
More recently the LA are duty bound to provide such services
universally Current legislation held in the Children (Leaving Care) Act
2000 states ldquoIt is the duty of the local authority looking after a child to
advise assist and befriend him with a view to promoting his welfare
when they have ceased to look after himrdquo More recent legislation held
10
within the Children and Young Persons Act (2008) along with the
Transitions Guidance for LArsquos to assist with strengthening policy and
practice framework to encourage a lsquolevelling uprsquo of services (Stein
2012 24)
Although these measures are currently in place it is suggested by Dixon
and Baker (2012) that service quality and effectiveness is not consistent
and varies from LA to LA This is not surprising as a survey carried out
in 2011 by the National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) reported high
level of funding cuts to leaving care services (varying from 7 to 15)
making implementation of the Transitions Guidance problematic
Additionally it is apparent housing and accommodation are high on
the list of issues facing care leavers The LArsquos are only duty bound to
provide lsquosuitable accommodationrsquo to 16 and 17 year olds Once a care
leaver reaches 18 the LArsquos are only required to assist with
accommodation advice and support as far as their [young personrsquos]
welfare requires it
Dixon and Baker (2012) continue to identify that although legislation
and advances in support services have increased over the last couple of
decades from knowledge gained through research young care leavers
are still over- represented within the homeless and inadequately
housed With this in mind it is not surprising to find that recent figures
suggest 30 of homeless people have been in the care system (The
Who Carersquos Trust 2014)
This is evident in research compiled by Barnardorsquos (2) (2014) were by
even with the advances in policy the case studies show a chaotic
existence for some young people Several moves from one unsuitable
accommodation to another periods of homelessness and being moved
out of familiar areas [geographically] remains a prominent feature
(Appendix 1)
11
Stone (1990) identified this issue twenty years prior to Dixon
indicating the evidence then showed an over-representation of care
leavers experiencing homelessness The same problem occurs in
literature by Stein and Carey (1986) from their study during 1982
It is noted by Morgan and Lindsey (2012) that there is a need for more
support with accommodation however Munro et al (2011) identified
out of the young people offered extra support the take up was only
about 50 This may be due to wanting to get rid of the lsquobeing in carersquo
label or perhaps a lack of understanding of the extra support offered
There is evidence within the literature that finances present a
significant issue to care leavers (Broad 2005 Munro et al 2011
Stein 2012 54)
Regional differences in the levels of financial support in the form of
leaving care grants is significant ranging from pound400 to pound2000 with the
average payment being pound1000 (Broad 200547) Stein (2012) notes
more recently the leaving care grant still lack in consistency ranging
from zero to pound2000 A survey carried out by the Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation (2009) calculated the young people needed at least pound2500
in order to set up the most basic essentials to live independently [of 150
LArsquos surveyed only one provided this amount]
These financial inconsistencies clearly present challenges not only with
basic needs such as food and housing but also the ability to participate
in leisure activities and higher education This exclusion has a
potentially damaging impact on the health and well-being for young
people who are already vulnerable (Jackson and Cameron 2012)
Furthermore a lack of understanding of financial matters can lead to
long term debt and financial difficulties
ldquoIrsquom still paying off debts now [nine years after living in her first
independent placement] if somebody had have gone through
these bills bills I didnrsquot even know existed Irsquove had to figure
everything out myself Irsquove had to learn the hard way If I had
12
have had support with that it would have changed thingsrdquo (Care
leaver in Barnardorsquos (2) 2014 13)
There is evidence the young peoplersquos voices may not be listened to
The meetings and reviews appear stressful for the young people (Daly
2012) A large proportion felt ignored during meetings (Munro et al
2011 28) and approximately a third felt their lsquoPathway Planrsquo [the LA
is duty bound to have a Pathway Plan to assist in the transition to
independent living] was not adhered to at all It is noted young people
wish to have more control of when they leave care and for the
transition to be more gradual and less rushed (Morgan and Lindsey
2012 Morgan and Lindsey 2006)
Mendes and Moselhuddin (2006 113) note lsquoGraduation from care
needs to become a far more gradual and flexible process based on levels
of maturity and skill development rather than simply agersquo
Furthermore this view is held by the young people involved
ldquoI didnrsquot want to go I still had to go anyway I didnrsquot have a
choiceI was moving out at eighteen end of discussion and the
bit that really pissed me [off] is [that] they chucked me out on
my eighteenth birthdayrdquo (Care leaver in Munro et al 2011 21)
Although the age has been extended to 18 before a young person has to
leave care [unless they are in full time education] an Independent
Reviewing Officer (IRO) in Munro et al (2011 23) states
ldquoWe identified fairly quickly that all it has done is just knock it
back two years erm you know what used to be 16hellipused to have
all these arguments Wersquove shunted it back to 18 but you know
our 18 year olds are just as vulnerable as those 16 year olds
wererdquo
It is clear within the literature the young people fundamentally require
consistency and support from leaving care workers and services to aid
their transition from care to independence (Munro et al 2011 21)
Pride and an inability to ask for help to access services is apparent It
is recognised that many care leavers where reluctant to allow
13
themselves to be cared for The young people were more comfortable
with caring for others This is a result of often having to adopt the role
of carer within their birth family (Samuels and Pryce 2008 1203-
1205) However the literature does not identify other underlying
reasons for the young people having difficulty in accepting help
themselves Reasons such as lack of self- esteem and self- worth due to
the trauma they may have suffered
The transition to independence brings with it feelings of isolation and
loneliness which were connected to losing their carers
ldquoItrsquos hard to think that people you lived with for nine years are
not in your life anymorerdquo
(Care leaver in Morgan 2012 22)
There is evidence these feelings may also be connected to moving away
from friends and professionals changes in social workers and a
transition to adult services
One author notes the young people are living life lsquoin limborsquo (Hiles et
al 2014 6) It is suggested as the young people approach their
eighteenth birthday they are in a state of limbo knowing they may not
be lsquoin carersquo not knowing if they can lsquostay putrsquo with foster carers or
lsquomoving onrsquo to independent accommodation Leaving care workers
involved in Hilesrsquo et al (2014) study describe having ldquoinsufficient time
to prepare some young people for this transitionrdquo especially the young
people who had experienced problems in maintaining stable
placements prior to leaving care
Moreover the system is described as ldquochaotic and complexrdquo forced to
react rather than respond to crisis The cause of this is identified
through poor staff retention and therefore the use of temporary staff
leaving a lack of continuity and consistency (Hiles et al 2014 7)
This research examines policies potentially promoting negative
consequences For example a disengagement of adult mental health
services leading to re-engagement of childrenrsquos services those young
14
people most able being offered more support through education
leaving some young people of low risk but still vulnerable in an isolated
position Also it was noted the young people leaving care to return
home to their birth families for longer than six months lose access to
services when they may actually still be in a vulnerable position (Hiles
et al2014 7)
However Stein (2012 81) suggests there is evidence that most young
people experience good outcomes after leaving care Positive outcomes
are underpinned by the relationship between the young person and the
leaving care teams In addition the evidence points to a positive sense
of well-being when settled and happy even if past or leaving care
experiences have been negative (Wade and Dixon 2006)
In conclusion the literature identifies the inconsistency within leaving
care systems These inconsistencies span throughout the services
available to care leavers from financial to pathway planning and
implementation There is evidence of a somewhat uneven service
delivery despite policy stipulations
There has been an encouraging influx of research in the last fifteen
years or so which should promote a continued improvement in policy
and outcome for this fundamentally vulnerable group in society
There is evident progress within the leaving care system which has
been noted by Stein Wade and Dixon However despite progress
within the system [the introduction of personal advisors Pathway
Plans and specific leaving care teams] and extensive research
informing policy makers the uneven delivery still exists Additionally
care leavers are still disadvantaged compared to their peers even with
the progress that has been made
There is an emphasis on a proactive and preventative approach and a
significant need for placement stability underpinned by systematic and
consistent services As it stands young people are currently being
15
ldquopushed into fighting against a systemrdquo rather than a system that works
together for a positive outcome (Hiles et al 2014 11)
Contingency plans are an important recommendation outlined in recent
research as a necessity to prevent care leavers falling into crisis These
plans need to be in place regardless of assessed lsquoneedrsquo Moreover
access to an independent visitor enabling another supportive
relationship to be formed along with personal advisors would offer
greater assistance when decisions are being made for the young
personrsquos future (Barnardorsquos 2014 23)
Now the research is taking place identifying young peoplersquos
experiences of leaving care it is necessary to listen in order to make
effective changes in policy and practice to achieve better outcomes for
this vulnerable group
16
Chapter 3
Methodology
This research is of a qualitative nature The methodology included an
online questionnaire (n=50) to identify common themes followed up
by face- to-face interviews (n=10) for more detailed data However
the response rate for the online questionnaire was poor with only ten
returned The interviews adopted a semi-structured approach to allow
for participants to talk freely about their experiences The author used
an interview guide to achieve this containing the areas of interest
rather than a structured set of interview questions (Appendix i)
Support for this project was received from a local fostering group and
that provided some resources for sourcing the sample
Initially the author had positive support from social workers and
professionals within the leaving care sector Although actual response
from local authority was limited only one out of four who received
the research pack responded Participation by third sector
organisations was similarly positive however commitment to be
interviewed could not be obtained
The sample consisted of four young people aged 16 plus involved in
the leaving care process and four professionals working within the
leaving care system Geographically broken down to Gwynedd
Conwy Telford and Wrekin and Caerphilly
The interviews took place either in their own home place of work or
a mutually comfortable setting agreed by the participants The
researcher offered anonymity to the participants and the interviews
were handled sensitively keeping the vulnerability of some of the
sample in mind
The interviews were concerned with
17
Whether the young person feels supported
Whether the resources are accessible and the young person is made
aware of everything available
Whether the duties of the LA are being met from both points of view
(professional and young person)
The view of the use of BampB accommodation
Whether the leaving care process helps or hinders their future
How universal are the services provided
Is there enough financial assistance available resources and financial
advice
Are the young peoplersquos voices heard
Has policy and practice improved over the last couple of decades
The interviews were voice recorded with consent and a diary was kept
for all fieldwork undertaken The study adopted a grounded
theoretical approach and the data subjected to content analysis
a) Ethical Consideration
The sample where given thorough information regarding the study in
order for them to make an informed choice whether to participate or
not Confidentiality was adhered to and any disclosures were handled
appropriately and with ethical consideration in mind The researcher
was aware of the vulnerability of the young people and the sensitive
nature of the study
Due to the sensitivity of the research the data gathered was securely
kept in a locked filing cabinet (paper) and secure password protected
file (electronic) and destroyed on completion of the study
Permission to undertake this study was granted after a thorough and
detailed ethics application
18
Chapter 4
Findings
a) Transition
ldquoYou wouldnrsquot dream of kicking your own kids out so young
They give these kids to much artificial support to encourage
them to leaverdquo (Foster carer)
This is clearly reverberated in the literature particularly in the
Barnardorsquos report Someone to Care Experiences of leaving care
(2014) which highlights the plight of young care leavers and the lack
of parental support contributing to difficult transitions In addition it
has already been identified in the literature review that for children not
in care the leaving home age ranges from 20- 34 (ONS 2014)
Communication for this specific young person appeared to be lacking
ldquoWell my social worker didnrsquot really talk about what
would happenhelliphellipthey were like lsquooh yeah you will get
your own placersquo hellipbut not what will happen afterhellipso I
rushed into it thinking it was a good idea I think they
said it too soon to me if they wouldnrsquot have said it I
would still be here (foster care) for a while So I rushed
into it I had just left school maybe it would be
better at 17 or 18rdquo (Care leaver A currently aged 18 LA
Gwynedd)
This statement by a young care leaver is echoed by a set of foster carers
It was found that by giving the young person an offer of their own flat
complete with some furnishings of their choice seemed to sway their
decision whether or not to leave This was especially the case for 16
year olds
These foster carers stated that their young person had indicated they
wanted to stay in care at least until 18 years old however with a change
of social worker came a change of heart
19
ldquoYou see we had talked about when he would leave but he said
lsquono I wouldnrsquot like to be in a house on my ownrsquo He wanted to
stay when he first came to us he was having nightmares hellip he is
still having problems now He wonrsquot sleep in his bedroom now
he sleeps in the living room with the TV on They (Social
Services team) didnrsquot take any of this into account When his
social worker changed to the 16+ one he was like lsquooh well I
might move outrsquordquo
This particular interview found the process of leaving care very hasty
with very little preparation The young person in question was
identified by the LA as vulnerable however according to the foster
carers the process continued regardless
ldquoHe suddenly was kicking against us The social worker said he
was a troubled child he just said he had issues We know about
confidentiality but we were part of the care package but they (16
+ team) would not involve us There was no communication
between the 16+ team and us It was like he is an adult and thatrsquos
thatrdquo
The foster carers suggested the young person was being coached to
leave There was a sudden decision made and the young person went
lsquooff the railsrsquo It seemed a place was offered to enable them to move
out and that was when reality hit
ldquohelliphe drank a bottle of vodka and was talking about suicide He
suffers from low self- esteem There was no help for that I think
this was brought on by them (16+ team) telling him there was a
space somewhere He kept saying lsquoIrsquom so sorryrsquo It was reality
he had been going through the motions before thisrdquo
This illustrates a terrible indictment of a rushed transition Added to
the trauma which led the young person to being in care this does not
present a positive outcome
The findings for this report support the previous literature Steinrsquos
(2012) extensive research in this area continually reveals hasty
transitions from care to independence
Legislation relating to young people leaving care states
20
lsquoIt is the duty of the local authority looking after a child to advise assist
and befriend him with a view to promoting his welfare when they have
ceased to look after himrsquo (19A Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000)
Indicating a rushed transition should not be promoted rather that it
should be a much slower process with time being given to prepare fully
for independence
In contrast one participant going through the leaving care system in
2004 and within a different LA (Telford and Wrekin) had a much more
positive experience
ldquoI left care at 18 I was in a childrenrsquos homehellipfoster care didnrsquot
suit me I was always running away I had brilliant support all
the way until I was 25 I went to supported living and I had help
to learn to cook and manage money and bills Then I had help to
find a flat and become independent I even still see some of the
people who supported me when I go back to Telfordrdquo (Care
leaver B aged 30)
This indicates a far more gradual transition to independence
Unfortunately the majority of the data within this study points more
often to the former rushed transition
ldquoI turned 18 and it was like hellipyoursquore an adult now I was in a
hostel then a homeless place that was scary there were all sorts
there I liked the place in Bala it was good there But when I
turned 18 I couldnrsquot stay It was like one minute I had everything
done for me then nothingrdquo (Care leaver C currently aged 19
LA Conwy)
This young person moved into private care and currently resides in a
mixed home for people with mental health problems He has Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (Appendix 2)
The research suggests past history is not always taken into account
when assessing the suitability of independent living for these young
people
ldquoHis issues should have been recognised then he would not have
been offered to leave at 16 The social worker had not made the
effort to look at his historyrdquo (Foster carer)
21
Taking the young peoplersquos history and circumstances into account
could offer a more positive outcome than simply their age
ldquoThey had eight files on me from when I was little My foster
carer nagged them until she was able to have them to read
Then she knew what had happenedrdquo (Care leaver D currently
aged 19 LA Caerphilly)
It is recognised in policy that the system still does not seem to perform
as it should The Care Leaversrsquo Strategy (2013) identifies the abrupt
transition experienced by these young people in its opening paragraphs
However the report fails to include lsquotransitionrsquo as a fundamental area
of concern Instead usual sections such as education employment
housing and so on are highlighted as lsquobroad areas of concernrsquo It would
seem the young peoplersquos emotional well- being which is clearly
affected by the hasty exit from care does not hold the same
governmental importance
Additionally it may be prudent to add at this point that Edward
Timpson Minister of State for Children and Families was contacted
for the purpose of this research Mr Timpson was involved in the
development of the Care Leaversrsquo Strategy and in addition to this grew
up with looked after children as his parents were foster carers There
was no response to the research (Appendix 3)
A fundamental issue surrounding rushed transitions is the view these
young people are now adults although they are still virtually as
vulnerable as children The serious case review into the murder of
Jayden Parkinson highlights this Jayden was 17 and considered an
adult by services and practitioners The review stated
lsquoToo often [Parkinson] was viewed as a difficult young person and not
recognised as a child in need of safeguarding Professionals and
agencies did not always fully understand the serious nature of the risks
to [her] or were too quick to be reassured that she would be able to
protect herself from those risksrsquo (Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children
Board 2016 62)
22
It would seem important for policy to start considering the young
personrsquos position in life rather than their age as an indicator of their
readiness for independence
b) Housing and Accommodation
The participants were asked about their experiences with housing when
leaving care Questions about choice suitability and geographic area
where considered Consistent with past research and previous literature
(Barnardorsquos [2] 2014) issues where found in all these areas
Once again the Care Leaversrsquo Strategy recognises these issues found
in research past and present surrounding housing
lsquoCare leavers are a vulnerable group of young adults who have
particular needs in relation to housing and homelessness Around a
quarter of those living on the streets have a background in care The
majority of care leavers leave care by the age of 18 and rising demands
on social housing and other accommodation is making it increasingly
difficult for young people to find suitable accommodation as they enter
adulthoodrsquo (2013 14)
These findings suggest a significant risk of homelessness for these
participants In actual fact without the charity Gisda (Appendix 4) the
options for young people in Gwynedd would be seriously limited
It has already been noted that nationally care leavers are overly
represented within the homeless and inadequately housed with 30 of
homeless people formerly being in care (Who Cares Trust 2014)
When considering choice Bed and Breakfast (BampB) accommodation
was not always used but choice did appear limited Geographical
consideration and suitable match for the young person does not always
seem possible
23
ldquoWell there was a bit of choice but it was mainly Caernarfon I
had shared housing with Gisda not BampB and then I got my flat
with Gisdardquo (Care leaver A)
Once again this is echoed by foster carers
ldquoHe moved into shared housing for two weekshelliphe was
terrified he slit his mattress to hide his laptop in it There wasnrsquot
much choice had he had the choice to stay in Penygroes he
would have He has been trying to get back here ever since He
is afraid in Caernarfon He has two brothers living there which
he has had problems with and his brotherrsquos friend He is quite a
fearful child and finds living in Caernarfon stressful When he
gets home to his flat from here he doesnrsquot go outrdquo
This does not seem to be reserved to just this LA either
ldquoI was in a hostel but I kicked off so was in a BampB for a couple
of days They said I was smoking in the room so I got kicked out
of therehellipdidnrsquot even get all my stuff Then my social worker
said I could stay with my mum for the weekend cause my sister
wasnrsquot there But then she came backhellipshe winds me uphellipI
kicked off but hit the window hellipI wanted to hit her So my mum
called the police helliprdquo (Care leaver D)
There appears to be insecurity surrounding housing Care leaver D
went on to lsquosofa surfrsquo and then went back to his motherrsquos even though
that episode left him with a criminal damage conviction [brought on by
his mother] His support seemed to end there
Care leaver A was asked if the flat with Gisda was permanent
ldquoNo itrsquos two years temporary I have three months leftrdquo
When asked what happens then
ldquoI think Irsquom on the top the list with housing so Irsquove gotta hope
something comes up or I will probably end up in BampB The thing
is once you have had the flat and you get to 18 you sort of go in
circles so you can be put in BampB Itrsquos a worry being three months
awayhelliphellipI keep phoning themrdquo
This was reiterated by the foster carers
ldquoI canrsquot see Gisda putting him out on the street but they have to
give him notice of eviction in order for the council to do
something about it Sometimes he stays with his cousin or his
24
dad if there is any room But he will probably have to lsquosofa
surfrsquohellip thatrsquos what his brother had to do That will put him on
the list he has to be homeless to get helprdquo
The question of supported living was raised for this particular
participant the foster carer replied
ldquoThere doesnrsquot seem to be any here But for him it wouldnrsquot
work he would worry about the other people there He is afraid
of people that do drugs there is a family history with drugsrdquo
However a neighbouring LA had positive experiences with supported
living Their providers of supported living and BampB accommodation
had been the same for over ten years which would indicate some
consistency The manager for the leaving care team for this LA
commented that the staff at the BampBrsquos offered a sympathetic approach
with more of a lsquofamily feelrsquo to the service Furthermore this LA had
long term relationships with landlords who specifically offered
tenancies to care leavers This demonstrates the importance of
consistency Although BampB may not seem ideal if there are good long
term relationships with service providers this can offer a positive short
term solution
Likewise care leaver B had the right experience with their
accommodation
ldquoI went from the childrenrsquos home to supported lodgings and after
that had my own flat The supported lodgings really helped me
learn how to look after myself I did go off the rails a bit when I
was about 23 but because of my support I sorted myself outrdquo
Though care leaver C will be moving once again in the near future It
seems his ADHD leaves the LA at a loss as to where this young person
should live The condition necessitates extra support to enable him to
manage independence
ldquoI like where I am But the funding for here runs out soon They
(social services) have said there is a new place in Abergele I
think itrsquos a shared house If I turn that down though I will make
myself intentionally homeless so there is no choicerdquo
25
This young personrsquos worries where resonated by his mother too He
entered care under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989 (Appendix 5)
as his mother was unable to manage his behaviour Her understanding
was that he would be care for until he reached 21 It may be argued he
is being cared for and is continuing to be Yet as stated earlier a mental
health facility may not be seen as ideal equally shared housing may
not offer the level of support required for an eventual and positive
departure from care
Regrettably national statistics have shown a rise of 108 per cent in the
number of young people in unsuitable accommodation from 1660 in
2014 to 1840 in 2015 This is reiterated by Carrie Wilson young
peoplersquos project co-ordinator at The Care Leaversrsquo Association
ldquoOn a basic level [BampBs] are seen as a ldquosaferdquo place but those young
people do not feel safe regardless of the interventions put into place to
support a young person if they do not feel like they have personal
safety at the end of the day their coping mechanisms start to break
downrdquo (Puffett and Orfford 2016)
The experiences of these participants suggests a chaotic existence in
line with the research undertaken by Barnardorsquos (2) (2014)
This does not present an improvement of services Government
statistics from 2011 suggested only 17 local authorities were housing
100 per cent of care leavers in suitable accommodation (Higgs 2011)
These are dismal statistics as research conducted by Stein (201280)
found from 2004 to 2009 the numbers of care leavers in suitable
accommodation had risen from 77 to 90 The statistics from 2011
could correlate with the age of austerity and social service budget cuts
(Stein 2012 24)
In Gwynedd since 2013 there has been the lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
available and similar to Englandrsquos lsquoStaying Putrsquo scheme (Appendix 6
amp 7) These schemes are now available throughout Wales and offer the
26
young person an opportunity to stay within their foster care placement
until the age of 21 or beyond if they are engaged in education or
training which started before their twenty first birthday This extended
stay may last until completion of the education or training on the
condition it is set out in the young personrsquos pathway plan The
opportunity offers a more gradual transition similar to young people in
the general population (Gwynedd Council 2014)
However there was no evidence of this scheme to have been offered to
care leaver A Care leavers C and D appear to have merely been
managed until the LA no longer had the duty of care
c) Pathway Plans Personal Advisors and Social
Workers
ldquoI donrsquot remember how many social workers I had hellipmaybe 14
or 15 by the time I left care They kept changingrdquo (Care leaver
D)
The participants were asked about their experiences with personal
advisors social workers the creation and implementation of their
pathway plans (Appendix 8) and whether they felt they were listened
to
It would seem having several social workers is commonplace
ldquoThe 16+ team didnrsquot seem to support him They changed social
worker but he didnrsquot seem to know what was going on Then they
changed again to one from the 16+ team Thatrsquos when his
behaviour changed One of his previous social workers was
fantastic and he worshipped herhellip If only they had kept that
social worker it would have made such a differencerdquo (Foster
carer)
For care leaver A this seems to have happened with the personal
advisor too When asked about their personal advisor
27
ldquoThere was a foster meeting the lady what was her namehellip Jan
she was really good She was with social services and Gisda
But then when they thought I was ok they transferred me to
someone elserdquo
Though for some there was more consistency Care leaver C suggested
a good relationship with their personal advisor They indicated regular
visits phone calls and planning meetings In turn this young person felt
they were being listened to when the pathway plan was produced
The manager for this LAs leaving care team confirms his perspective
on personal advisors
ldquoWe have a team of four personal advisors They have about 40
cases each but they do a great job All of their cases have a
mobile phone number for them and they are all very dedicated
and approachable [from the young personrsquos point of view] They
offer a vital link from care to independencerdquo
However once again this service appears inconsistent depending on
the LA
Added to this frequent changes of case worker suggest a difficulty in
completion and implementation of pathway plans and causes the
young person to feel they are not being listened to
ldquoI was kind of listened to but then my social worker changed so
I had to start againhellipthere was no relationship there cause they
kept changing We would do one pathway plan then the social
worker changed and we would have to do another onerdquo (Care
leaver A)
When the foster carers were asked about the pathway plan and whether
they thought their young person was listened to
ldquoHe didnrsquot have a proper pathway plan for leaving it was rushed
There was no proper structure He was listened to but without
question or consideration of the consequences They ticked their
boxes and he was off their handsrdquo
These experiences were evident in the earlier research by Munro et al
(2011) whereby young people felt their voices were not heard and the
meetings surrounding their exit from care caused anxiety and stress
28
The foster carers then suggested their current placement who had just
turned 16 may suffer the same
ldquoShe is just about to change to the 16+ team they canrsquot wait to
get her on thathellipit will be her third social worker in two years
She is adamant she doesnrsquot want to leave at 16 but if they dangle
the carrot of her own flat in front of her it might be differentrdquo
Furthermore for the foster carers support appears to be inconsistent
One set had just been assigned a new social worker the third in two
years
ldquoWe have a new social worker and she just ticks the boxes She
seems terrified to use her initiative One social worker I was
dealing with said there were five people who were either off or
had left and not been replaced in his office alonerdquo
It is well documented that retention of staff within social work is
increasingly difficult Added to which there a national shortage of
approximately 3500 social workers both hindering continuity for the
people they provide services to (Community Care 2014) This and
aforementioned cuts to funding within leaving care services may
explain how the inconsistency and a lack of relationship with social
workers described within this data can infringe on the process of
leaving care
With this in mind it is imperative to consider the legal implications at
this point It would appear within the legal framework there are lsquogrey
areasrsquo which can allow the experiences of care leaverrsquos A C and D to
occur The Children (Leaving Care) Act (2000) states that an
assessment of needs must be carried out by the LA for the said child
(a)while they are still looking after him and
(b)after they cease to look after him (19B 4)
The proviso for this is the child has been looked after for a period of
time and that they are aged 16 or 17 (19B 2 a amp b)
However the Care Act (2014) has a section dedicated to the needs of a
child in the transition to adulthood including the requirement for a
29
needs assessment but in relation to the childrsquos needs after the age of
18 Furthermore section 58 (4) insists the assessment should be carried
out whether the child consents or not if there is a risk of or experiencing
abuse or neglect Bearing in mind the vulnerability of these young
people the causes for them to have been placed in care in the first place
it would be fair to consider this group eligible for this assessment and
extended care Added to which one would expect a more thorough and
consistent assessment to be carried out Clearly with several changes to
case workers [as experienced by care leavers A and D] this legal
standard is not being met
Perhaps government and policy makers should consider case worker
retention and better working environments as fundamental aspects of
policy in turn offering better outcomes for the young people
(Appendix 9)
d) Financial aspects
ldquoThey told him to choose what he needed for the flat but only
some of it turned up There is something I heard of might be
from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation where some money is put
into an ISA which can be accessed once they are 18 This is
because they have been in care But I feel the danger of that is it
could all be blown on something else or used as a carrot to
encourage leaving care As far as I have seen they just go and
spend it all then itrsquos gone ndash they would be better giving them a
furnished flatrdquo (Foster carer)
The Care Leavers Strategy states it encourages LArsquos to offer at least
pound2000 as a lsquoSetting Up Home Allowancersquo (leaving care grant)
although as this is not a legal requirement the amount varies from LA
to LA Care leaver A received in the region of pound400 (Gwynedd LA)
However the manager for Conwy laving care team indicated the
amount their care leavers receive is dependent on what they need This
is also stated on the LArsquos web site (Appendix 8) It may be suggested
that young people within less affluent LArsquos will fare worse financially
30
The Strategy maintains care leavers are entitled to a pound1200 bursary if
they are attending further education and a pound2000 bursary for higher
education This is financed by the Department for Education (2013
10) Extra funding of this kind would appear significant for these young
people however if the earlier literature is considered the statistics for
this grouprsquos educational achievements did not present well (See
chapter one) As this funding is reliant on the young person being in
education there will be a significant proportion unable to access this
extra help
Conwy LA did suggest promising outcomes for employment for their
care leavers with many undertaking apprenticeships within the
councilrsquos departments
ldquoWe have a number of our young people working and training in
the council (Conwy) with a selection of apprenticeships
specifically for them Some do go on to stay with us being
offered permanent contractsrdquo (Leaving care team manager)
Unfortunately a comparison cannot be made with other LArsquos or
voluntary organisations in this area as there was no response to the
research
Care leaver A did have temporary employment with a local leisure
centre although when a permanent contract was offered it was of a zero
hourrsquos nature
ldquoI wasnrsquot worth me taking ithellipI would lose my benefit and have
no guarantee of workrdquo
Care leaver C started a college course and managed a couple of shifts
in a restaurant kitchen however his chaotic accommodation provision
and a lack of support for his ADHD hampered his continuation
Care leaver D is NEET (Appendix 11) and has been since his exit from
care It would seem this has not been assisted by his family [to which
he returned] who have also never been in employment and his
reluctance to receive any more services It may be suggested his high
31
level of case worker turnover contributed to his reluctance Equally his
chaotic existence before entering care disrupted his education added
the rushed transition from care has not facilitated good employment
prospects
e) Evaluation and Reflection
When evaluating this research one must acknowledge the limitations
when assessing the size of the sample
Despite persistence there was a reluctance by professionals particularly
to participate Out of four LAs contacted only one responded and
agreed to be interviewed One LA received the research pack three
times follow up calls were made several times to no avail The same
may be said for the voluntary sector in spite of positive telephone
conversations and receipt of the research pack Barnardorsquos and Gisda
did not consent to be interviewed Therefore the findings were
somewhat one sided and the professional perspective limited
However even with the limited sample the original hypothesis of the
leaving care system failing the young people has a degree of truth
Equally the findings are reflective of earlier research identified in
chapter 2
There is certainly scope for further and more considerable research
within this field Although for future studies it may be beneficial to use
focus group methodology to encourage professional participation This
would possibly generate an improved response rate in comparison to
the online questionnaire used for the initial stages of this project The
face to face follow up interviews proved difficult to organise although
it was difficult to decipher whether this was due to a reluctance to
engage in the research or a lack of available time
32
Chapter 5
Conclusion
In conclusion the data collected for this study shows a system that sadly
does fail its young people Certainly in Gwynedd the leaving care
process is seemingly rushed and centred around a personrsquos age rather
than their readiness for independence Of course it may be argued there
has to be a lsquocut off pointrsquo and young people have to become
independent at some time for legal purposes that lsquopointrsquo is dictated by
their age It would seem this is the case regardless of the harm it may
cause Furthermore it could be argued this hasty process is a breach of
the young personrsquos human rights however despite searching no cases
were found
In 2006 research conducted by Mendes and Moselhuddin concluded
the leaving care process should be a gradual process based on levels of
maturity and ability to manage independence rather than simply age
The same recommendation is echoed in the majority of research both
past and present It would seem that ten years on we are no closer to an
ideal solution
For care leaver A C and D the outcome was poor Certainly they did
not feel supported through the transition although care leaver C had
significantly better support from their personal advisor post 18
However despite this support care leaver C was still living in less than
ideal circumstances and about to be moved once again
In line with the literature this study although with the limited sample
found immense inconsistencies within the system and in every area
from support to financial assistance
Evidently for some the system works against an already disadvantaged
group abandoning when needed the most so to speak
33
It would seem the introduction of legislation and the Transitions
Guidance to strengthen practice and policy has failed to make a
significant improvement especially surrounding the lsquolevelling uprsquo of
services Attributed by the cost cutting imposed on LArsquos by central
government this is hardly surprising
There are some encouraging outcomes such as care leaver B receiving
immense support from their LA beyond policy and legal requirement
This is in line with some of Steinrsquos (2012 81) research and positive
outcomes are underpinned by the level of good consistent and accurate
support received by the individual Yet as this study has found this is
not consistent or universal
It is clear inconsistencies lack of support young and rushed transitions
all contribute to poorer outcomes for this group of young people A
group which are already disadvantaged and at a much higher risk of
social exclusion
As a society we should consider these young people as just that ndash young
people Often with the same dreams and aspirations as any other young
person On the contrary perhaps we should consider these young
people further as many will have already been let down by society
Either way they are entitled to as much support guidance and
opportunity as any other Regrettably this does not seem to be the case
as despite advances in research policy and legislation the same
inconsistencies and failures appear to occur time and time again
The study has shown the importance of understanding the young
peoplersquos history Of understanding former problems or areas of
concern This aids the transition to independence as it identifies where
the support is needed and individualizes the young person There
cannot be a lsquoone size fits allrsquo approach to the leaving care system as
one can see these young people are individual It has identified how
fundamental it is to include a young personrsquos foster carers when
considering independence to recognise the relationship they may have
34
with the young person and the key role they play after leaving care (as
with care lever A)
With this in mind one must acknowledge the leaving care system has
indeed improved over the last 30 years however it needs to continue to
progress if there is any hope of achieving a consistent service with more
even and positive outcomes for these young people
35
Bibliography
Action for Children (2014) [Online]
Available at httpwwwactionforchildrenorgukour-
servicesadoption-fostering-and-children-in-carechildren-in-
careleaving-care
Barnardorsquos (2014)[1] [Online] Someone to Care Experiences of
leaving care Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorguksomeone_to_care_final_feb2014pdf
(Accessed 07 October 2015)
Barnardorsquos (2014)[2] [Online] The costs of not caring supporting
English care leavers into independence Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf (Accessed 07
October 2015)
Biehal N Clayden J Stein M and Wade J (1995) Moving On
Young people and leaving care schemes London HMSO
Broad B (2005) Improving the Health and Well-Being of Young
People Leaving Care Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing
Burgess C (1981) In Care and Into Work London Tavistock
Care Leaverrsquos Foundation (with Children and Young People Now)
(2009) [Online] Setting Up A place to call home Bala Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation Available at
httpwwwthecareleaversfoundationorgsitedatafilesSetting_Up_A
_Place_to_Callpdf (Accessed 06 April 2015)
Care Leavers Strategy (2013) [Online] Available at
httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachment_
datafile266484Care_Leaver_Strategypdf (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Care Act (2014) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga201423part1crossheadingtra
nsition-for-children-to-adult-care-and-support-etcenacted (Accessed
01 March 2016)
Children and Families Act 2014 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga20146section98enacted
(Accessed 02 October 2015)
36
Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200035pdfsukpga_20000035_
enpdf (Accessed 19 March 2015)
Children and Young Persons Act (2008) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200823contents (Accessed 02
October 2015)
Community Care (2014) [Online] Councils struggling to retain social
workers in face of high caseloads and competition over pay
Available at httpwwwcommunitycarecouk20140130councils-
struggling-retain-social-workers-face-high-caseloads-competition-
pay (Accessed 22 February 2016)
Courtney M Terrao S and Bost N (2004) Midwest evaluation of
the adult functioning of former foster youth Conditions of youth
preparing to leave state care Outcomes at age 19 Chicago Chapin
Hall Centre for Children at University of Chicago
Daly F (2012) lsquoMy voice has to be heardrsquo Research on outcomes
for young people leaving care in North Dublin Dublin EPIC
Dixon J and Baker C (2012) lsquoThe Housing Experience of Young
People Leaving Care in England What helpsrsquo Developing Practice
The Child Youth and Family Work Journal Issue 32 National Care
Advisory Service (NCAS)
wwweducationgovuk [Online]
Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20130123124929httpw
wweducationgovukresearchandstatisticsstatisticsa00195573
Family Rights Group (2014) [Online] Support for Young People
Leaving the Care System Available at
httpwwwfrgorgukimagesAdvice_Sheets16-support-for-young-
people-leaving-carepdf (Accessed 29 September 2015)
The Fostering Network (2014) [Online] Staying Put Available at
httpswwwfosteringnetall-about-fosteringprovidersstaying-put-
updateVg5D-PRdX1Y (Accessed 02 October 2015)
Godek S (1976) Leaving Care Barkingside Barnardorsquos
Gwynedd Council (2014) [Online] lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
Available at
httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrutin
y20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20When
37
20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf (Accessed
22 February 2016)
Harris R J (1982) Institutionalized Ambivalence Social Work and
the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 British Journal of Social
Work Vol12 pp 247-263
Higgs L (2011) [Online] Housing crisis around the corner for care
leavers experts warn Children and Young People Now Available
at httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1050066housing-crisis-
corner-care-leavers-experts-warn (Accessed 17 February 2016)
Hiles D Moss D Thorne L Wright J and Dallos R (2014) ldquoSo
what am Irdquo ndash Multiple perspectives on young peoplersquos experience of
leaving care Children and Youth Services Review Vol 41 pp 1-15
House of Commons (1968) Report of the Committee on Local
Authority and Allied Personal Social Services London HMSO
Hutchinson D (2013) [Online] Catch 22 National Care Advisory
Service (NCAS) Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads9b7793d8be6ffc05a501df3df
4a1ef5fpdf
Jackson S and Cameron C (2012) lsquoLeaving Care Looking ahead
and aiming higherrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 34 (6)
pp 1107-1114
Mendes P and Moslehuddin B (2006) lsquoFrom Dependence to
Interdependence Towards Better Outcomes for Young People
Leaving State Carersquo Child Abuse Review Vol15 pp 110-166
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2006) Young peoplersquos views on leaving
care Newcastle Commission for Social Care Inspection
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2012) Young peoplersquos views on care
and aftercare Office of the Childrenrsquos Rights Director London
Ofsted
Mulvey T (1977) lsquoAfter-care ndash who caresrsquo Concern No 26
London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Munro E Lushey C and Ward H (2011) Evaluation of the
Right2BCared4 Pilots Final report (NCAS) London Department
for Education
38
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2011) Making the Cut
Planning Transitions for Care Levers in an Age of Austerity London
NCAS
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2012) [Online] Statistical
Briefing Looked after children and care leavers 2012 Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads0e9a6e4f266b8e96ad7c8e25
7bd53982pdf (Accessed 30 March 2015)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2013)
[Online] The NICE quality standard on the health and wellbeing of
looked after children and young people Available at
httpwwwniceorgukguidanceQS31chapterQuality-statement-8-
Support-to-move-to-independence (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Office for National Statistics (2014) [Online] Large increase in 20 to
34-year-olds living with parents since 1996 Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20160105160709httpw
wwonsgovukonsrelfamily-demographyyoung-adults-living-with-
parents2013sty-young-adultshtml (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board (2016) [Online] Child J ndash
Domestic Homicide Review and Serious Case Review (combined)
Available at httpwwwoscborgukwp-contentuploadsChild-J-
OSCB-Overview-Reportpdf (Accessed 25 February 2016)
Page R and Clark G (eds) (1977) Who Cares Young People in
Care Speak Out London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Puffett N and Orfford A (2016) [Online] Increasing numbers of
care leavers in unsuitable accommodation Children and Young
People Now Available at
httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1155917increasing-numbers-of-
care-leavers-in-unsuitable-accommodation (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Samuels G M and Pryce J M (2008) ldquoWhat doesnrsquot kill you
makes you strongerrdquo Survivalist self-reliance as resilience and risk
among young adults aging out of foster care Children and Youth
Services Review Vol 30 (10) pp 1198-1210
Stein M (2002) Young People Leaving Care A Research
Perspective In A Wheal ed The RHP Companion to Leaving Care
Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing pp 28-33
39
Stein M (2004) What works for young people leaving care
Barkingside Barnardos
Stein M (2006) lsquoYoung people aging out of care The poverty of
theoryrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 28 (4) pp 422-434
Stein M (2012) Young People Leaving Care Supporting Pathways
to Adulthood London Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Stein M and Carey K (1986) Leaving Care Oxford Blackwell
Stein M and Ellis S (1983) Gizza Say Reviews and Young People
in Care London NAYPIC
Stein M and Maynard C (1985) Irsquove Never Been So Lonely
London NAYPIC
Stone M (1990) Young People Leaving Care A study of
management systems service delivery and user evaluation UK The
Royal Philanthropic Society
The Who Carersquos Trust (2014) [Online] Leaving Care Available at
httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpagesleaving-care-what-
happens-post-16html
Wade J (2011) lsquoPreparation and transition planning for
unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee young people A review
of evidence in Englandrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol
33 pp 2424-2430
Wade J and Dixon J (2006) lsquoMaking a home finding a job
investing early housing and employment outcomes for young people
leaving carersquo Child and Family Social Work Vol 11 (3) pp 199-208
Wade J Mitchel F and Baylis G (2005) Unaccompanied asylum
seeking children The response of social services London BAAF
40
Appendix
1) httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf page 25
Karenrsquos story
2) httpwwwnhsukConditionsAttention-deficit-hyperactivity-
disorderPagesIntroductionaspx
3) Email received in response to a request for Mr Timpson (Minister
of State for Children and Families) to answer three questions
regarding care leavers
Dear MsthinspThompsonthinsp
I am writing on behalf of the Minister of State for Children and
Families to thank you for your email of 9 February about your
dissertation
I am sorry but the department receives so many requests like yours
that we are unable to respond to them other than to point you to
sources of information I would therefore suggest that you look at the
departmentrsquos website
at httpswwwgovuksearchq=care+leavers+strategy
I hope you find this link helpful and that you are able to find the
information you need
Your correspondence has been allocated reference number 2016-
0008179 If you need to respond to us please
visit httpswwweducationgovukcontactus and quote your
reference number
As part of our commitment to improving the service we provide to
our customers we are interested in hearing your views and would
welcome your comments via our website
at httpswwweducationgovukpcusurvey
Yours sincerely
Kelly Walkerthinsp
Ministerial and Public Communications Division
Web
[httpswwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovuk]https
wwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovukgt
Twitter httpswwwtwittercomeducationgovuk
Facebook httpswwwfacebookcomeducationgovuk
41
[httpswwweducationgovukimages2irisdfepng]
4) httpwwwgisdaorgengamdanom-nihtml
5) httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga198941section20
6)httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrut
iny20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20Whe
n20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf
7)httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachme
nt_datafile201015Staying_Put_Guidancepdf
8) httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpageswhats-a-pathway-
planhtml
9) httpjobscommunitycarecoukarticlecoventry-tops-london-in-
the-best-place-to-live-league-tablescmpid=EMP|JOBS|SCJOB-
2016-0224-CH|READMORE-COVampcmpid
10) httpwwwconwygovukdocaspcat=4800ampdoc=19742
11)httpresearchbriefingsparliamentukResearchBriefingSummary
SN06705
42
i) Interview Guide
Generic areas of question
Age upon leaving care
Staying put scheme
Financial help
Choice of housing
Suitability of accommodation
Geographical position of accommodation
Further education
Access to support eg Personal Advisor social worker
Input with Pathway plan
Being listened to
Transition
Keeping in touch
Difference with peers
43
8
Chapter 2
A Review of the Literature
lsquoIf I had parents to go to I would go to my parents and ask them
for help Or Irsquod be with my parents so the strain wouldnrsquot be so
much But I donrsquot have anybody I donrsquot have anyone to turn torsquo
(Care leaver in Barnardorsquos (1) 2014)
Most parents have positive expectations for their own children and are
there offering full support when their child moves into independence
However children leaving the care system often have to live without
this Lack of parental support clearly contributes to a difficult
transition into independence (Barnardorsquos (1) 2014 1)
As previously noted literature pre 1970 is scarce Here the focus will
be on more recent findings in the consistency of services for care
leavers The service areas are
Housing and accommodation
Finance
Transition
It is noted by Stein (2012) that in the view of young care leavers foster
carers care workers and personal advisors that the young people left
care too young The earlier research notes the same problem Young
care leavers are being moved on from the age of 16 whereas studies
found the median age for leaving home was 22 for men and 20 for
women (Biehal et al 1995 30) In recent times the number of young
people [not in care] still living at home with their parents has risen from
27 million in 1996 to 33 million in 2013 their ages ranging from 20
ndash 34 (ONS 2014) It may be seen therefore how difficult it can be for
9
young people in Local Authority (hereafter LA) care to leave at such a
young age
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE 2013)
supported by the NSPCC state that ldquocare leavers move to independence
at their own pacerdquo recognising how difficult this time may be
Currently a new duty has been placed upon LArsquos in England This
implementation named the lsquoStaying Putrsquo scheme came into force in
May 2014 (part 5 Welfare of Children (98) of the Children and
Families Act 2014) and offers young people the chance to stay on in
their foster home where the LA regards this consistent with the welfare
of the young person although this does not include residential care
Additional funding has been allocated for each individual LArsquos for this
However nationally this service is inconsistent In Scotland a similar
scheme has been introduced in 2015 also including residential care
Wales has placed the same duty on their LArsquos through the lsquoWhen Irsquom
Readyrsquo scheme though no additional funding has been allocated (The
Fostering Network 2014)
Housing is a fundamental area of concern for young care leavers
Literature pre 1980rsquos is scarce for all issues however due to this lack of
information a National Survey of Leaving Care Schemes was
conducted in 1989 During this time housing was the most common
service provided to young care leavers After housing other services
were offered such as counselling advocacy training preparation for
leaving care and advice on leisure facilities food and clothing
However these services were not universal and most did not offer any
preparation for leaving care (Stone 1990 7)
More recently the LA are duty bound to provide such services
universally Current legislation held in the Children (Leaving Care) Act
2000 states ldquoIt is the duty of the local authority looking after a child to
advise assist and befriend him with a view to promoting his welfare
when they have ceased to look after himrdquo More recent legislation held
10
within the Children and Young Persons Act (2008) along with the
Transitions Guidance for LArsquos to assist with strengthening policy and
practice framework to encourage a lsquolevelling uprsquo of services (Stein
2012 24)
Although these measures are currently in place it is suggested by Dixon
and Baker (2012) that service quality and effectiveness is not consistent
and varies from LA to LA This is not surprising as a survey carried out
in 2011 by the National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) reported high
level of funding cuts to leaving care services (varying from 7 to 15)
making implementation of the Transitions Guidance problematic
Additionally it is apparent housing and accommodation are high on
the list of issues facing care leavers The LArsquos are only duty bound to
provide lsquosuitable accommodationrsquo to 16 and 17 year olds Once a care
leaver reaches 18 the LArsquos are only required to assist with
accommodation advice and support as far as their [young personrsquos]
welfare requires it
Dixon and Baker (2012) continue to identify that although legislation
and advances in support services have increased over the last couple of
decades from knowledge gained through research young care leavers
are still over- represented within the homeless and inadequately
housed With this in mind it is not surprising to find that recent figures
suggest 30 of homeless people have been in the care system (The
Who Carersquos Trust 2014)
This is evident in research compiled by Barnardorsquos (2) (2014) were by
even with the advances in policy the case studies show a chaotic
existence for some young people Several moves from one unsuitable
accommodation to another periods of homelessness and being moved
out of familiar areas [geographically] remains a prominent feature
(Appendix 1)
11
Stone (1990) identified this issue twenty years prior to Dixon
indicating the evidence then showed an over-representation of care
leavers experiencing homelessness The same problem occurs in
literature by Stein and Carey (1986) from their study during 1982
It is noted by Morgan and Lindsey (2012) that there is a need for more
support with accommodation however Munro et al (2011) identified
out of the young people offered extra support the take up was only
about 50 This may be due to wanting to get rid of the lsquobeing in carersquo
label or perhaps a lack of understanding of the extra support offered
There is evidence within the literature that finances present a
significant issue to care leavers (Broad 2005 Munro et al 2011
Stein 2012 54)
Regional differences in the levels of financial support in the form of
leaving care grants is significant ranging from pound400 to pound2000 with the
average payment being pound1000 (Broad 200547) Stein (2012) notes
more recently the leaving care grant still lack in consistency ranging
from zero to pound2000 A survey carried out by the Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation (2009) calculated the young people needed at least pound2500
in order to set up the most basic essentials to live independently [of 150
LArsquos surveyed only one provided this amount]
These financial inconsistencies clearly present challenges not only with
basic needs such as food and housing but also the ability to participate
in leisure activities and higher education This exclusion has a
potentially damaging impact on the health and well-being for young
people who are already vulnerable (Jackson and Cameron 2012)
Furthermore a lack of understanding of financial matters can lead to
long term debt and financial difficulties
ldquoIrsquom still paying off debts now [nine years after living in her first
independent placement] if somebody had have gone through
these bills bills I didnrsquot even know existed Irsquove had to figure
everything out myself Irsquove had to learn the hard way If I had
12
have had support with that it would have changed thingsrdquo (Care
leaver in Barnardorsquos (2) 2014 13)
There is evidence the young peoplersquos voices may not be listened to
The meetings and reviews appear stressful for the young people (Daly
2012) A large proportion felt ignored during meetings (Munro et al
2011 28) and approximately a third felt their lsquoPathway Planrsquo [the LA
is duty bound to have a Pathway Plan to assist in the transition to
independent living] was not adhered to at all It is noted young people
wish to have more control of when they leave care and for the
transition to be more gradual and less rushed (Morgan and Lindsey
2012 Morgan and Lindsey 2006)
Mendes and Moselhuddin (2006 113) note lsquoGraduation from care
needs to become a far more gradual and flexible process based on levels
of maturity and skill development rather than simply agersquo
Furthermore this view is held by the young people involved
ldquoI didnrsquot want to go I still had to go anyway I didnrsquot have a
choiceI was moving out at eighteen end of discussion and the
bit that really pissed me [off] is [that] they chucked me out on
my eighteenth birthdayrdquo (Care leaver in Munro et al 2011 21)
Although the age has been extended to 18 before a young person has to
leave care [unless they are in full time education] an Independent
Reviewing Officer (IRO) in Munro et al (2011 23) states
ldquoWe identified fairly quickly that all it has done is just knock it
back two years erm you know what used to be 16hellipused to have
all these arguments Wersquove shunted it back to 18 but you know
our 18 year olds are just as vulnerable as those 16 year olds
wererdquo
It is clear within the literature the young people fundamentally require
consistency and support from leaving care workers and services to aid
their transition from care to independence (Munro et al 2011 21)
Pride and an inability to ask for help to access services is apparent It
is recognised that many care leavers where reluctant to allow
13
themselves to be cared for The young people were more comfortable
with caring for others This is a result of often having to adopt the role
of carer within their birth family (Samuels and Pryce 2008 1203-
1205) However the literature does not identify other underlying
reasons for the young people having difficulty in accepting help
themselves Reasons such as lack of self- esteem and self- worth due to
the trauma they may have suffered
The transition to independence brings with it feelings of isolation and
loneliness which were connected to losing their carers
ldquoItrsquos hard to think that people you lived with for nine years are
not in your life anymorerdquo
(Care leaver in Morgan 2012 22)
There is evidence these feelings may also be connected to moving away
from friends and professionals changes in social workers and a
transition to adult services
One author notes the young people are living life lsquoin limborsquo (Hiles et
al 2014 6) It is suggested as the young people approach their
eighteenth birthday they are in a state of limbo knowing they may not
be lsquoin carersquo not knowing if they can lsquostay putrsquo with foster carers or
lsquomoving onrsquo to independent accommodation Leaving care workers
involved in Hilesrsquo et al (2014) study describe having ldquoinsufficient time
to prepare some young people for this transitionrdquo especially the young
people who had experienced problems in maintaining stable
placements prior to leaving care
Moreover the system is described as ldquochaotic and complexrdquo forced to
react rather than respond to crisis The cause of this is identified
through poor staff retention and therefore the use of temporary staff
leaving a lack of continuity and consistency (Hiles et al 2014 7)
This research examines policies potentially promoting negative
consequences For example a disengagement of adult mental health
services leading to re-engagement of childrenrsquos services those young
14
people most able being offered more support through education
leaving some young people of low risk but still vulnerable in an isolated
position Also it was noted the young people leaving care to return
home to their birth families for longer than six months lose access to
services when they may actually still be in a vulnerable position (Hiles
et al2014 7)
However Stein (2012 81) suggests there is evidence that most young
people experience good outcomes after leaving care Positive outcomes
are underpinned by the relationship between the young person and the
leaving care teams In addition the evidence points to a positive sense
of well-being when settled and happy even if past or leaving care
experiences have been negative (Wade and Dixon 2006)
In conclusion the literature identifies the inconsistency within leaving
care systems These inconsistencies span throughout the services
available to care leavers from financial to pathway planning and
implementation There is evidence of a somewhat uneven service
delivery despite policy stipulations
There has been an encouraging influx of research in the last fifteen
years or so which should promote a continued improvement in policy
and outcome for this fundamentally vulnerable group in society
There is evident progress within the leaving care system which has
been noted by Stein Wade and Dixon However despite progress
within the system [the introduction of personal advisors Pathway
Plans and specific leaving care teams] and extensive research
informing policy makers the uneven delivery still exists Additionally
care leavers are still disadvantaged compared to their peers even with
the progress that has been made
There is an emphasis on a proactive and preventative approach and a
significant need for placement stability underpinned by systematic and
consistent services As it stands young people are currently being
15
ldquopushed into fighting against a systemrdquo rather than a system that works
together for a positive outcome (Hiles et al 2014 11)
Contingency plans are an important recommendation outlined in recent
research as a necessity to prevent care leavers falling into crisis These
plans need to be in place regardless of assessed lsquoneedrsquo Moreover
access to an independent visitor enabling another supportive
relationship to be formed along with personal advisors would offer
greater assistance when decisions are being made for the young
personrsquos future (Barnardorsquos 2014 23)
Now the research is taking place identifying young peoplersquos
experiences of leaving care it is necessary to listen in order to make
effective changes in policy and practice to achieve better outcomes for
this vulnerable group
16
Chapter 3
Methodology
This research is of a qualitative nature The methodology included an
online questionnaire (n=50) to identify common themes followed up
by face- to-face interviews (n=10) for more detailed data However
the response rate for the online questionnaire was poor with only ten
returned The interviews adopted a semi-structured approach to allow
for participants to talk freely about their experiences The author used
an interview guide to achieve this containing the areas of interest
rather than a structured set of interview questions (Appendix i)
Support for this project was received from a local fostering group and
that provided some resources for sourcing the sample
Initially the author had positive support from social workers and
professionals within the leaving care sector Although actual response
from local authority was limited only one out of four who received
the research pack responded Participation by third sector
organisations was similarly positive however commitment to be
interviewed could not be obtained
The sample consisted of four young people aged 16 plus involved in
the leaving care process and four professionals working within the
leaving care system Geographically broken down to Gwynedd
Conwy Telford and Wrekin and Caerphilly
The interviews took place either in their own home place of work or
a mutually comfortable setting agreed by the participants The
researcher offered anonymity to the participants and the interviews
were handled sensitively keeping the vulnerability of some of the
sample in mind
The interviews were concerned with
17
Whether the young person feels supported
Whether the resources are accessible and the young person is made
aware of everything available
Whether the duties of the LA are being met from both points of view
(professional and young person)
The view of the use of BampB accommodation
Whether the leaving care process helps or hinders their future
How universal are the services provided
Is there enough financial assistance available resources and financial
advice
Are the young peoplersquos voices heard
Has policy and practice improved over the last couple of decades
The interviews were voice recorded with consent and a diary was kept
for all fieldwork undertaken The study adopted a grounded
theoretical approach and the data subjected to content analysis
a) Ethical Consideration
The sample where given thorough information regarding the study in
order for them to make an informed choice whether to participate or
not Confidentiality was adhered to and any disclosures were handled
appropriately and with ethical consideration in mind The researcher
was aware of the vulnerability of the young people and the sensitive
nature of the study
Due to the sensitivity of the research the data gathered was securely
kept in a locked filing cabinet (paper) and secure password protected
file (electronic) and destroyed on completion of the study
Permission to undertake this study was granted after a thorough and
detailed ethics application
18
Chapter 4
Findings
a) Transition
ldquoYou wouldnrsquot dream of kicking your own kids out so young
They give these kids to much artificial support to encourage
them to leaverdquo (Foster carer)
This is clearly reverberated in the literature particularly in the
Barnardorsquos report Someone to Care Experiences of leaving care
(2014) which highlights the plight of young care leavers and the lack
of parental support contributing to difficult transitions In addition it
has already been identified in the literature review that for children not
in care the leaving home age ranges from 20- 34 (ONS 2014)
Communication for this specific young person appeared to be lacking
ldquoWell my social worker didnrsquot really talk about what
would happenhelliphellipthey were like lsquooh yeah you will get
your own placersquo hellipbut not what will happen afterhellipso I
rushed into it thinking it was a good idea I think they
said it too soon to me if they wouldnrsquot have said it I
would still be here (foster care) for a while So I rushed
into it I had just left school maybe it would be
better at 17 or 18rdquo (Care leaver A currently aged 18 LA
Gwynedd)
This statement by a young care leaver is echoed by a set of foster carers
It was found that by giving the young person an offer of their own flat
complete with some furnishings of their choice seemed to sway their
decision whether or not to leave This was especially the case for 16
year olds
These foster carers stated that their young person had indicated they
wanted to stay in care at least until 18 years old however with a change
of social worker came a change of heart
19
ldquoYou see we had talked about when he would leave but he said
lsquono I wouldnrsquot like to be in a house on my ownrsquo He wanted to
stay when he first came to us he was having nightmares hellip he is
still having problems now He wonrsquot sleep in his bedroom now
he sleeps in the living room with the TV on They (Social
Services team) didnrsquot take any of this into account When his
social worker changed to the 16+ one he was like lsquooh well I
might move outrsquordquo
This particular interview found the process of leaving care very hasty
with very little preparation The young person in question was
identified by the LA as vulnerable however according to the foster
carers the process continued regardless
ldquoHe suddenly was kicking against us The social worker said he
was a troubled child he just said he had issues We know about
confidentiality but we were part of the care package but they (16
+ team) would not involve us There was no communication
between the 16+ team and us It was like he is an adult and thatrsquos
thatrdquo
The foster carers suggested the young person was being coached to
leave There was a sudden decision made and the young person went
lsquooff the railsrsquo It seemed a place was offered to enable them to move
out and that was when reality hit
ldquohelliphe drank a bottle of vodka and was talking about suicide He
suffers from low self- esteem There was no help for that I think
this was brought on by them (16+ team) telling him there was a
space somewhere He kept saying lsquoIrsquom so sorryrsquo It was reality
he had been going through the motions before thisrdquo
This illustrates a terrible indictment of a rushed transition Added to
the trauma which led the young person to being in care this does not
present a positive outcome
The findings for this report support the previous literature Steinrsquos
(2012) extensive research in this area continually reveals hasty
transitions from care to independence
Legislation relating to young people leaving care states
20
lsquoIt is the duty of the local authority looking after a child to advise assist
and befriend him with a view to promoting his welfare when they have
ceased to look after himrsquo (19A Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000)
Indicating a rushed transition should not be promoted rather that it
should be a much slower process with time being given to prepare fully
for independence
In contrast one participant going through the leaving care system in
2004 and within a different LA (Telford and Wrekin) had a much more
positive experience
ldquoI left care at 18 I was in a childrenrsquos homehellipfoster care didnrsquot
suit me I was always running away I had brilliant support all
the way until I was 25 I went to supported living and I had help
to learn to cook and manage money and bills Then I had help to
find a flat and become independent I even still see some of the
people who supported me when I go back to Telfordrdquo (Care
leaver B aged 30)
This indicates a far more gradual transition to independence
Unfortunately the majority of the data within this study points more
often to the former rushed transition
ldquoI turned 18 and it was like hellipyoursquore an adult now I was in a
hostel then a homeless place that was scary there were all sorts
there I liked the place in Bala it was good there But when I
turned 18 I couldnrsquot stay It was like one minute I had everything
done for me then nothingrdquo (Care leaver C currently aged 19
LA Conwy)
This young person moved into private care and currently resides in a
mixed home for people with mental health problems He has Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (Appendix 2)
The research suggests past history is not always taken into account
when assessing the suitability of independent living for these young
people
ldquoHis issues should have been recognised then he would not have
been offered to leave at 16 The social worker had not made the
effort to look at his historyrdquo (Foster carer)
21
Taking the young peoplersquos history and circumstances into account
could offer a more positive outcome than simply their age
ldquoThey had eight files on me from when I was little My foster
carer nagged them until she was able to have them to read
Then she knew what had happenedrdquo (Care leaver D currently
aged 19 LA Caerphilly)
It is recognised in policy that the system still does not seem to perform
as it should The Care Leaversrsquo Strategy (2013) identifies the abrupt
transition experienced by these young people in its opening paragraphs
However the report fails to include lsquotransitionrsquo as a fundamental area
of concern Instead usual sections such as education employment
housing and so on are highlighted as lsquobroad areas of concernrsquo It would
seem the young peoplersquos emotional well- being which is clearly
affected by the hasty exit from care does not hold the same
governmental importance
Additionally it may be prudent to add at this point that Edward
Timpson Minister of State for Children and Families was contacted
for the purpose of this research Mr Timpson was involved in the
development of the Care Leaversrsquo Strategy and in addition to this grew
up with looked after children as his parents were foster carers There
was no response to the research (Appendix 3)
A fundamental issue surrounding rushed transitions is the view these
young people are now adults although they are still virtually as
vulnerable as children The serious case review into the murder of
Jayden Parkinson highlights this Jayden was 17 and considered an
adult by services and practitioners The review stated
lsquoToo often [Parkinson] was viewed as a difficult young person and not
recognised as a child in need of safeguarding Professionals and
agencies did not always fully understand the serious nature of the risks
to [her] or were too quick to be reassured that she would be able to
protect herself from those risksrsquo (Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children
Board 2016 62)
22
It would seem important for policy to start considering the young
personrsquos position in life rather than their age as an indicator of their
readiness for independence
b) Housing and Accommodation
The participants were asked about their experiences with housing when
leaving care Questions about choice suitability and geographic area
where considered Consistent with past research and previous literature
(Barnardorsquos [2] 2014) issues where found in all these areas
Once again the Care Leaversrsquo Strategy recognises these issues found
in research past and present surrounding housing
lsquoCare leavers are a vulnerable group of young adults who have
particular needs in relation to housing and homelessness Around a
quarter of those living on the streets have a background in care The
majority of care leavers leave care by the age of 18 and rising demands
on social housing and other accommodation is making it increasingly
difficult for young people to find suitable accommodation as they enter
adulthoodrsquo (2013 14)
These findings suggest a significant risk of homelessness for these
participants In actual fact without the charity Gisda (Appendix 4) the
options for young people in Gwynedd would be seriously limited
It has already been noted that nationally care leavers are overly
represented within the homeless and inadequately housed with 30 of
homeless people formerly being in care (Who Cares Trust 2014)
When considering choice Bed and Breakfast (BampB) accommodation
was not always used but choice did appear limited Geographical
consideration and suitable match for the young person does not always
seem possible
23
ldquoWell there was a bit of choice but it was mainly Caernarfon I
had shared housing with Gisda not BampB and then I got my flat
with Gisdardquo (Care leaver A)
Once again this is echoed by foster carers
ldquoHe moved into shared housing for two weekshelliphe was
terrified he slit his mattress to hide his laptop in it There wasnrsquot
much choice had he had the choice to stay in Penygroes he
would have He has been trying to get back here ever since He
is afraid in Caernarfon He has two brothers living there which
he has had problems with and his brotherrsquos friend He is quite a
fearful child and finds living in Caernarfon stressful When he
gets home to his flat from here he doesnrsquot go outrdquo
This does not seem to be reserved to just this LA either
ldquoI was in a hostel but I kicked off so was in a BampB for a couple
of days They said I was smoking in the room so I got kicked out
of therehellipdidnrsquot even get all my stuff Then my social worker
said I could stay with my mum for the weekend cause my sister
wasnrsquot there But then she came backhellipshe winds me uphellipI
kicked off but hit the window hellipI wanted to hit her So my mum
called the police helliprdquo (Care leaver D)
There appears to be insecurity surrounding housing Care leaver D
went on to lsquosofa surfrsquo and then went back to his motherrsquos even though
that episode left him with a criminal damage conviction [brought on by
his mother] His support seemed to end there
Care leaver A was asked if the flat with Gisda was permanent
ldquoNo itrsquos two years temporary I have three months leftrdquo
When asked what happens then
ldquoI think Irsquom on the top the list with housing so Irsquove gotta hope
something comes up or I will probably end up in BampB The thing
is once you have had the flat and you get to 18 you sort of go in
circles so you can be put in BampB Itrsquos a worry being three months
awayhelliphellipI keep phoning themrdquo
This was reiterated by the foster carers
ldquoI canrsquot see Gisda putting him out on the street but they have to
give him notice of eviction in order for the council to do
something about it Sometimes he stays with his cousin or his
24
dad if there is any room But he will probably have to lsquosofa
surfrsquohellip thatrsquos what his brother had to do That will put him on
the list he has to be homeless to get helprdquo
The question of supported living was raised for this particular
participant the foster carer replied
ldquoThere doesnrsquot seem to be any here But for him it wouldnrsquot
work he would worry about the other people there He is afraid
of people that do drugs there is a family history with drugsrdquo
However a neighbouring LA had positive experiences with supported
living Their providers of supported living and BampB accommodation
had been the same for over ten years which would indicate some
consistency The manager for the leaving care team for this LA
commented that the staff at the BampBrsquos offered a sympathetic approach
with more of a lsquofamily feelrsquo to the service Furthermore this LA had
long term relationships with landlords who specifically offered
tenancies to care leavers This demonstrates the importance of
consistency Although BampB may not seem ideal if there are good long
term relationships with service providers this can offer a positive short
term solution
Likewise care leaver B had the right experience with their
accommodation
ldquoI went from the childrenrsquos home to supported lodgings and after
that had my own flat The supported lodgings really helped me
learn how to look after myself I did go off the rails a bit when I
was about 23 but because of my support I sorted myself outrdquo
Though care leaver C will be moving once again in the near future It
seems his ADHD leaves the LA at a loss as to where this young person
should live The condition necessitates extra support to enable him to
manage independence
ldquoI like where I am But the funding for here runs out soon They
(social services) have said there is a new place in Abergele I
think itrsquos a shared house If I turn that down though I will make
myself intentionally homeless so there is no choicerdquo
25
This young personrsquos worries where resonated by his mother too He
entered care under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989 (Appendix 5)
as his mother was unable to manage his behaviour Her understanding
was that he would be care for until he reached 21 It may be argued he
is being cared for and is continuing to be Yet as stated earlier a mental
health facility may not be seen as ideal equally shared housing may
not offer the level of support required for an eventual and positive
departure from care
Regrettably national statistics have shown a rise of 108 per cent in the
number of young people in unsuitable accommodation from 1660 in
2014 to 1840 in 2015 This is reiterated by Carrie Wilson young
peoplersquos project co-ordinator at The Care Leaversrsquo Association
ldquoOn a basic level [BampBs] are seen as a ldquosaferdquo place but those young
people do not feel safe regardless of the interventions put into place to
support a young person if they do not feel like they have personal
safety at the end of the day their coping mechanisms start to break
downrdquo (Puffett and Orfford 2016)
The experiences of these participants suggests a chaotic existence in
line with the research undertaken by Barnardorsquos (2) (2014)
This does not present an improvement of services Government
statistics from 2011 suggested only 17 local authorities were housing
100 per cent of care leavers in suitable accommodation (Higgs 2011)
These are dismal statistics as research conducted by Stein (201280)
found from 2004 to 2009 the numbers of care leavers in suitable
accommodation had risen from 77 to 90 The statistics from 2011
could correlate with the age of austerity and social service budget cuts
(Stein 2012 24)
In Gwynedd since 2013 there has been the lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
available and similar to Englandrsquos lsquoStaying Putrsquo scheme (Appendix 6
amp 7) These schemes are now available throughout Wales and offer the
26
young person an opportunity to stay within their foster care placement
until the age of 21 or beyond if they are engaged in education or
training which started before their twenty first birthday This extended
stay may last until completion of the education or training on the
condition it is set out in the young personrsquos pathway plan The
opportunity offers a more gradual transition similar to young people in
the general population (Gwynedd Council 2014)
However there was no evidence of this scheme to have been offered to
care leaver A Care leavers C and D appear to have merely been
managed until the LA no longer had the duty of care
c) Pathway Plans Personal Advisors and Social
Workers
ldquoI donrsquot remember how many social workers I had hellipmaybe 14
or 15 by the time I left care They kept changingrdquo (Care leaver
D)
The participants were asked about their experiences with personal
advisors social workers the creation and implementation of their
pathway plans (Appendix 8) and whether they felt they were listened
to
It would seem having several social workers is commonplace
ldquoThe 16+ team didnrsquot seem to support him They changed social
worker but he didnrsquot seem to know what was going on Then they
changed again to one from the 16+ team Thatrsquos when his
behaviour changed One of his previous social workers was
fantastic and he worshipped herhellip If only they had kept that
social worker it would have made such a differencerdquo (Foster
carer)
For care leaver A this seems to have happened with the personal
advisor too When asked about their personal advisor
27
ldquoThere was a foster meeting the lady what was her namehellip Jan
she was really good She was with social services and Gisda
But then when they thought I was ok they transferred me to
someone elserdquo
Though for some there was more consistency Care leaver C suggested
a good relationship with their personal advisor They indicated regular
visits phone calls and planning meetings In turn this young person felt
they were being listened to when the pathway plan was produced
The manager for this LAs leaving care team confirms his perspective
on personal advisors
ldquoWe have a team of four personal advisors They have about 40
cases each but they do a great job All of their cases have a
mobile phone number for them and they are all very dedicated
and approachable [from the young personrsquos point of view] They
offer a vital link from care to independencerdquo
However once again this service appears inconsistent depending on
the LA
Added to this frequent changes of case worker suggest a difficulty in
completion and implementation of pathway plans and causes the
young person to feel they are not being listened to
ldquoI was kind of listened to but then my social worker changed so
I had to start againhellipthere was no relationship there cause they
kept changing We would do one pathway plan then the social
worker changed and we would have to do another onerdquo (Care
leaver A)
When the foster carers were asked about the pathway plan and whether
they thought their young person was listened to
ldquoHe didnrsquot have a proper pathway plan for leaving it was rushed
There was no proper structure He was listened to but without
question or consideration of the consequences They ticked their
boxes and he was off their handsrdquo
These experiences were evident in the earlier research by Munro et al
(2011) whereby young people felt their voices were not heard and the
meetings surrounding their exit from care caused anxiety and stress
28
The foster carers then suggested their current placement who had just
turned 16 may suffer the same
ldquoShe is just about to change to the 16+ team they canrsquot wait to
get her on thathellipit will be her third social worker in two years
She is adamant she doesnrsquot want to leave at 16 but if they dangle
the carrot of her own flat in front of her it might be differentrdquo
Furthermore for the foster carers support appears to be inconsistent
One set had just been assigned a new social worker the third in two
years
ldquoWe have a new social worker and she just ticks the boxes She
seems terrified to use her initiative One social worker I was
dealing with said there were five people who were either off or
had left and not been replaced in his office alonerdquo
It is well documented that retention of staff within social work is
increasingly difficult Added to which there a national shortage of
approximately 3500 social workers both hindering continuity for the
people they provide services to (Community Care 2014) This and
aforementioned cuts to funding within leaving care services may
explain how the inconsistency and a lack of relationship with social
workers described within this data can infringe on the process of
leaving care
With this in mind it is imperative to consider the legal implications at
this point It would appear within the legal framework there are lsquogrey
areasrsquo which can allow the experiences of care leaverrsquos A C and D to
occur The Children (Leaving Care) Act (2000) states that an
assessment of needs must be carried out by the LA for the said child
(a)while they are still looking after him and
(b)after they cease to look after him (19B 4)
The proviso for this is the child has been looked after for a period of
time and that they are aged 16 or 17 (19B 2 a amp b)
However the Care Act (2014) has a section dedicated to the needs of a
child in the transition to adulthood including the requirement for a
29
needs assessment but in relation to the childrsquos needs after the age of
18 Furthermore section 58 (4) insists the assessment should be carried
out whether the child consents or not if there is a risk of or experiencing
abuse or neglect Bearing in mind the vulnerability of these young
people the causes for them to have been placed in care in the first place
it would be fair to consider this group eligible for this assessment and
extended care Added to which one would expect a more thorough and
consistent assessment to be carried out Clearly with several changes to
case workers [as experienced by care leavers A and D] this legal
standard is not being met
Perhaps government and policy makers should consider case worker
retention and better working environments as fundamental aspects of
policy in turn offering better outcomes for the young people
(Appendix 9)
d) Financial aspects
ldquoThey told him to choose what he needed for the flat but only
some of it turned up There is something I heard of might be
from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation where some money is put
into an ISA which can be accessed once they are 18 This is
because they have been in care But I feel the danger of that is it
could all be blown on something else or used as a carrot to
encourage leaving care As far as I have seen they just go and
spend it all then itrsquos gone ndash they would be better giving them a
furnished flatrdquo (Foster carer)
The Care Leavers Strategy states it encourages LArsquos to offer at least
pound2000 as a lsquoSetting Up Home Allowancersquo (leaving care grant)
although as this is not a legal requirement the amount varies from LA
to LA Care leaver A received in the region of pound400 (Gwynedd LA)
However the manager for Conwy laving care team indicated the
amount their care leavers receive is dependent on what they need This
is also stated on the LArsquos web site (Appendix 8) It may be suggested
that young people within less affluent LArsquos will fare worse financially
30
The Strategy maintains care leavers are entitled to a pound1200 bursary if
they are attending further education and a pound2000 bursary for higher
education This is financed by the Department for Education (2013
10) Extra funding of this kind would appear significant for these young
people however if the earlier literature is considered the statistics for
this grouprsquos educational achievements did not present well (See
chapter one) As this funding is reliant on the young person being in
education there will be a significant proportion unable to access this
extra help
Conwy LA did suggest promising outcomes for employment for their
care leavers with many undertaking apprenticeships within the
councilrsquos departments
ldquoWe have a number of our young people working and training in
the council (Conwy) with a selection of apprenticeships
specifically for them Some do go on to stay with us being
offered permanent contractsrdquo (Leaving care team manager)
Unfortunately a comparison cannot be made with other LArsquos or
voluntary organisations in this area as there was no response to the
research
Care leaver A did have temporary employment with a local leisure
centre although when a permanent contract was offered it was of a zero
hourrsquos nature
ldquoI wasnrsquot worth me taking ithellipI would lose my benefit and have
no guarantee of workrdquo
Care leaver C started a college course and managed a couple of shifts
in a restaurant kitchen however his chaotic accommodation provision
and a lack of support for his ADHD hampered his continuation
Care leaver D is NEET (Appendix 11) and has been since his exit from
care It would seem this has not been assisted by his family [to which
he returned] who have also never been in employment and his
reluctance to receive any more services It may be suggested his high
31
level of case worker turnover contributed to his reluctance Equally his
chaotic existence before entering care disrupted his education added
the rushed transition from care has not facilitated good employment
prospects
e) Evaluation and Reflection
When evaluating this research one must acknowledge the limitations
when assessing the size of the sample
Despite persistence there was a reluctance by professionals particularly
to participate Out of four LAs contacted only one responded and
agreed to be interviewed One LA received the research pack three
times follow up calls were made several times to no avail The same
may be said for the voluntary sector in spite of positive telephone
conversations and receipt of the research pack Barnardorsquos and Gisda
did not consent to be interviewed Therefore the findings were
somewhat one sided and the professional perspective limited
However even with the limited sample the original hypothesis of the
leaving care system failing the young people has a degree of truth
Equally the findings are reflective of earlier research identified in
chapter 2
There is certainly scope for further and more considerable research
within this field Although for future studies it may be beneficial to use
focus group methodology to encourage professional participation This
would possibly generate an improved response rate in comparison to
the online questionnaire used for the initial stages of this project The
face to face follow up interviews proved difficult to organise although
it was difficult to decipher whether this was due to a reluctance to
engage in the research or a lack of available time
32
Chapter 5
Conclusion
In conclusion the data collected for this study shows a system that sadly
does fail its young people Certainly in Gwynedd the leaving care
process is seemingly rushed and centred around a personrsquos age rather
than their readiness for independence Of course it may be argued there
has to be a lsquocut off pointrsquo and young people have to become
independent at some time for legal purposes that lsquopointrsquo is dictated by
their age It would seem this is the case regardless of the harm it may
cause Furthermore it could be argued this hasty process is a breach of
the young personrsquos human rights however despite searching no cases
were found
In 2006 research conducted by Mendes and Moselhuddin concluded
the leaving care process should be a gradual process based on levels of
maturity and ability to manage independence rather than simply age
The same recommendation is echoed in the majority of research both
past and present It would seem that ten years on we are no closer to an
ideal solution
For care leaver A C and D the outcome was poor Certainly they did
not feel supported through the transition although care leaver C had
significantly better support from their personal advisor post 18
However despite this support care leaver C was still living in less than
ideal circumstances and about to be moved once again
In line with the literature this study although with the limited sample
found immense inconsistencies within the system and in every area
from support to financial assistance
Evidently for some the system works against an already disadvantaged
group abandoning when needed the most so to speak
33
It would seem the introduction of legislation and the Transitions
Guidance to strengthen practice and policy has failed to make a
significant improvement especially surrounding the lsquolevelling uprsquo of
services Attributed by the cost cutting imposed on LArsquos by central
government this is hardly surprising
There are some encouraging outcomes such as care leaver B receiving
immense support from their LA beyond policy and legal requirement
This is in line with some of Steinrsquos (2012 81) research and positive
outcomes are underpinned by the level of good consistent and accurate
support received by the individual Yet as this study has found this is
not consistent or universal
It is clear inconsistencies lack of support young and rushed transitions
all contribute to poorer outcomes for this group of young people A
group which are already disadvantaged and at a much higher risk of
social exclusion
As a society we should consider these young people as just that ndash young
people Often with the same dreams and aspirations as any other young
person On the contrary perhaps we should consider these young
people further as many will have already been let down by society
Either way they are entitled to as much support guidance and
opportunity as any other Regrettably this does not seem to be the case
as despite advances in research policy and legislation the same
inconsistencies and failures appear to occur time and time again
The study has shown the importance of understanding the young
peoplersquos history Of understanding former problems or areas of
concern This aids the transition to independence as it identifies where
the support is needed and individualizes the young person There
cannot be a lsquoone size fits allrsquo approach to the leaving care system as
one can see these young people are individual It has identified how
fundamental it is to include a young personrsquos foster carers when
considering independence to recognise the relationship they may have
34
with the young person and the key role they play after leaving care (as
with care lever A)
With this in mind one must acknowledge the leaving care system has
indeed improved over the last 30 years however it needs to continue to
progress if there is any hope of achieving a consistent service with more
even and positive outcomes for these young people
35
Bibliography
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Available at httpwwwactionforchildrenorgukour-
servicesadoption-fostering-and-children-in-carechildren-in-
careleaving-care
Barnardorsquos (2014)[1] [Online] Someone to Care Experiences of
leaving care Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorguksomeone_to_care_final_feb2014pdf
(Accessed 07 October 2015)
Barnardorsquos (2014)[2] [Online] The costs of not caring supporting
English care leavers into independence Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf (Accessed 07
October 2015)
Biehal N Clayden J Stein M and Wade J (1995) Moving On
Young people and leaving care schemes London HMSO
Broad B (2005) Improving the Health and Well-Being of Young
People Leaving Care Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing
Burgess C (1981) In Care and Into Work London Tavistock
Care Leaverrsquos Foundation (with Children and Young People Now)
(2009) [Online] Setting Up A place to call home Bala Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation Available at
httpwwwthecareleaversfoundationorgsitedatafilesSetting_Up_A
_Place_to_Callpdf (Accessed 06 April 2015)
Care Leavers Strategy (2013) [Online] Available at
httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachment_
datafile266484Care_Leaver_Strategypdf (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Care Act (2014) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga201423part1crossheadingtra
nsition-for-children-to-adult-care-and-support-etcenacted (Accessed
01 March 2016)
Children and Families Act 2014 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga20146section98enacted
(Accessed 02 October 2015)
36
Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200035pdfsukpga_20000035_
enpdf (Accessed 19 March 2015)
Children and Young Persons Act (2008) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200823contents (Accessed 02
October 2015)
Community Care (2014) [Online] Councils struggling to retain social
workers in face of high caseloads and competition over pay
Available at httpwwwcommunitycarecouk20140130councils-
struggling-retain-social-workers-face-high-caseloads-competition-
pay (Accessed 22 February 2016)
Courtney M Terrao S and Bost N (2004) Midwest evaluation of
the adult functioning of former foster youth Conditions of youth
preparing to leave state care Outcomes at age 19 Chicago Chapin
Hall Centre for Children at University of Chicago
Daly F (2012) lsquoMy voice has to be heardrsquo Research on outcomes
for young people leaving care in North Dublin Dublin EPIC
Dixon J and Baker C (2012) lsquoThe Housing Experience of Young
People Leaving Care in England What helpsrsquo Developing Practice
The Child Youth and Family Work Journal Issue 32 National Care
Advisory Service (NCAS)
wwweducationgovuk [Online]
Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20130123124929httpw
wweducationgovukresearchandstatisticsstatisticsa00195573
Family Rights Group (2014) [Online] Support for Young People
Leaving the Care System Available at
httpwwwfrgorgukimagesAdvice_Sheets16-support-for-young-
people-leaving-carepdf (Accessed 29 September 2015)
The Fostering Network (2014) [Online] Staying Put Available at
httpswwwfosteringnetall-about-fosteringprovidersstaying-put-
updateVg5D-PRdX1Y (Accessed 02 October 2015)
Godek S (1976) Leaving Care Barkingside Barnardorsquos
Gwynedd Council (2014) [Online] lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
Available at
httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrutin
y20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20When
37
20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf (Accessed
22 February 2016)
Harris R J (1982) Institutionalized Ambivalence Social Work and
the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 British Journal of Social
Work Vol12 pp 247-263
Higgs L (2011) [Online] Housing crisis around the corner for care
leavers experts warn Children and Young People Now Available
at httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1050066housing-crisis-
corner-care-leavers-experts-warn (Accessed 17 February 2016)
Hiles D Moss D Thorne L Wright J and Dallos R (2014) ldquoSo
what am Irdquo ndash Multiple perspectives on young peoplersquos experience of
leaving care Children and Youth Services Review Vol 41 pp 1-15
House of Commons (1968) Report of the Committee on Local
Authority and Allied Personal Social Services London HMSO
Hutchinson D (2013) [Online] Catch 22 National Care Advisory
Service (NCAS) Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads9b7793d8be6ffc05a501df3df
4a1ef5fpdf
Jackson S and Cameron C (2012) lsquoLeaving Care Looking ahead
and aiming higherrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 34 (6)
pp 1107-1114
Mendes P and Moslehuddin B (2006) lsquoFrom Dependence to
Interdependence Towards Better Outcomes for Young People
Leaving State Carersquo Child Abuse Review Vol15 pp 110-166
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2006) Young peoplersquos views on leaving
care Newcastle Commission for Social Care Inspection
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2012) Young peoplersquos views on care
and aftercare Office of the Childrenrsquos Rights Director London
Ofsted
Mulvey T (1977) lsquoAfter-care ndash who caresrsquo Concern No 26
London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Munro E Lushey C and Ward H (2011) Evaluation of the
Right2BCared4 Pilots Final report (NCAS) London Department
for Education
38
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2011) Making the Cut
Planning Transitions for Care Levers in an Age of Austerity London
NCAS
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2012) [Online] Statistical
Briefing Looked after children and care leavers 2012 Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads0e9a6e4f266b8e96ad7c8e25
7bd53982pdf (Accessed 30 March 2015)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2013)
[Online] The NICE quality standard on the health and wellbeing of
looked after children and young people Available at
httpwwwniceorgukguidanceQS31chapterQuality-statement-8-
Support-to-move-to-independence (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Office for National Statistics (2014) [Online] Large increase in 20 to
34-year-olds living with parents since 1996 Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20160105160709httpw
wwonsgovukonsrelfamily-demographyyoung-adults-living-with-
parents2013sty-young-adultshtml (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board (2016) [Online] Child J ndash
Domestic Homicide Review and Serious Case Review (combined)
Available at httpwwwoscborgukwp-contentuploadsChild-J-
OSCB-Overview-Reportpdf (Accessed 25 February 2016)
Page R and Clark G (eds) (1977) Who Cares Young People in
Care Speak Out London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Puffett N and Orfford A (2016) [Online] Increasing numbers of
care leavers in unsuitable accommodation Children and Young
People Now Available at
httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1155917increasing-numbers-of-
care-leavers-in-unsuitable-accommodation (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Samuels G M and Pryce J M (2008) ldquoWhat doesnrsquot kill you
makes you strongerrdquo Survivalist self-reliance as resilience and risk
among young adults aging out of foster care Children and Youth
Services Review Vol 30 (10) pp 1198-1210
Stein M (2002) Young People Leaving Care A Research
Perspective In A Wheal ed The RHP Companion to Leaving Care
Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing pp 28-33
39
Stein M (2004) What works for young people leaving care
Barkingside Barnardos
Stein M (2006) lsquoYoung people aging out of care The poverty of
theoryrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 28 (4) pp 422-434
Stein M (2012) Young People Leaving Care Supporting Pathways
to Adulthood London Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Stein M and Carey K (1986) Leaving Care Oxford Blackwell
Stein M and Ellis S (1983) Gizza Say Reviews and Young People
in Care London NAYPIC
Stein M and Maynard C (1985) Irsquove Never Been So Lonely
London NAYPIC
Stone M (1990) Young People Leaving Care A study of
management systems service delivery and user evaluation UK The
Royal Philanthropic Society
The Who Carersquos Trust (2014) [Online] Leaving Care Available at
httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpagesleaving-care-what-
happens-post-16html
Wade J (2011) lsquoPreparation and transition planning for
unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee young people A review
of evidence in Englandrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol
33 pp 2424-2430
Wade J and Dixon J (2006) lsquoMaking a home finding a job
investing early housing and employment outcomes for young people
leaving carersquo Child and Family Social Work Vol 11 (3) pp 199-208
Wade J Mitchel F and Baylis G (2005) Unaccompanied asylum
seeking children The response of social services London BAAF
40
Appendix
1) httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf page 25
Karenrsquos story
2) httpwwwnhsukConditionsAttention-deficit-hyperactivity-
disorderPagesIntroductionaspx
3) Email received in response to a request for Mr Timpson (Minister
of State for Children and Families) to answer three questions
regarding care leavers
Dear MsthinspThompsonthinsp
I am writing on behalf of the Minister of State for Children and
Families to thank you for your email of 9 February about your
dissertation
I am sorry but the department receives so many requests like yours
that we are unable to respond to them other than to point you to
sources of information I would therefore suggest that you look at the
departmentrsquos website
at httpswwwgovuksearchq=care+leavers+strategy
I hope you find this link helpful and that you are able to find the
information you need
Your correspondence has been allocated reference number 2016-
0008179 If you need to respond to us please
visit httpswwweducationgovukcontactus and quote your
reference number
As part of our commitment to improving the service we provide to
our customers we are interested in hearing your views and would
welcome your comments via our website
at httpswwweducationgovukpcusurvey
Yours sincerely
Kelly Walkerthinsp
Ministerial and Public Communications Division
Web
[httpswwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovuk]https
wwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovukgt
Twitter httpswwwtwittercomeducationgovuk
Facebook httpswwwfacebookcomeducationgovuk
41
[httpswwweducationgovukimages2irisdfepng]
4) httpwwwgisdaorgengamdanom-nihtml
5) httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga198941section20
6)httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrut
iny20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20Whe
n20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf
7)httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachme
nt_datafile201015Staying_Put_Guidancepdf
8) httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpageswhats-a-pathway-
planhtml
9) httpjobscommunitycarecoukarticlecoventry-tops-london-in-
the-best-place-to-live-league-tablescmpid=EMP|JOBS|SCJOB-
2016-0224-CH|READMORE-COVampcmpid
10) httpwwwconwygovukdocaspcat=4800ampdoc=19742
11)httpresearchbriefingsparliamentukResearchBriefingSummary
SN06705
42
i) Interview Guide
Generic areas of question
Age upon leaving care
Staying put scheme
Financial help
Choice of housing
Suitability of accommodation
Geographical position of accommodation
Further education
Access to support eg Personal Advisor social worker
Input with Pathway plan
Being listened to
Transition
Keeping in touch
Difference with peers
43
9
young people in Local Authority (hereafter LA) care to leave at such a
young age
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE 2013)
supported by the NSPCC state that ldquocare leavers move to independence
at their own pacerdquo recognising how difficult this time may be
Currently a new duty has been placed upon LArsquos in England This
implementation named the lsquoStaying Putrsquo scheme came into force in
May 2014 (part 5 Welfare of Children (98) of the Children and
Families Act 2014) and offers young people the chance to stay on in
their foster home where the LA regards this consistent with the welfare
of the young person although this does not include residential care
Additional funding has been allocated for each individual LArsquos for this
However nationally this service is inconsistent In Scotland a similar
scheme has been introduced in 2015 also including residential care
Wales has placed the same duty on their LArsquos through the lsquoWhen Irsquom
Readyrsquo scheme though no additional funding has been allocated (The
Fostering Network 2014)
Housing is a fundamental area of concern for young care leavers
Literature pre 1980rsquos is scarce for all issues however due to this lack of
information a National Survey of Leaving Care Schemes was
conducted in 1989 During this time housing was the most common
service provided to young care leavers After housing other services
were offered such as counselling advocacy training preparation for
leaving care and advice on leisure facilities food and clothing
However these services were not universal and most did not offer any
preparation for leaving care (Stone 1990 7)
More recently the LA are duty bound to provide such services
universally Current legislation held in the Children (Leaving Care) Act
2000 states ldquoIt is the duty of the local authority looking after a child to
advise assist and befriend him with a view to promoting his welfare
when they have ceased to look after himrdquo More recent legislation held
10
within the Children and Young Persons Act (2008) along with the
Transitions Guidance for LArsquos to assist with strengthening policy and
practice framework to encourage a lsquolevelling uprsquo of services (Stein
2012 24)
Although these measures are currently in place it is suggested by Dixon
and Baker (2012) that service quality and effectiveness is not consistent
and varies from LA to LA This is not surprising as a survey carried out
in 2011 by the National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) reported high
level of funding cuts to leaving care services (varying from 7 to 15)
making implementation of the Transitions Guidance problematic
Additionally it is apparent housing and accommodation are high on
the list of issues facing care leavers The LArsquos are only duty bound to
provide lsquosuitable accommodationrsquo to 16 and 17 year olds Once a care
leaver reaches 18 the LArsquos are only required to assist with
accommodation advice and support as far as their [young personrsquos]
welfare requires it
Dixon and Baker (2012) continue to identify that although legislation
and advances in support services have increased over the last couple of
decades from knowledge gained through research young care leavers
are still over- represented within the homeless and inadequately
housed With this in mind it is not surprising to find that recent figures
suggest 30 of homeless people have been in the care system (The
Who Carersquos Trust 2014)
This is evident in research compiled by Barnardorsquos (2) (2014) were by
even with the advances in policy the case studies show a chaotic
existence for some young people Several moves from one unsuitable
accommodation to another periods of homelessness and being moved
out of familiar areas [geographically] remains a prominent feature
(Appendix 1)
11
Stone (1990) identified this issue twenty years prior to Dixon
indicating the evidence then showed an over-representation of care
leavers experiencing homelessness The same problem occurs in
literature by Stein and Carey (1986) from their study during 1982
It is noted by Morgan and Lindsey (2012) that there is a need for more
support with accommodation however Munro et al (2011) identified
out of the young people offered extra support the take up was only
about 50 This may be due to wanting to get rid of the lsquobeing in carersquo
label or perhaps a lack of understanding of the extra support offered
There is evidence within the literature that finances present a
significant issue to care leavers (Broad 2005 Munro et al 2011
Stein 2012 54)
Regional differences in the levels of financial support in the form of
leaving care grants is significant ranging from pound400 to pound2000 with the
average payment being pound1000 (Broad 200547) Stein (2012) notes
more recently the leaving care grant still lack in consistency ranging
from zero to pound2000 A survey carried out by the Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation (2009) calculated the young people needed at least pound2500
in order to set up the most basic essentials to live independently [of 150
LArsquos surveyed only one provided this amount]
These financial inconsistencies clearly present challenges not only with
basic needs such as food and housing but also the ability to participate
in leisure activities and higher education This exclusion has a
potentially damaging impact on the health and well-being for young
people who are already vulnerable (Jackson and Cameron 2012)
Furthermore a lack of understanding of financial matters can lead to
long term debt and financial difficulties
ldquoIrsquom still paying off debts now [nine years after living in her first
independent placement] if somebody had have gone through
these bills bills I didnrsquot even know existed Irsquove had to figure
everything out myself Irsquove had to learn the hard way If I had
12
have had support with that it would have changed thingsrdquo (Care
leaver in Barnardorsquos (2) 2014 13)
There is evidence the young peoplersquos voices may not be listened to
The meetings and reviews appear stressful for the young people (Daly
2012) A large proportion felt ignored during meetings (Munro et al
2011 28) and approximately a third felt their lsquoPathway Planrsquo [the LA
is duty bound to have a Pathway Plan to assist in the transition to
independent living] was not adhered to at all It is noted young people
wish to have more control of when they leave care and for the
transition to be more gradual and less rushed (Morgan and Lindsey
2012 Morgan and Lindsey 2006)
Mendes and Moselhuddin (2006 113) note lsquoGraduation from care
needs to become a far more gradual and flexible process based on levels
of maturity and skill development rather than simply agersquo
Furthermore this view is held by the young people involved
ldquoI didnrsquot want to go I still had to go anyway I didnrsquot have a
choiceI was moving out at eighteen end of discussion and the
bit that really pissed me [off] is [that] they chucked me out on
my eighteenth birthdayrdquo (Care leaver in Munro et al 2011 21)
Although the age has been extended to 18 before a young person has to
leave care [unless they are in full time education] an Independent
Reviewing Officer (IRO) in Munro et al (2011 23) states
ldquoWe identified fairly quickly that all it has done is just knock it
back two years erm you know what used to be 16hellipused to have
all these arguments Wersquove shunted it back to 18 but you know
our 18 year olds are just as vulnerable as those 16 year olds
wererdquo
It is clear within the literature the young people fundamentally require
consistency and support from leaving care workers and services to aid
their transition from care to independence (Munro et al 2011 21)
Pride and an inability to ask for help to access services is apparent It
is recognised that many care leavers where reluctant to allow
13
themselves to be cared for The young people were more comfortable
with caring for others This is a result of often having to adopt the role
of carer within their birth family (Samuels and Pryce 2008 1203-
1205) However the literature does not identify other underlying
reasons for the young people having difficulty in accepting help
themselves Reasons such as lack of self- esteem and self- worth due to
the trauma they may have suffered
The transition to independence brings with it feelings of isolation and
loneliness which were connected to losing their carers
ldquoItrsquos hard to think that people you lived with for nine years are
not in your life anymorerdquo
(Care leaver in Morgan 2012 22)
There is evidence these feelings may also be connected to moving away
from friends and professionals changes in social workers and a
transition to adult services
One author notes the young people are living life lsquoin limborsquo (Hiles et
al 2014 6) It is suggested as the young people approach their
eighteenth birthday they are in a state of limbo knowing they may not
be lsquoin carersquo not knowing if they can lsquostay putrsquo with foster carers or
lsquomoving onrsquo to independent accommodation Leaving care workers
involved in Hilesrsquo et al (2014) study describe having ldquoinsufficient time
to prepare some young people for this transitionrdquo especially the young
people who had experienced problems in maintaining stable
placements prior to leaving care
Moreover the system is described as ldquochaotic and complexrdquo forced to
react rather than respond to crisis The cause of this is identified
through poor staff retention and therefore the use of temporary staff
leaving a lack of continuity and consistency (Hiles et al 2014 7)
This research examines policies potentially promoting negative
consequences For example a disengagement of adult mental health
services leading to re-engagement of childrenrsquos services those young
14
people most able being offered more support through education
leaving some young people of low risk but still vulnerable in an isolated
position Also it was noted the young people leaving care to return
home to their birth families for longer than six months lose access to
services when they may actually still be in a vulnerable position (Hiles
et al2014 7)
However Stein (2012 81) suggests there is evidence that most young
people experience good outcomes after leaving care Positive outcomes
are underpinned by the relationship between the young person and the
leaving care teams In addition the evidence points to a positive sense
of well-being when settled and happy even if past or leaving care
experiences have been negative (Wade and Dixon 2006)
In conclusion the literature identifies the inconsistency within leaving
care systems These inconsistencies span throughout the services
available to care leavers from financial to pathway planning and
implementation There is evidence of a somewhat uneven service
delivery despite policy stipulations
There has been an encouraging influx of research in the last fifteen
years or so which should promote a continued improvement in policy
and outcome for this fundamentally vulnerable group in society
There is evident progress within the leaving care system which has
been noted by Stein Wade and Dixon However despite progress
within the system [the introduction of personal advisors Pathway
Plans and specific leaving care teams] and extensive research
informing policy makers the uneven delivery still exists Additionally
care leavers are still disadvantaged compared to their peers even with
the progress that has been made
There is an emphasis on a proactive and preventative approach and a
significant need for placement stability underpinned by systematic and
consistent services As it stands young people are currently being
15
ldquopushed into fighting against a systemrdquo rather than a system that works
together for a positive outcome (Hiles et al 2014 11)
Contingency plans are an important recommendation outlined in recent
research as a necessity to prevent care leavers falling into crisis These
plans need to be in place regardless of assessed lsquoneedrsquo Moreover
access to an independent visitor enabling another supportive
relationship to be formed along with personal advisors would offer
greater assistance when decisions are being made for the young
personrsquos future (Barnardorsquos 2014 23)
Now the research is taking place identifying young peoplersquos
experiences of leaving care it is necessary to listen in order to make
effective changes in policy and practice to achieve better outcomes for
this vulnerable group
16
Chapter 3
Methodology
This research is of a qualitative nature The methodology included an
online questionnaire (n=50) to identify common themes followed up
by face- to-face interviews (n=10) for more detailed data However
the response rate for the online questionnaire was poor with only ten
returned The interviews adopted a semi-structured approach to allow
for participants to talk freely about their experiences The author used
an interview guide to achieve this containing the areas of interest
rather than a structured set of interview questions (Appendix i)
Support for this project was received from a local fostering group and
that provided some resources for sourcing the sample
Initially the author had positive support from social workers and
professionals within the leaving care sector Although actual response
from local authority was limited only one out of four who received
the research pack responded Participation by third sector
organisations was similarly positive however commitment to be
interviewed could not be obtained
The sample consisted of four young people aged 16 plus involved in
the leaving care process and four professionals working within the
leaving care system Geographically broken down to Gwynedd
Conwy Telford and Wrekin and Caerphilly
The interviews took place either in their own home place of work or
a mutually comfortable setting agreed by the participants The
researcher offered anonymity to the participants and the interviews
were handled sensitively keeping the vulnerability of some of the
sample in mind
The interviews were concerned with
17
Whether the young person feels supported
Whether the resources are accessible and the young person is made
aware of everything available
Whether the duties of the LA are being met from both points of view
(professional and young person)
The view of the use of BampB accommodation
Whether the leaving care process helps or hinders their future
How universal are the services provided
Is there enough financial assistance available resources and financial
advice
Are the young peoplersquos voices heard
Has policy and practice improved over the last couple of decades
The interviews were voice recorded with consent and a diary was kept
for all fieldwork undertaken The study adopted a grounded
theoretical approach and the data subjected to content analysis
a) Ethical Consideration
The sample where given thorough information regarding the study in
order for them to make an informed choice whether to participate or
not Confidentiality was adhered to and any disclosures were handled
appropriately and with ethical consideration in mind The researcher
was aware of the vulnerability of the young people and the sensitive
nature of the study
Due to the sensitivity of the research the data gathered was securely
kept in a locked filing cabinet (paper) and secure password protected
file (electronic) and destroyed on completion of the study
Permission to undertake this study was granted after a thorough and
detailed ethics application
18
Chapter 4
Findings
a) Transition
ldquoYou wouldnrsquot dream of kicking your own kids out so young
They give these kids to much artificial support to encourage
them to leaverdquo (Foster carer)
This is clearly reverberated in the literature particularly in the
Barnardorsquos report Someone to Care Experiences of leaving care
(2014) which highlights the plight of young care leavers and the lack
of parental support contributing to difficult transitions In addition it
has already been identified in the literature review that for children not
in care the leaving home age ranges from 20- 34 (ONS 2014)
Communication for this specific young person appeared to be lacking
ldquoWell my social worker didnrsquot really talk about what
would happenhelliphellipthey were like lsquooh yeah you will get
your own placersquo hellipbut not what will happen afterhellipso I
rushed into it thinking it was a good idea I think they
said it too soon to me if they wouldnrsquot have said it I
would still be here (foster care) for a while So I rushed
into it I had just left school maybe it would be
better at 17 or 18rdquo (Care leaver A currently aged 18 LA
Gwynedd)
This statement by a young care leaver is echoed by a set of foster carers
It was found that by giving the young person an offer of their own flat
complete with some furnishings of their choice seemed to sway their
decision whether or not to leave This was especially the case for 16
year olds
These foster carers stated that their young person had indicated they
wanted to stay in care at least until 18 years old however with a change
of social worker came a change of heart
19
ldquoYou see we had talked about when he would leave but he said
lsquono I wouldnrsquot like to be in a house on my ownrsquo He wanted to
stay when he first came to us he was having nightmares hellip he is
still having problems now He wonrsquot sleep in his bedroom now
he sleeps in the living room with the TV on They (Social
Services team) didnrsquot take any of this into account When his
social worker changed to the 16+ one he was like lsquooh well I
might move outrsquordquo
This particular interview found the process of leaving care very hasty
with very little preparation The young person in question was
identified by the LA as vulnerable however according to the foster
carers the process continued regardless
ldquoHe suddenly was kicking against us The social worker said he
was a troubled child he just said he had issues We know about
confidentiality but we were part of the care package but they (16
+ team) would not involve us There was no communication
between the 16+ team and us It was like he is an adult and thatrsquos
thatrdquo
The foster carers suggested the young person was being coached to
leave There was a sudden decision made and the young person went
lsquooff the railsrsquo It seemed a place was offered to enable them to move
out and that was when reality hit
ldquohelliphe drank a bottle of vodka and was talking about suicide He
suffers from low self- esteem There was no help for that I think
this was brought on by them (16+ team) telling him there was a
space somewhere He kept saying lsquoIrsquom so sorryrsquo It was reality
he had been going through the motions before thisrdquo
This illustrates a terrible indictment of a rushed transition Added to
the trauma which led the young person to being in care this does not
present a positive outcome
The findings for this report support the previous literature Steinrsquos
(2012) extensive research in this area continually reveals hasty
transitions from care to independence
Legislation relating to young people leaving care states
20
lsquoIt is the duty of the local authority looking after a child to advise assist
and befriend him with a view to promoting his welfare when they have
ceased to look after himrsquo (19A Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000)
Indicating a rushed transition should not be promoted rather that it
should be a much slower process with time being given to prepare fully
for independence
In contrast one participant going through the leaving care system in
2004 and within a different LA (Telford and Wrekin) had a much more
positive experience
ldquoI left care at 18 I was in a childrenrsquos homehellipfoster care didnrsquot
suit me I was always running away I had brilliant support all
the way until I was 25 I went to supported living and I had help
to learn to cook and manage money and bills Then I had help to
find a flat and become independent I even still see some of the
people who supported me when I go back to Telfordrdquo (Care
leaver B aged 30)
This indicates a far more gradual transition to independence
Unfortunately the majority of the data within this study points more
often to the former rushed transition
ldquoI turned 18 and it was like hellipyoursquore an adult now I was in a
hostel then a homeless place that was scary there were all sorts
there I liked the place in Bala it was good there But when I
turned 18 I couldnrsquot stay It was like one minute I had everything
done for me then nothingrdquo (Care leaver C currently aged 19
LA Conwy)
This young person moved into private care and currently resides in a
mixed home for people with mental health problems He has Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (Appendix 2)
The research suggests past history is not always taken into account
when assessing the suitability of independent living for these young
people
ldquoHis issues should have been recognised then he would not have
been offered to leave at 16 The social worker had not made the
effort to look at his historyrdquo (Foster carer)
21
Taking the young peoplersquos history and circumstances into account
could offer a more positive outcome than simply their age
ldquoThey had eight files on me from when I was little My foster
carer nagged them until she was able to have them to read
Then she knew what had happenedrdquo (Care leaver D currently
aged 19 LA Caerphilly)
It is recognised in policy that the system still does not seem to perform
as it should The Care Leaversrsquo Strategy (2013) identifies the abrupt
transition experienced by these young people in its opening paragraphs
However the report fails to include lsquotransitionrsquo as a fundamental area
of concern Instead usual sections such as education employment
housing and so on are highlighted as lsquobroad areas of concernrsquo It would
seem the young peoplersquos emotional well- being which is clearly
affected by the hasty exit from care does not hold the same
governmental importance
Additionally it may be prudent to add at this point that Edward
Timpson Minister of State for Children and Families was contacted
for the purpose of this research Mr Timpson was involved in the
development of the Care Leaversrsquo Strategy and in addition to this grew
up with looked after children as his parents were foster carers There
was no response to the research (Appendix 3)
A fundamental issue surrounding rushed transitions is the view these
young people are now adults although they are still virtually as
vulnerable as children The serious case review into the murder of
Jayden Parkinson highlights this Jayden was 17 and considered an
adult by services and practitioners The review stated
lsquoToo often [Parkinson] was viewed as a difficult young person and not
recognised as a child in need of safeguarding Professionals and
agencies did not always fully understand the serious nature of the risks
to [her] or were too quick to be reassured that she would be able to
protect herself from those risksrsquo (Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children
Board 2016 62)
22
It would seem important for policy to start considering the young
personrsquos position in life rather than their age as an indicator of their
readiness for independence
b) Housing and Accommodation
The participants were asked about their experiences with housing when
leaving care Questions about choice suitability and geographic area
where considered Consistent with past research and previous literature
(Barnardorsquos [2] 2014) issues where found in all these areas
Once again the Care Leaversrsquo Strategy recognises these issues found
in research past and present surrounding housing
lsquoCare leavers are a vulnerable group of young adults who have
particular needs in relation to housing and homelessness Around a
quarter of those living on the streets have a background in care The
majority of care leavers leave care by the age of 18 and rising demands
on social housing and other accommodation is making it increasingly
difficult for young people to find suitable accommodation as they enter
adulthoodrsquo (2013 14)
These findings suggest a significant risk of homelessness for these
participants In actual fact without the charity Gisda (Appendix 4) the
options for young people in Gwynedd would be seriously limited
It has already been noted that nationally care leavers are overly
represented within the homeless and inadequately housed with 30 of
homeless people formerly being in care (Who Cares Trust 2014)
When considering choice Bed and Breakfast (BampB) accommodation
was not always used but choice did appear limited Geographical
consideration and suitable match for the young person does not always
seem possible
23
ldquoWell there was a bit of choice but it was mainly Caernarfon I
had shared housing with Gisda not BampB and then I got my flat
with Gisdardquo (Care leaver A)
Once again this is echoed by foster carers
ldquoHe moved into shared housing for two weekshelliphe was
terrified he slit his mattress to hide his laptop in it There wasnrsquot
much choice had he had the choice to stay in Penygroes he
would have He has been trying to get back here ever since He
is afraid in Caernarfon He has two brothers living there which
he has had problems with and his brotherrsquos friend He is quite a
fearful child and finds living in Caernarfon stressful When he
gets home to his flat from here he doesnrsquot go outrdquo
This does not seem to be reserved to just this LA either
ldquoI was in a hostel but I kicked off so was in a BampB for a couple
of days They said I was smoking in the room so I got kicked out
of therehellipdidnrsquot even get all my stuff Then my social worker
said I could stay with my mum for the weekend cause my sister
wasnrsquot there But then she came backhellipshe winds me uphellipI
kicked off but hit the window hellipI wanted to hit her So my mum
called the police helliprdquo (Care leaver D)
There appears to be insecurity surrounding housing Care leaver D
went on to lsquosofa surfrsquo and then went back to his motherrsquos even though
that episode left him with a criminal damage conviction [brought on by
his mother] His support seemed to end there
Care leaver A was asked if the flat with Gisda was permanent
ldquoNo itrsquos two years temporary I have three months leftrdquo
When asked what happens then
ldquoI think Irsquom on the top the list with housing so Irsquove gotta hope
something comes up or I will probably end up in BampB The thing
is once you have had the flat and you get to 18 you sort of go in
circles so you can be put in BampB Itrsquos a worry being three months
awayhelliphellipI keep phoning themrdquo
This was reiterated by the foster carers
ldquoI canrsquot see Gisda putting him out on the street but they have to
give him notice of eviction in order for the council to do
something about it Sometimes he stays with his cousin or his
24
dad if there is any room But he will probably have to lsquosofa
surfrsquohellip thatrsquos what his brother had to do That will put him on
the list he has to be homeless to get helprdquo
The question of supported living was raised for this particular
participant the foster carer replied
ldquoThere doesnrsquot seem to be any here But for him it wouldnrsquot
work he would worry about the other people there He is afraid
of people that do drugs there is a family history with drugsrdquo
However a neighbouring LA had positive experiences with supported
living Their providers of supported living and BampB accommodation
had been the same for over ten years which would indicate some
consistency The manager for the leaving care team for this LA
commented that the staff at the BampBrsquos offered a sympathetic approach
with more of a lsquofamily feelrsquo to the service Furthermore this LA had
long term relationships with landlords who specifically offered
tenancies to care leavers This demonstrates the importance of
consistency Although BampB may not seem ideal if there are good long
term relationships with service providers this can offer a positive short
term solution
Likewise care leaver B had the right experience with their
accommodation
ldquoI went from the childrenrsquos home to supported lodgings and after
that had my own flat The supported lodgings really helped me
learn how to look after myself I did go off the rails a bit when I
was about 23 but because of my support I sorted myself outrdquo
Though care leaver C will be moving once again in the near future It
seems his ADHD leaves the LA at a loss as to where this young person
should live The condition necessitates extra support to enable him to
manage independence
ldquoI like where I am But the funding for here runs out soon They
(social services) have said there is a new place in Abergele I
think itrsquos a shared house If I turn that down though I will make
myself intentionally homeless so there is no choicerdquo
25
This young personrsquos worries where resonated by his mother too He
entered care under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989 (Appendix 5)
as his mother was unable to manage his behaviour Her understanding
was that he would be care for until he reached 21 It may be argued he
is being cared for and is continuing to be Yet as stated earlier a mental
health facility may not be seen as ideal equally shared housing may
not offer the level of support required for an eventual and positive
departure from care
Regrettably national statistics have shown a rise of 108 per cent in the
number of young people in unsuitable accommodation from 1660 in
2014 to 1840 in 2015 This is reiterated by Carrie Wilson young
peoplersquos project co-ordinator at The Care Leaversrsquo Association
ldquoOn a basic level [BampBs] are seen as a ldquosaferdquo place but those young
people do not feel safe regardless of the interventions put into place to
support a young person if they do not feel like they have personal
safety at the end of the day their coping mechanisms start to break
downrdquo (Puffett and Orfford 2016)
The experiences of these participants suggests a chaotic existence in
line with the research undertaken by Barnardorsquos (2) (2014)
This does not present an improvement of services Government
statistics from 2011 suggested only 17 local authorities were housing
100 per cent of care leavers in suitable accommodation (Higgs 2011)
These are dismal statistics as research conducted by Stein (201280)
found from 2004 to 2009 the numbers of care leavers in suitable
accommodation had risen from 77 to 90 The statistics from 2011
could correlate with the age of austerity and social service budget cuts
(Stein 2012 24)
In Gwynedd since 2013 there has been the lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
available and similar to Englandrsquos lsquoStaying Putrsquo scheme (Appendix 6
amp 7) These schemes are now available throughout Wales and offer the
26
young person an opportunity to stay within their foster care placement
until the age of 21 or beyond if they are engaged in education or
training which started before their twenty first birthday This extended
stay may last until completion of the education or training on the
condition it is set out in the young personrsquos pathway plan The
opportunity offers a more gradual transition similar to young people in
the general population (Gwynedd Council 2014)
However there was no evidence of this scheme to have been offered to
care leaver A Care leavers C and D appear to have merely been
managed until the LA no longer had the duty of care
c) Pathway Plans Personal Advisors and Social
Workers
ldquoI donrsquot remember how many social workers I had hellipmaybe 14
or 15 by the time I left care They kept changingrdquo (Care leaver
D)
The participants were asked about their experiences with personal
advisors social workers the creation and implementation of their
pathway plans (Appendix 8) and whether they felt they were listened
to
It would seem having several social workers is commonplace
ldquoThe 16+ team didnrsquot seem to support him They changed social
worker but he didnrsquot seem to know what was going on Then they
changed again to one from the 16+ team Thatrsquos when his
behaviour changed One of his previous social workers was
fantastic and he worshipped herhellip If only they had kept that
social worker it would have made such a differencerdquo (Foster
carer)
For care leaver A this seems to have happened with the personal
advisor too When asked about their personal advisor
27
ldquoThere was a foster meeting the lady what was her namehellip Jan
she was really good She was with social services and Gisda
But then when they thought I was ok they transferred me to
someone elserdquo
Though for some there was more consistency Care leaver C suggested
a good relationship with their personal advisor They indicated regular
visits phone calls and planning meetings In turn this young person felt
they were being listened to when the pathway plan was produced
The manager for this LAs leaving care team confirms his perspective
on personal advisors
ldquoWe have a team of four personal advisors They have about 40
cases each but they do a great job All of their cases have a
mobile phone number for them and they are all very dedicated
and approachable [from the young personrsquos point of view] They
offer a vital link from care to independencerdquo
However once again this service appears inconsistent depending on
the LA
Added to this frequent changes of case worker suggest a difficulty in
completion and implementation of pathway plans and causes the
young person to feel they are not being listened to
ldquoI was kind of listened to but then my social worker changed so
I had to start againhellipthere was no relationship there cause they
kept changing We would do one pathway plan then the social
worker changed and we would have to do another onerdquo (Care
leaver A)
When the foster carers were asked about the pathway plan and whether
they thought their young person was listened to
ldquoHe didnrsquot have a proper pathway plan for leaving it was rushed
There was no proper structure He was listened to but without
question or consideration of the consequences They ticked their
boxes and he was off their handsrdquo
These experiences were evident in the earlier research by Munro et al
(2011) whereby young people felt their voices were not heard and the
meetings surrounding their exit from care caused anxiety and stress
28
The foster carers then suggested their current placement who had just
turned 16 may suffer the same
ldquoShe is just about to change to the 16+ team they canrsquot wait to
get her on thathellipit will be her third social worker in two years
She is adamant she doesnrsquot want to leave at 16 but if they dangle
the carrot of her own flat in front of her it might be differentrdquo
Furthermore for the foster carers support appears to be inconsistent
One set had just been assigned a new social worker the third in two
years
ldquoWe have a new social worker and she just ticks the boxes She
seems terrified to use her initiative One social worker I was
dealing with said there were five people who were either off or
had left and not been replaced in his office alonerdquo
It is well documented that retention of staff within social work is
increasingly difficult Added to which there a national shortage of
approximately 3500 social workers both hindering continuity for the
people they provide services to (Community Care 2014) This and
aforementioned cuts to funding within leaving care services may
explain how the inconsistency and a lack of relationship with social
workers described within this data can infringe on the process of
leaving care
With this in mind it is imperative to consider the legal implications at
this point It would appear within the legal framework there are lsquogrey
areasrsquo which can allow the experiences of care leaverrsquos A C and D to
occur The Children (Leaving Care) Act (2000) states that an
assessment of needs must be carried out by the LA for the said child
(a)while they are still looking after him and
(b)after they cease to look after him (19B 4)
The proviso for this is the child has been looked after for a period of
time and that they are aged 16 or 17 (19B 2 a amp b)
However the Care Act (2014) has a section dedicated to the needs of a
child in the transition to adulthood including the requirement for a
29
needs assessment but in relation to the childrsquos needs after the age of
18 Furthermore section 58 (4) insists the assessment should be carried
out whether the child consents or not if there is a risk of or experiencing
abuse or neglect Bearing in mind the vulnerability of these young
people the causes for them to have been placed in care in the first place
it would be fair to consider this group eligible for this assessment and
extended care Added to which one would expect a more thorough and
consistent assessment to be carried out Clearly with several changes to
case workers [as experienced by care leavers A and D] this legal
standard is not being met
Perhaps government and policy makers should consider case worker
retention and better working environments as fundamental aspects of
policy in turn offering better outcomes for the young people
(Appendix 9)
d) Financial aspects
ldquoThey told him to choose what he needed for the flat but only
some of it turned up There is something I heard of might be
from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation where some money is put
into an ISA which can be accessed once they are 18 This is
because they have been in care But I feel the danger of that is it
could all be blown on something else or used as a carrot to
encourage leaving care As far as I have seen they just go and
spend it all then itrsquos gone ndash they would be better giving them a
furnished flatrdquo (Foster carer)
The Care Leavers Strategy states it encourages LArsquos to offer at least
pound2000 as a lsquoSetting Up Home Allowancersquo (leaving care grant)
although as this is not a legal requirement the amount varies from LA
to LA Care leaver A received in the region of pound400 (Gwynedd LA)
However the manager for Conwy laving care team indicated the
amount their care leavers receive is dependent on what they need This
is also stated on the LArsquos web site (Appendix 8) It may be suggested
that young people within less affluent LArsquos will fare worse financially
30
The Strategy maintains care leavers are entitled to a pound1200 bursary if
they are attending further education and a pound2000 bursary for higher
education This is financed by the Department for Education (2013
10) Extra funding of this kind would appear significant for these young
people however if the earlier literature is considered the statistics for
this grouprsquos educational achievements did not present well (See
chapter one) As this funding is reliant on the young person being in
education there will be a significant proportion unable to access this
extra help
Conwy LA did suggest promising outcomes for employment for their
care leavers with many undertaking apprenticeships within the
councilrsquos departments
ldquoWe have a number of our young people working and training in
the council (Conwy) with a selection of apprenticeships
specifically for them Some do go on to stay with us being
offered permanent contractsrdquo (Leaving care team manager)
Unfortunately a comparison cannot be made with other LArsquos or
voluntary organisations in this area as there was no response to the
research
Care leaver A did have temporary employment with a local leisure
centre although when a permanent contract was offered it was of a zero
hourrsquos nature
ldquoI wasnrsquot worth me taking ithellipI would lose my benefit and have
no guarantee of workrdquo
Care leaver C started a college course and managed a couple of shifts
in a restaurant kitchen however his chaotic accommodation provision
and a lack of support for his ADHD hampered his continuation
Care leaver D is NEET (Appendix 11) and has been since his exit from
care It would seem this has not been assisted by his family [to which
he returned] who have also never been in employment and his
reluctance to receive any more services It may be suggested his high
31
level of case worker turnover contributed to his reluctance Equally his
chaotic existence before entering care disrupted his education added
the rushed transition from care has not facilitated good employment
prospects
e) Evaluation and Reflection
When evaluating this research one must acknowledge the limitations
when assessing the size of the sample
Despite persistence there was a reluctance by professionals particularly
to participate Out of four LAs contacted only one responded and
agreed to be interviewed One LA received the research pack three
times follow up calls were made several times to no avail The same
may be said for the voluntary sector in spite of positive telephone
conversations and receipt of the research pack Barnardorsquos and Gisda
did not consent to be interviewed Therefore the findings were
somewhat one sided and the professional perspective limited
However even with the limited sample the original hypothesis of the
leaving care system failing the young people has a degree of truth
Equally the findings are reflective of earlier research identified in
chapter 2
There is certainly scope for further and more considerable research
within this field Although for future studies it may be beneficial to use
focus group methodology to encourage professional participation This
would possibly generate an improved response rate in comparison to
the online questionnaire used for the initial stages of this project The
face to face follow up interviews proved difficult to organise although
it was difficult to decipher whether this was due to a reluctance to
engage in the research or a lack of available time
32
Chapter 5
Conclusion
In conclusion the data collected for this study shows a system that sadly
does fail its young people Certainly in Gwynedd the leaving care
process is seemingly rushed and centred around a personrsquos age rather
than their readiness for independence Of course it may be argued there
has to be a lsquocut off pointrsquo and young people have to become
independent at some time for legal purposes that lsquopointrsquo is dictated by
their age It would seem this is the case regardless of the harm it may
cause Furthermore it could be argued this hasty process is a breach of
the young personrsquos human rights however despite searching no cases
were found
In 2006 research conducted by Mendes and Moselhuddin concluded
the leaving care process should be a gradual process based on levels of
maturity and ability to manage independence rather than simply age
The same recommendation is echoed in the majority of research both
past and present It would seem that ten years on we are no closer to an
ideal solution
For care leaver A C and D the outcome was poor Certainly they did
not feel supported through the transition although care leaver C had
significantly better support from their personal advisor post 18
However despite this support care leaver C was still living in less than
ideal circumstances and about to be moved once again
In line with the literature this study although with the limited sample
found immense inconsistencies within the system and in every area
from support to financial assistance
Evidently for some the system works against an already disadvantaged
group abandoning when needed the most so to speak
33
It would seem the introduction of legislation and the Transitions
Guidance to strengthen practice and policy has failed to make a
significant improvement especially surrounding the lsquolevelling uprsquo of
services Attributed by the cost cutting imposed on LArsquos by central
government this is hardly surprising
There are some encouraging outcomes such as care leaver B receiving
immense support from their LA beyond policy and legal requirement
This is in line with some of Steinrsquos (2012 81) research and positive
outcomes are underpinned by the level of good consistent and accurate
support received by the individual Yet as this study has found this is
not consistent or universal
It is clear inconsistencies lack of support young and rushed transitions
all contribute to poorer outcomes for this group of young people A
group which are already disadvantaged and at a much higher risk of
social exclusion
As a society we should consider these young people as just that ndash young
people Often with the same dreams and aspirations as any other young
person On the contrary perhaps we should consider these young
people further as many will have already been let down by society
Either way they are entitled to as much support guidance and
opportunity as any other Regrettably this does not seem to be the case
as despite advances in research policy and legislation the same
inconsistencies and failures appear to occur time and time again
The study has shown the importance of understanding the young
peoplersquos history Of understanding former problems or areas of
concern This aids the transition to independence as it identifies where
the support is needed and individualizes the young person There
cannot be a lsquoone size fits allrsquo approach to the leaving care system as
one can see these young people are individual It has identified how
fundamental it is to include a young personrsquos foster carers when
considering independence to recognise the relationship they may have
34
with the young person and the key role they play after leaving care (as
with care lever A)
With this in mind one must acknowledge the leaving care system has
indeed improved over the last 30 years however it needs to continue to
progress if there is any hope of achieving a consistent service with more
even and positive outcomes for these young people
35
Bibliography
Action for Children (2014) [Online]
Available at httpwwwactionforchildrenorgukour-
servicesadoption-fostering-and-children-in-carechildren-in-
careleaving-care
Barnardorsquos (2014)[1] [Online] Someone to Care Experiences of
leaving care Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorguksomeone_to_care_final_feb2014pdf
(Accessed 07 October 2015)
Barnardorsquos (2014)[2] [Online] The costs of not caring supporting
English care leavers into independence Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf (Accessed 07
October 2015)
Biehal N Clayden J Stein M and Wade J (1995) Moving On
Young people and leaving care schemes London HMSO
Broad B (2005) Improving the Health and Well-Being of Young
People Leaving Care Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing
Burgess C (1981) In Care and Into Work London Tavistock
Care Leaverrsquos Foundation (with Children and Young People Now)
(2009) [Online] Setting Up A place to call home Bala Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation Available at
httpwwwthecareleaversfoundationorgsitedatafilesSetting_Up_A
_Place_to_Callpdf (Accessed 06 April 2015)
Care Leavers Strategy (2013) [Online] Available at
httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachment_
datafile266484Care_Leaver_Strategypdf (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Care Act (2014) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga201423part1crossheadingtra
nsition-for-children-to-adult-care-and-support-etcenacted (Accessed
01 March 2016)
Children and Families Act 2014 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga20146section98enacted
(Accessed 02 October 2015)
36
Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200035pdfsukpga_20000035_
enpdf (Accessed 19 March 2015)
Children and Young Persons Act (2008) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200823contents (Accessed 02
October 2015)
Community Care (2014) [Online] Councils struggling to retain social
workers in face of high caseloads and competition over pay
Available at httpwwwcommunitycarecouk20140130councils-
struggling-retain-social-workers-face-high-caseloads-competition-
pay (Accessed 22 February 2016)
Courtney M Terrao S and Bost N (2004) Midwest evaluation of
the adult functioning of former foster youth Conditions of youth
preparing to leave state care Outcomes at age 19 Chicago Chapin
Hall Centre for Children at University of Chicago
Daly F (2012) lsquoMy voice has to be heardrsquo Research on outcomes
for young people leaving care in North Dublin Dublin EPIC
Dixon J and Baker C (2012) lsquoThe Housing Experience of Young
People Leaving Care in England What helpsrsquo Developing Practice
The Child Youth and Family Work Journal Issue 32 National Care
Advisory Service (NCAS)
wwweducationgovuk [Online]
Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20130123124929httpw
wweducationgovukresearchandstatisticsstatisticsa00195573
Family Rights Group (2014) [Online] Support for Young People
Leaving the Care System Available at
httpwwwfrgorgukimagesAdvice_Sheets16-support-for-young-
people-leaving-carepdf (Accessed 29 September 2015)
The Fostering Network (2014) [Online] Staying Put Available at
httpswwwfosteringnetall-about-fosteringprovidersstaying-put-
updateVg5D-PRdX1Y (Accessed 02 October 2015)
Godek S (1976) Leaving Care Barkingside Barnardorsquos
Gwynedd Council (2014) [Online] lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
Available at
httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrutin
y20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20When
37
20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf (Accessed
22 February 2016)
Harris R J (1982) Institutionalized Ambivalence Social Work and
the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 British Journal of Social
Work Vol12 pp 247-263
Higgs L (2011) [Online] Housing crisis around the corner for care
leavers experts warn Children and Young People Now Available
at httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1050066housing-crisis-
corner-care-leavers-experts-warn (Accessed 17 February 2016)
Hiles D Moss D Thorne L Wright J and Dallos R (2014) ldquoSo
what am Irdquo ndash Multiple perspectives on young peoplersquos experience of
leaving care Children and Youth Services Review Vol 41 pp 1-15
House of Commons (1968) Report of the Committee on Local
Authority and Allied Personal Social Services London HMSO
Hutchinson D (2013) [Online] Catch 22 National Care Advisory
Service (NCAS) Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads9b7793d8be6ffc05a501df3df
4a1ef5fpdf
Jackson S and Cameron C (2012) lsquoLeaving Care Looking ahead
and aiming higherrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 34 (6)
pp 1107-1114
Mendes P and Moslehuddin B (2006) lsquoFrom Dependence to
Interdependence Towards Better Outcomes for Young People
Leaving State Carersquo Child Abuse Review Vol15 pp 110-166
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2006) Young peoplersquos views on leaving
care Newcastle Commission for Social Care Inspection
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2012) Young peoplersquos views on care
and aftercare Office of the Childrenrsquos Rights Director London
Ofsted
Mulvey T (1977) lsquoAfter-care ndash who caresrsquo Concern No 26
London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Munro E Lushey C and Ward H (2011) Evaluation of the
Right2BCared4 Pilots Final report (NCAS) London Department
for Education
38
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2011) Making the Cut
Planning Transitions for Care Levers in an Age of Austerity London
NCAS
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2012) [Online] Statistical
Briefing Looked after children and care leavers 2012 Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads0e9a6e4f266b8e96ad7c8e25
7bd53982pdf (Accessed 30 March 2015)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2013)
[Online] The NICE quality standard on the health and wellbeing of
looked after children and young people Available at
httpwwwniceorgukguidanceQS31chapterQuality-statement-8-
Support-to-move-to-independence (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Office for National Statistics (2014) [Online] Large increase in 20 to
34-year-olds living with parents since 1996 Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20160105160709httpw
wwonsgovukonsrelfamily-demographyyoung-adults-living-with-
parents2013sty-young-adultshtml (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board (2016) [Online] Child J ndash
Domestic Homicide Review and Serious Case Review (combined)
Available at httpwwwoscborgukwp-contentuploadsChild-J-
OSCB-Overview-Reportpdf (Accessed 25 February 2016)
Page R and Clark G (eds) (1977) Who Cares Young People in
Care Speak Out London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Puffett N and Orfford A (2016) [Online] Increasing numbers of
care leavers in unsuitable accommodation Children and Young
People Now Available at
httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1155917increasing-numbers-of-
care-leavers-in-unsuitable-accommodation (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Samuels G M and Pryce J M (2008) ldquoWhat doesnrsquot kill you
makes you strongerrdquo Survivalist self-reliance as resilience and risk
among young adults aging out of foster care Children and Youth
Services Review Vol 30 (10) pp 1198-1210
Stein M (2002) Young People Leaving Care A Research
Perspective In A Wheal ed The RHP Companion to Leaving Care
Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing pp 28-33
39
Stein M (2004) What works for young people leaving care
Barkingside Barnardos
Stein M (2006) lsquoYoung people aging out of care The poverty of
theoryrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 28 (4) pp 422-434
Stein M (2012) Young People Leaving Care Supporting Pathways
to Adulthood London Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Stein M and Carey K (1986) Leaving Care Oxford Blackwell
Stein M and Ellis S (1983) Gizza Say Reviews and Young People
in Care London NAYPIC
Stein M and Maynard C (1985) Irsquove Never Been So Lonely
London NAYPIC
Stone M (1990) Young People Leaving Care A study of
management systems service delivery and user evaluation UK The
Royal Philanthropic Society
The Who Carersquos Trust (2014) [Online] Leaving Care Available at
httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpagesleaving-care-what-
happens-post-16html
Wade J (2011) lsquoPreparation and transition planning for
unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee young people A review
of evidence in Englandrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol
33 pp 2424-2430
Wade J and Dixon J (2006) lsquoMaking a home finding a job
investing early housing and employment outcomes for young people
leaving carersquo Child and Family Social Work Vol 11 (3) pp 199-208
Wade J Mitchel F and Baylis G (2005) Unaccompanied asylum
seeking children The response of social services London BAAF
40
Appendix
1) httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf page 25
Karenrsquos story
2) httpwwwnhsukConditionsAttention-deficit-hyperactivity-
disorderPagesIntroductionaspx
3) Email received in response to a request for Mr Timpson (Minister
of State for Children and Families) to answer three questions
regarding care leavers
Dear MsthinspThompsonthinsp
I am writing on behalf of the Minister of State for Children and
Families to thank you for your email of 9 February about your
dissertation
I am sorry but the department receives so many requests like yours
that we are unable to respond to them other than to point you to
sources of information I would therefore suggest that you look at the
departmentrsquos website
at httpswwwgovuksearchq=care+leavers+strategy
I hope you find this link helpful and that you are able to find the
information you need
Your correspondence has been allocated reference number 2016-
0008179 If you need to respond to us please
visit httpswwweducationgovukcontactus and quote your
reference number
As part of our commitment to improving the service we provide to
our customers we are interested in hearing your views and would
welcome your comments via our website
at httpswwweducationgovukpcusurvey
Yours sincerely
Kelly Walkerthinsp
Ministerial and Public Communications Division
Web
[httpswwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovuk]https
wwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovukgt
Twitter httpswwwtwittercomeducationgovuk
Facebook httpswwwfacebookcomeducationgovuk
41
[httpswwweducationgovukimages2irisdfepng]
4) httpwwwgisdaorgengamdanom-nihtml
5) httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga198941section20
6)httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrut
iny20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20Whe
n20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf
7)httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachme
nt_datafile201015Staying_Put_Guidancepdf
8) httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpageswhats-a-pathway-
planhtml
9) httpjobscommunitycarecoukarticlecoventry-tops-london-in-
the-best-place-to-live-league-tablescmpid=EMP|JOBS|SCJOB-
2016-0224-CH|READMORE-COVampcmpid
10) httpwwwconwygovukdocaspcat=4800ampdoc=19742
11)httpresearchbriefingsparliamentukResearchBriefingSummary
SN06705
42
i) Interview Guide
Generic areas of question
Age upon leaving care
Staying put scheme
Financial help
Choice of housing
Suitability of accommodation
Geographical position of accommodation
Further education
Access to support eg Personal Advisor social worker
Input with Pathway plan
Being listened to
Transition
Keeping in touch
Difference with peers
43
10
within the Children and Young Persons Act (2008) along with the
Transitions Guidance for LArsquos to assist with strengthening policy and
practice framework to encourage a lsquolevelling uprsquo of services (Stein
2012 24)
Although these measures are currently in place it is suggested by Dixon
and Baker (2012) that service quality and effectiveness is not consistent
and varies from LA to LA This is not surprising as a survey carried out
in 2011 by the National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) reported high
level of funding cuts to leaving care services (varying from 7 to 15)
making implementation of the Transitions Guidance problematic
Additionally it is apparent housing and accommodation are high on
the list of issues facing care leavers The LArsquos are only duty bound to
provide lsquosuitable accommodationrsquo to 16 and 17 year olds Once a care
leaver reaches 18 the LArsquos are only required to assist with
accommodation advice and support as far as their [young personrsquos]
welfare requires it
Dixon and Baker (2012) continue to identify that although legislation
and advances in support services have increased over the last couple of
decades from knowledge gained through research young care leavers
are still over- represented within the homeless and inadequately
housed With this in mind it is not surprising to find that recent figures
suggest 30 of homeless people have been in the care system (The
Who Carersquos Trust 2014)
This is evident in research compiled by Barnardorsquos (2) (2014) were by
even with the advances in policy the case studies show a chaotic
existence for some young people Several moves from one unsuitable
accommodation to another periods of homelessness and being moved
out of familiar areas [geographically] remains a prominent feature
(Appendix 1)
11
Stone (1990) identified this issue twenty years prior to Dixon
indicating the evidence then showed an over-representation of care
leavers experiencing homelessness The same problem occurs in
literature by Stein and Carey (1986) from their study during 1982
It is noted by Morgan and Lindsey (2012) that there is a need for more
support with accommodation however Munro et al (2011) identified
out of the young people offered extra support the take up was only
about 50 This may be due to wanting to get rid of the lsquobeing in carersquo
label or perhaps a lack of understanding of the extra support offered
There is evidence within the literature that finances present a
significant issue to care leavers (Broad 2005 Munro et al 2011
Stein 2012 54)
Regional differences in the levels of financial support in the form of
leaving care grants is significant ranging from pound400 to pound2000 with the
average payment being pound1000 (Broad 200547) Stein (2012) notes
more recently the leaving care grant still lack in consistency ranging
from zero to pound2000 A survey carried out by the Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation (2009) calculated the young people needed at least pound2500
in order to set up the most basic essentials to live independently [of 150
LArsquos surveyed only one provided this amount]
These financial inconsistencies clearly present challenges not only with
basic needs such as food and housing but also the ability to participate
in leisure activities and higher education This exclusion has a
potentially damaging impact on the health and well-being for young
people who are already vulnerable (Jackson and Cameron 2012)
Furthermore a lack of understanding of financial matters can lead to
long term debt and financial difficulties
ldquoIrsquom still paying off debts now [nine years after living in her first
independent placement] if somebody had have gone through
these bills bills I didnrsquot even know existed Irsquove had to figure
everything out myself Irsquove had to learn the hard way If I had
12
have had support with that it would have changed thingsrdquo (Care
leaver in Barnardorsquos (2) 2014 13)
There is evidence the young peoplersquos voices may not be listened to
The meetings and reviews appear stressful for the young people (Daly
2012) A large proportion felt ignored during meetings (Munro et al
2011 28) and approximately a third felt their lsquoPathway Planrsquo [the LA
is duty bound to have a Pathway Plan to assist in the transition to
independent living] was not adhered to at all It is noted young people
wish to have more control of when they leave care and for the
transition to be more gradual and less rushed (Morgan and Lindsey
2012 Morgan and Lindsey 2006)
Mendes and Moselhuddin (2006 113) note lsquoGraduation from care
needs to become a far more gradual and flexible process based on levels
of maturity and skill development rather than simply agersquo
Furthermore this view is held by the young people involved
ldquoI didnrsquot want to go I still had to go anyway I didnrsquot have a
choiceI was moving out at eighteen end of discussion and the
bit that really pissed me [off] is [that] they chucked me out on
my eighteenth birthdayrdquo (Care leaver in Munro et al 2011 21)
Although the age has been extended to 18 before a young person has to
leave care [unless they are in full time education] an Independent
Reviewing Officer (IRO) in Munro et al (2011 23) states
ldquoWe identified fairly quickly that all it has done is just knock it
back two years erm you know what used to be 16hellipused to have
all these arguments Wersquove shunted it back to 18 but you know
our 18 year olds are just as vulnerable as those 16 year olds
wererdquo
It is clear within the literature the young people fundamentally require
consistency and support from leaving care workers and services to aid
their transition from care to independence (Munro et al 2011 21)
Pride and an inability to ask for help to access services is apparent It
is recognised that many care leavers where reluctant to allow
13
themselves to be cared for The young people were more comfortable
with caring for others This is a result of often having to adopt the role
of carer within their birth family (Samuels and Pryce 2008 1203-
1205) However the literature does not identify other underlying
reasons for the young people having difficulty in accepting help
themselves Reasons such as lack of self- esteem and self- worth due to
the trauma they may have suffered
The transition to independence brings with it feelings of isolation and
loneliness which were connected to losing their carers
ldquoItrsquos hard to think that people you lived with for nine years are
not in your life anymorerdquo
(Care leaver in Morgan 2012 22)
There is evidence these feelings may also be connected to moving away
from friends and professionals changes in social workers and a
transition to adult services
One author notes the young people are living life lsquoin limborsquo (Hiles et
al 2014 6) It is suggested as the young people approach their
eighteenth birthday they are in a state of limbo knowing they may not
be lsquoin carersquo not knowing if they can lsquostay putrsquo with foster carers or
lsquomoving onrsquo to independent accommodation Leaving care workers
involved in Hilesrsquo et al (2014) study describe having ldquoinsufficient time
to prepare some young people for this transitionrdquo especially the young
people who had experienced problems in maintaining stable
placements prior to leaving care
Moreover the system is described as ldquochaotic and complexrdquo forced to
react rather than respond to crisis The cause of this is identified
through poor staff retention and therefore the use of temporary staff
leaving a lack of continuity and consistency (Hiles et al 2014 7)
This research examines policies potentially promoting negative
consequences For example a disengagement of adult mental health
services leading to re-engagement of childrenrsquos services those young
14
people most able being offered more support through education
leaving some young people of low risk but still vulnerable in an isolated
position Also it was noted the young people leaving care to return
home to their birth families for longer than six months lose access to
services when they may actually still be in a vulnerable position (Hiles
et al2014 7)
However Stein (2012 81) suggests there is evidence that most young
people experience good outcomes after leaving care Positive outcomes
are underpinned by the relationship between the young person and the
leaving care teams In addition the evidence points to a positive sense
of well-being when settled and happy even if past or leaving care
experiences have been negative (Wade and Dixon 2006)
In conclusion the literature identifies the inconsistency within leaving
care systems These inconsistencies span throughout the services
available to care leavers from financial to pathway planning and
implementation There is evidence of a somewhat uneven service
delivery despite policy stipulations
There has been an encouraging influx of research in the last fifteen
years or so which should promote a continued improvement in policy
and outcome for this fundamentally vulnerable group in society
There is evident progress within the leaving care system which has
been noted by Stein Wade and Dixon However despite progress
within the system [the introduction of personal advisors Pathway
Plans and specific leaving care teams] and extensive research
informing policy makers the uneven delivery still exists Additionally
care leavers are still disadvantaged compared to their peers even with
the progress that has been made
There is an emphasis on a proactive and preventative approach and a
significant need for placement stability underpinned by systematic and
consistent services As it stands young people are currently being
15
ldquopushed into fighting against a systemrdquo rather than a system that works
together for a positive outcome (Hiles et al 2014 11)
Contingency plans are an important recommendation outlined in recent
research as a necessity to prevent care leavers falling into crisis These
plans need to be in place regardless of assessed lsquoneedrsquo Moreover
access to an independent visitor enabling another supportive
relationship to be formed along with personal advisors would offer
greater assistance when decisions are being made for the young
personrsquos future (Barnardorsquos 2014 23)
Now the research is taking place identifying young peoplersquos
experiences of leaving care it is necessary to listen in order to make
effective changes in policy and practice to achieve better outcomes for
this vulnerable group
16
Chapter 3
Methodology
This research is of a qualitative nature The methodology included an
online questionnaire (n=50) to identify common themes followed up
by face- to-face interviews (n=10) for more detailed data However
the response rate for the online questionnaire was poor with only ten
returned The interviews adopted a semi-structured approach to allow
for participants to talk freely about their experiences The author used
an interview guide to achieve this containing the areas of interest
rather than a structured set of interview questions (Appendix i)
Support for this project was received from a local fostering group and
that provided some resources for sourcing the sample
Initially the author had positive support from social workers and
professionals within the leaving care sector Although actual response
from local authority was limited only one out of four who received
the research pack responded Participation by third sector
organisations was similarly positive however commitment to be
interviewed could not be obtained
The sample consisted of four young people aged 16 plus involved in
the leaving care process and four professionals working within the
leaving care system Geographically broken down to Gwynedd
Conwy Telford and Wrekin and Caerphilly
The interviews took place either in their own home place of work or
a mutually comfortable setting agreed by the participants The
researcher offered anonymity to the participants and the interviews
were handled sensitively keeping the vulnerability of some of the
sample in mind
The interviews were concerned with
17
Whether the young person feels supported
Whether the resources are accessible and the young person is made
aware of everything available
Whether the duties of the LA are being met from both points of view
(professional and young person)
The view of the use of BampB accommodation
Whether the leaving care process helps or hinders their future
How universal are the services provided
Is there enough financial assistance available resources and financial
advice
Are the young peoplersquos voices heard
Has policy and practice improved over the last couple of decades
The interviews were voice recorded with consent and a diary was kept
for all fieldwork undertaken The study adopted a grounded
theoretical approach and the data subjected to content analysis
a) Ethical Consideration
The sample where given thorough information regarding the study in
order for them to make an informed choice whether to participate or
not Confidentiality was adhered to and any disclosures were handled
appropriately and with ethical consideration in mind The researcher
was aware of the vulnerability of the young people and the sensitive
nature of the study
Due to the sensitivity of the research the data gathered was securely
kept in a locked filing cabinet (paper) and secure password protected
file (electronic) and destroyed on completion of the study
Permission to undertake this study was granted after a thorough and
detailed ethics application
18
Chapter 4
Findings
a) Transition
ldquoYou wouldnrsquot dream of kicking your own kids out so young
They give these kids to much artificial support to encourage
them to leaverdquo (Foster carer)
This is clearly reverberated in the literature particularly in the
Barnardorsquos report Someone to Care Experiences of leaving care
(2014) which highlights the plight of young care leavers and the lack
of parental support contributing to difficult transitions In addition it
has already been identified in the literature review that for children not
in care the leaving home age ranges from 20- 34 (ONS 2014)
Communication for this specific young person appeared to be lacking
ldquoWell my social worker didnrsquot really talk about what
would happenhelliphellipthey were like lsquooh yeah you will get
your own placersquo hellipbut not what will happen afterhellipso I
rushed into it thinking it was a good idea I think they
said it too soon to me if they wouldnrsquot have said it I
would still be here (foster care) for a while So I rushed
into it I had just left school maybe it would be
better at 17 or 18rdquo (Care leaver A currently aged 18 LA
Gwynedd)
This statement by a young care leaver is echoed by a set of foster carers
It was found that by giving the young person an offer of their own flat
complete with some furnishings of their choice seemed to sway their
decision whether or not to leave This was especially the case for 16
year olds
These foster carers stated that their young person had indicated they
wanted to stay in care at least until 18 years old however with a change
of social worker came a change of heart
19
ldquoYou see we had talked about when he would leave but he said
lsquono I wouldnrsquot like to be in a house on my ownrsquo He wanted to
stay when he first came to us he was having nightmares hellip he is
still having problems now He wonrsquot sleep in his bedroom now
he sleeps in the living room with the TV on They (Social
Services team) didnrsquot take any of this into account When his
social worker changed to the 16+ one he was like lsquooh well I
might move outrsquordquo
This particular interview found the process of leaving care very hasty
with very little preparation The young person in question was
identified by the LA as vulnerable however according to the foster
carers the process continued regardless
ldquoHe suddenly was kicking against us The social worker said he
was a troubled child he just said he had issues We know about
confidentiality but we were part of the care package but they (16
+ team) would not involve us There was no communication
between the 16+ team and us It was like he is an adult and thatrsquos
thatrdquo
The foster carers suggested the young person was being coached to
leave There was a sudden decision made and the young person went
lsquooff the railsrsquo It seemed a place was offered to enable them to move
out and that was when reality hit
ldquohelliphe drank a bottle of vodka and was talking about suicide He
suffers from low self- esteem There was no help for that I think
this was brought on by them (16+ team) telling him there was a
space somewhere He kept saying lsquoIrsquom so sorryrsquo It was reality
he had been going through the motions before thisrdquo
This illustrates a terrible indictment of a rushed transition Added to
the trauma which led the young person to being in care this does not
present a positive outcome
The findings for this report support the previous literature Steinrsquos
(2012) extensive research in this area continually reveals hasty
transitions from care to independence
Legislation relating to young people leaving care states
20
lsquoIt is the duty of the local authority looking after a child to advise assist
and befriend him with a view to promoting his welfare when they have
ceased to look after himrsquo (19A Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000)
Indicating a rushed transition should not be promoted rather that it
should be a much slower process with time being given to prepare fully
for independence
In contrast one participant going through the leaving care system in
2004 and within a different LA (Telford and Wrekin) had a much more
positive experience
ldquoI left care at 18 I was in a childrenrsquos homehellipfoster care didnrsquot
suit me I was always running away I had brilliant support all
the way until I was 25 I went to supported living and I had help
to learn to cook and manage money and bills Then I had help to
find a flat and become independent I even still see some of the
people who supported me when I go back to Telfordrdquo (Care
leaver B aged 30)
This indicates a far more gradual transition to independence
Unfortunately the majority of the data within this study points more
often to the former rushed transition
ldquoI turned 18 and it was like hellipyoursquore an adult now I was in a
hostel then a homeless place that was scary there were all sorts
there I liked the place in Bala it was good there But when I
turned 18 I couldnrsquot stay It was like one minute I had everything
done for me then nothingrdquo (Care leaver C currently aged 19
LA Conwy)
This young person moved into private care and currently resides in a
mixed home for people with mental health problems He has Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (Appendix 2)
The research suggests past history is not always taken into account
when assessing the suitability of independent living for these young
people
ldquoHis issues should have been recognised then he would not have
been offered to leave at 16 The social worker had not made the
effort to look at his historyrdquo (Foster carer)
21
Taking the young peoplersquos history and circumstances into account
could offer a more positive outcome than simply their age
ldquoThey had eight files on me from when I was little My foster
carer nagged them until she was able to have them to read
Then she knew what had happenedrdquo (Care leaver D currently
aged 19 LA Caerphilly)
It is recognised in policy that the system still does not seem to perform
as it should The Care Leaversrsquo Strategy (2013) identifies the abrupt
transition experienced by these young people in its opening paragraphs
However the report fails to include lsquotransitionrsquo as a fundamental area
of concern Instead usual sections such as education employment
housing and so on are highlighted as lsquobroad areas of concernrsquo It would
seem the young peoplersquos emotional well- being which is clearly
affected by the hasty exit from care does not hold the same
governmental importance
Additionally it may be prudent to add at this point that Edward
Timpson Minister of State for Children and Families was contacted
for the purpose of this research Mr Timpson was involved in the
development of the Care Leaversrsquo Strategy and in addition to this grew
up with looked after children as his parents were foster carers There
was no response to the research (Appendix 3)
A fundamental issue surrounding rushed transitions is the view these
young people are now adults although they are still virtually as
vulnerable as children The serious case review into the murder of
Jayden Parkinson highlights this Jayden was 17 and considered an
adult by services and practitioners The review stated
lsquoToo often [Parkinson] was viewed as a difficult young person and not
recognised as a child in need of safeguarding Professionals and
agencies did not always fully understand the serious nature of the risks
to [her] or were too quick to be reassured that she would be able to
protect herself from those risksrsquo (Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children
Board 2016 62)
22
It would seem important for policy to start considering the young
personrsquos position in life rather than their age as an indicator of their
readiness for independence
b) Housing and Accommodation
The participants were asked about their experiences with housing when
leaving care Questions about choice suitability and geographic area
where considered Consistent with past research and previous literature
(Barnardorsquos [2] 2014) issues where found in all these areas
Once again the Care Leaversrsquo Strategy recognises these issues found
in research past and present surrounding housing
lsquoCare leavers are a vulnerable group of young adults who have
particular needs in relation to housing and homelessness Around a
quarter of those living on the streets have a background in care The
majority of care leavers leave care by the age of 18 and rising demands
on social housing and other accommodation is making it increasingly
difficult for young people to find suitable accommodation as they enter
adulthoodrsquo (2013 14)
These findings suggest a significant risk of homelessness for these
participants In actual fact without the charity Gisda (Appendix 4) the
options for young people in Gwynedd would be seriously limited
It has already been noted that nationally care leavers are overly
represented within the homeless and inadequately housed with 30 of
homeless people formerly being in care (Who Cares Trust 2014)
When considering choice Bed and Breakfast (BampB) accommodation
was not always used but choice did appear limited Geographical
consideration and suitable match for the young person does not always
seem possible
23
ldquoWell there was a bit of choice but it was mainly Caernarfon I
had shared housing with Gisda not BampB and then I got my flat
with Gisdardquo (Care leaver A)
Once again this is echoed by foster carers
ldquoHe moved into shared housing for two weekshelliphe was
terrified he slit his mattress to hide his laptop in it There wasnrsquot
much choice had he had the choice to stay in Penygroes he
would have He has been trying to get back here ever since He
is afraid in Caernarfon He has two brothers living there which
he has had problems with and his brotherrsquos friend He is quite a
fearful child and finds living in Caernarfon stressful When he
gets home to his flat from here he doesnrsquot go outrdquo
This does not seem to be reserved to just this LA either
ldquoI was in a hostel but I kicked off so was in a BampB for a couple
of days They said I was smoking in the room so I got kicked out
of therehellipdidnrsquot even get all my stuff Then my social worker
said I could stay with my mum for the weekend cause my sister
wasnrsquot there But then she came backhellipshe winds me uphellipI
kicked off but hit the window hellipI wanted to hit her So my mum
called the police helliprdquo (Care leaver D)
There appears to be insecurity surrounding housing Care leaver D
went on to lsquosofa surfrsquo and then went back to his motherrsquos even though
that episode left him with a criminal damage conviction [brought on by
his mother] His support seemed to end there
Care leaver A was asked if the flat with Gisda was permanent
ldquoNo itrsquos two years temporary I have three months leftrdquo
When asked what happens then
ldquoI think Irsquom on the top the list with housing so Irsquove gotta hope
something comes up or I will probably end up in BampB The thing
is once you have had the flat and you get to 18 you sort of go in
circles so you can be put in BampB Itrsquos a worry being three months
awayhelliphellipI keep phoning themrdquo
This was reiterated by the foster carers
ldquoI canrsquot see Gisda putting him out on the street but they have to
give him notice of eviction in order for the council to do
something about it Sometimes he stays with his cousin or his
24
dad if there is any room But he will probably have to lsquosofa
surfrsquohellip thatrsquos what his brother had to do That will put him on
the list he has to be homeless to get helprdquo
The question of supported living was raised for this particular
participant the foster carer replied
ldquoThere doesnrsquot seem to be any here But for him it wouldnrsquot
work he would worry about the other people there He is afraid
of people that do drugs there is a family history with drugsrdquo
However a neighbouring LA had positive experiences with supported
living Their providers of supported living and BampB accommodation
had been the same for over ten years which would indicate some
consistency The manager for the leaving care team for this LA
commented that the staff at the BampBrsquos offered a sympathetic approach
with more of a lsquofamily feelrsquo to the service Furthermore this LA had
long term relationships with landlords who specifically offered
tenancies to care leavers This demonstrates the importance of
consistency Although BampB may not seem ideal if there are good long
term relationships with service providers this can offer a positive short
term solution
Likewise care leaver B had the right experience with their
accommodation
ldquoI went from the childrenrsquos home to supported lodgings and after
that had my own flat The supported lodgings really helped me
learn how to look after myself I did go off the rails a bit when I
was about 23 but because of my support I sorted myself outrdquo
Though care leaver C will be moving once again in the near future It
seems his ADHD leaves the LA at a loss as to where this young person
should live The condition necessitates extra support to enable him to
manage independence
ldquoI like where I am But the funding for here runs out soon They
(social services) have said there is a new place in Abergele I
think itrsquos a shared house If I turn that down though I will make
myself intentionally homeless so there is no choicerdquo
25
This young personrsquos worries where resonated by his mother too He
entered care under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989 (Appendix 5)
as his mother was unable to manage his behaviour Her understanding
was that he would be care for until he reached 21 It may be argued he
is being cared for and is continuing to be Yet as stated earlier a mental
health facility may not be seen as ideal equally shared housing may
not offer the level of support required for an eventual and positive
departure from care
Regrettably national statistics have shown a rise of 108 per cent in the
number of young people in unsuitable accommodation from 1660 in
2014 to 1840 in 2015 This is reiterated by Carrie Wilson young
peoplersquos project co-ordinator at The Care Leaversrsquo Association
ldquoOn a basic level [BampBs] are seen as a ldquosaferdquo place but those young
people do not feel safe regardless of the interventions put into place to
support a young person if they do not feel like they have personal
safety at the end of the day their coping mechanisms start to break
downrdquo (Puffett and Orfford 2016)
The experiences of these participants suggests a chaotic existence in
line with the research undertaken by Barnardorsquos (2) (2014)
This does not present an improvement of services Government
statistics from 2011 suggested only 17 local authorities were housing
100 per cent of care leavers in suitable accommodation (Higgs 2011)
These are dismal statistics as research conducted by Stein (201280)
found from 2004 to 2009 the numbers of care leavers in suitable
accommodation had risen from 77 to 90 The statistics from 2011
could correlate with the age of austerity and social service budget cuts
(Stein 2012 24)
In Gwynedd since 2013 there has been the lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
available and similar to Englandrsquos lsquoStaying Putrsquo scheme (Appendix 6
amp 7) These schemes are now available throughout Wales and offer the
26
young person an opportunity to stay within their foster care placement
until the age of 21 or beyond if they are engaged in education or
training which started before their twenty first birthday This extended
stay may last until completion of the education or training on the
condition it is set out in the young personrsquos pathway plan The
opportunity offers a more gradual transition similar to young people in
the general population (Gwynedd Council 2014)
However there was no evidence of this scheme to have been offered to
care leaver A Care leavers C and D appear to have merely been
managed until the LA no longer had the duty of care
c) Pathway Plans Personal Advisors and Social
Workers
ldquoI donrsquot remember how many social workers I had hellipmaybe 14
or 15 by the time I left care They kept changingrdquo (Care leaver
D)
The participants were asked about their experiences with personal
advisors social workers the creation and implementation of their
pathway plans (Appendix 8) and whether they felt they were listened
to
It would seem having several social workers is commonplace
ldquoThe 16+ team didnrsquot seem to support him They changed social
worker but he didnrsquot seem to know what was going on Then they
changed again to one from the 16+ team Thatrsquos when his
behaviour changed One of his previous social workers was
fantastic and he worshipped herhellip If only they had kept that
social worker it would have made such a differencerdquo (Foster
carer)
For care leaver A this seems to have happened with the personal
advisor too When asked about their personal advisor
27
ldquoThere was a foster meeting the lady what was her namehellip Jan
she was really good She was with social services and Gisda
But then when they thought I was ok they transferred me to
someone elserdquo
Though for some there was more consistency Care leaver C suggested
a good relationship with their personal advisor They indicated regular
visits phone calls and planning meetings In turn this young person felt
they were being listened to when the pathway plan was produced
The manager for this LAs leaving care team confirms his perspective
on personal advisors
ldquoWe have a team of four personal advisors They have about 40
cases each but they do a great job All of their cases have a
mobile phone number for them and they are all very dedicated
and approachable [from the young personrsquos point of view] They
offer a vital link from care to independencerdquo
However once again this service appears inconsistent depending on
the LA
Added to this frequent changes of case worker suggest a difficulty in
completion and implementation of pathway plans and causes the
young person to feel they are not being listened to
ldquoI was kind of listened to but then my social worker changed so
I had to start againhellipthere was no relationship there cause they
kept changing We would do one pathway plan then the social
worker changed and we would have to do another onerdquo (Care
leaver A)
When the foster carers were asked about the pathway plan and whether
they thought their young person was listened to
ldquoHe didnrsquot have a proper pathway plan for leaving it was rushed
There was no proper structure He was listened to but without
question or consideration of the consequences They ticked their
boxes and he was off their handsrdquo
These experiences were evident in the earlier research by Munro et al
(2011) whereby young people felt their voices were not heard and the
meetings surrounding their exit from care caused anxiety and stress
28
The foster carers then suggested their current placement who had just
turned 16 may suffer the same
ldquoShe is just about to change to the 16+ team they canrsquot wait to
get her on thathellipit will be her third social worker in two years
She is adamant she doesnrsquot want to leave at 16 but if they dangle
the carrot of her own flat in front of her it might be differentrdquo
Furthermore for the foster carers support appears to be inconsistent
One set had just been assigned a new social worker the third in two
years
ldquoWe have a new social worker and she just ticks the boxes She
seems terrified to use her initiative One social worker I was
dealing with said there were five people who were either off or
had left and not been replaced in his office alonerdquo
It is well documented that retention of staff within social work is
increasingly difficult Added to which there a national shortage of
approximately 3500 social workers both hindering continuity for the
people they provide services to (Community Care 2014) This and
aforementioned cuts to funding within leaving care services may
explain how the inconsistency and a lack of relationship with social
workers described within this data can infringe on the process of
leaving care
With this in mind it is imperative to consider the legal implications at
this point It would appear within the legal framework there are lsquogrey
areasrsquo which can allow the experiences of care leaverrsquos A C and D to
occur The Children (Leaving Care) Act (2000) states that an
assessment of needs must be carried out by the LA for the said child
(a)while they are still looking after him and
(b)after they cease to look after him (19B 4)
The proviso for this is the child has been looked after for a period of
time and that they are aged 16 or 17 (19B 2 a amp b)
However the Care Act (2014) has a section dedicated to the needs of a
child in the transition to adulthood including the requirement for a
29
needs assessment but in relation to the childrsquos needs after the age of
18 Furthermore section 58 (4) insists the assessment should be carried
out whether the child consents or not if there is a risk of or experiencing
abuse or neglect Bearing in mind the vulnerability of these young
people the causes for them to have been placed in care in the first place
it would be fair to consider this group eligible for this assessment and
extended care Added to which one would expect a more thorough and
consistent assessment to be carried out Clearly with several changes to
case workers [as experienced by care leavers A and D] this legal
standard is not being met
Perhaps government and policy makers should consider case worker
retention and better working environments as fundamental aspects of
policy in turn offering better outcomes for the young people
(Appendix 9)
d) Financial aspects
ldquoThey told him to choose what he needed for the flat but only
some of it turned up There is something I heard of might be
from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation where some money is put
into an ISA which can be accessed once they are 18 This is
because they have been in care But I feel the danger of that is it
could all be blown on something else or used as a carrot to
encourage leaving care As far as I have seen they just go and
spend it all then itrsquos gone ndash they would be better giving them a
furnished flatrdquo (Foster carer)
The Care Leavers Strategy states it encourages LArsquos to offer at least
pound2000 as a lsquoSetting Up Home Allowancersquo (leaving care grant)
although as this is not a legal requirement the amount varies from LA
to LA Care leaver A received in the region of pound400 (Gwynedd LA)
However the manager for Conwy laving care team indicated the
amount their care leavers receive is dependent on what they need This
is also stated on the LArsquos web site (Appendix 8) It may be suggested
that young people within less affluent LArsquos will fare worse financially
30
The Strategy maintains care leavers are entitled to a pound1200 bursary if
they are attending further education and a pound2000 bursary for higher
education This is financed by the Department for Education (2013
10) Extra funding of this kind would appear significant for these young
people however if the earlier literature is considered the statistics for
this grouprsquos educational achievements did not present well (See
chapter one) As this funding is reliant on the young person being in
education there will be a significant proportion unable to access this
extra help
Conwy LA did suggest promising outcomes for employment for their
care leavers with many undertaking apprenticeships within the
councilrsquos departments
ldquoWe have a number of our young people working and training in
the council (Conwy) with a selection of apprenticeships
specifically for them Some do go on to stay with us being
offered permanent contractsrdquo (Leaving care team manager)
Unfortunately a comparison cannot be made with other LArsquos or
voluntary organisations in this area as there was no response to the
research
Care leaver A did have temporary employment with a local leisure
centre although when a permanent contract was offered it was of a zero
hourrsquos nature
ldquoI wasnrsquot worth me taking ithellipI would lose my benefit and have
no guarantee of workrdquo
Care leaver C started a college course and managed a couple of shifts
in a restaurant kitchen however his chaotic accommodation provision
and a lack of support for his ADHD hampered his continuation
Care leaver D is NEET (Appendix 11) and has been since his exit from
care It would seem this has not been assisted by his family [to which
he returned] who have also never been in employment and his
reluctance to receive any more services It may be suggested his high
31
level of case worker turnover contributed to his reluctance Equally his
chaotic existence before entering care disrupted his education added
the rushed transition from care has not facilitated good employment
prospects
e) Evaluation and Reflection
When evaluating this research one must acknowledge the limitations
when assessing the size of the sample
Despite persistence there was a reluctance by professionals particularly
to participate Out of four LAs contacted only one responded and
agreed to be interviewed One LA received the research pack three
times follow up calls were made several times to no avail The same
may be said for the voluntary sector in spite of positive telephone
conversations and receipt of the research pack Barnardorsquos and Gisda
did not consent to be interviewed Therefore the findings were
somewhat one sided and the professional perspective limited
However even with the limited sample the original hypothesis of the
leaving care system failing the young people has a degree of truth
Equally the findings are reflective of earlier research identified in
chapter 2
There is certainly scope for further and more considerable research
within this field Although for future studies it may be beneficial to use
focus group methodology to encourage professional participation This
would possibly generate an improved response rate in comparison to
the online questionnaire used for the initial stages of this project The
face to face follow up interviews proved difficult to organise although
it was difficult to decipher whether this was due to a reluctance to
engage in the research or a lack of available time
32
Chapter 5
Conclusion
In conclusion the data collected for this study shows a system that sadly
does fail its young people Certainly in Gwynedd the leaving care
process is seemingly rushed and centred around a personrsquos age rather
than their readiness for independence Of course it may be argued there
has to be a lsquocut off pointrsquo and young people have to become
independent at some time for legal purposes that lsquopointrsquo is dictated by
their age It would seem this is the case regardless of the harm it may
cause Furthermore it could be argued this hasty process is a breach of
the young personrsquos human rights however despite searching no cases
were found
In 2006 research conducted by Mendes and Moselhuddin concluded
the leaving care process should be a gradual process based on levels of
maturity and ability to manage independence rather than simply age
The same recommendation is echoed in the majority of research both
past and present It would seem that ten years on we are no closer to an
ideal solution
For care leaver A C and D the outcome was poor Certainly they did
not feel supported through the transition although care leaver C had
significantly better support from their personal advisor post 18
However despite this support care leaver C was still living in less than
ideal circumstances and about to be moved once again
In line with the literature this study although with the limited sample
found immense inconsistencies within the system and in every area
from support to financial assistance
Evidently for some the system works against an already disadvantaged
group abandoning when needed the most so to speak
33
It would seem the introduction of legislation and the Transitions
Guidance to strengthen practice and policy has failed to make a
significant improvement especially surrounding the lsquolevelling uprsquo of
services Attributed by the cost cutting imposed on LArsquos by central
government this is hardly surprising
There are some encouraging outcomes such as care leaver B receiving
immense support from their LA beyond policy and legal requirement
This is in line with some of Steinrsquos (2012 81) research and positive
outcomes are underpinned by the level of good consistent and accurate
support received by the individual Yet as this study has found this is
not consistent or universal
It is clear inconsistencies lack of support young and rushed transitions
all contribute to poorer outcomes for this group of young people A
group which are already disadvantaged and at a much higher risk of
social exclusion
As a society we should consider these young people as just that ndash young
people Often with the same dreams and aspirations as any other young
person On the contrary perhaps we should consider these young
people further as many will have already been let down by society
Either way they are entitled to as much support guidance and
opportunity as any other Regrettably this does not seem to be the case
as despite advances in research policy and legislation the same
inconsistencies and failures appear to occur time and time again
The study has shown the importance of understanding the young
peoplersquos history Of understanding former problems or areas of
concern This aids the transition to independence as it identifies where
the support is needed and individualizes the young person There
cannot be a lsquoone size fits allrsquo approach to the leaving care system as
one can see these young people are individual It has identified how
fundamental it is to include a young personrsquos foster carers when
considering independence to recognise the relationship they may have
34
with the young person and the key role they play after leaving care (as
with care lever A)
With this in mind one must acknowledge the leaving care system has
indeed improved over the last 30 years however it needs to continue to
progress if there is any hope of achieving a consistent service with more
even and positive outcomes for these young people
35
Bibliography
Action for Children (2014) [Online]
Available at httpwwwactionforchildrenorgukour-
servicesadoption-fostering-and-children-in-carechildren-in-
careleaving-care
Barnardorsquos (2014)[1] [Online] Someone to Care Experiences of
leaving care Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorguksomeone_to_care_final_feb2014pdf
(Accessed 07 October 2015)
Barnardorsquos (2014)[2] [Online] The costs of not caring supporting
English care leavers into independence Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf (Accessed 07
October 2015)
Biehal N Clayden J Stein M and Wade J (1995) Moving On
Young people and leaving care schemes London HMSO
Broad B (2005) Improving the Health and Well-Being of Young
People Leaving Care Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing
Burgess C (1981) In Care and Into Work London Tavistock
Care Leaverrsquos Foundation (with Children and Young People Now)
(2009) [Online] Setting Up A place to call home Bala Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation Available at
httpwwwthecareleaversfoundationorgsitedatafilesSetting_Up_A
_Place_to_Callpdf (Accessed 06 April 2015)
Care Leavers Strategy (2013) [Online] Available at
httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachment_
datafile266484Care_Leaver_Strategypdf (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Care Act (2014) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga201423part1crossheadingtra
nsition-for-children-to-adult-care-and-support-etcenacted (Accessed
01 March 2016)
Children and Families Act 2014 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga20146section98enacted
(Accessed 02 October 2015)
36
Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200035pdfsukpga_20000035_
enpdf (Accessed 19 March 2015)
Children and Young Persons Act (2008) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200823contents (Accessed 02
October 2015)
Community Care (2014) [Online] Councils struggling to retain social
workers in face of high caseloads and competition over pay
Available at httpwwwcommunitycarecouk20140130councils-
struggling-retain-social-workers-face-high-caseloads-competition-
pay (Accessed 22 February 2016)
Courtney M Terrao S and Bost N (2004) Midwest evaluation of
the adult functioning of former foster youth Conditions of youth
preparing to leave state care Outcomes at age 19 Chicago Chapin
Hall Centre for Children at University of Chicago
Daly F (2012) lsquoMy voice has to be heardrsquo Research on outcomes
for young people leaving care in North Dublin Dublin EPIC
Dixon J and Baker C (2012) lsquoThe Housing Experience of Young
People Leaving Care in England What helpsrsquo Developing Practice
The Child Youth and Family Work Journal Issue 32 National Care
Advisory Service (NCAS)
wwweducationgovuk [Online]
Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20130123124929httpw
wweducationgovukresearchandstatisticsstatisticsa00195573
Family Rights Group (2014) [Online] Support for Young People
Leaving the Care System Available at
httpwwwfrgorgukimagesAdvice_Sheets16-support-for-young-
people-leaving-carepdf (Accessed 29 September 2015)
The Fostering Network (2014) [Online] Staying Put Available at
httpswwwfosteringnetall-about-fosteringprovidersstaying-put-
updateVg5D-PRdX1Y (Accessed 02 October 2015)
Godek S (1976) Leaving Care Barkingside Barnardorsquos
Gwynedd Council (2014) [Online] lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
Available at
httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrutin
y20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20When
37
20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf (Accessed
22 February 2016)
Harris R J (1982) Institutionalized Ambivalence Social Work and
the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 British Journal of Social
Work Vol12 pp 247-263
Higgs L (2011) [Online] Housing crisis around the corner for care
leavers experts warn Children and Young People Now Available
at httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1050066housing-crisis-
corner-care-leavers-experts-warn (Accessed 17 February 2016)
Hiles D Moss D Thorne L Wright J and Dallos R (2014) ldquoSo
what am Irdquo ndash Multiple perspectives on young peoplersquos experience of
leaving care Children and Youth Services Review Vol 41 pp 1-15
House of Commons (1968) Report of the Committee on Local
Authority and Allied Personal Social Services London HMSO
Hutchinson D (2013) [Online] Catch 22 National Care Advisory
Service (NCAS) Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads9b7793d8be6ffc05a501df3df
4a1ef5fpdf
Jackson S and Cameron C (2012) lsquoLeaving Care Looking ahead
and aiming higherrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 34 (6)
pp 1107-1114
Mendes P and Moslehuddin B (2006) lsquoFrom Dependence to
Interdependence Towards Better Outcomes for Young People
Leaving State Carersquo Child Abuse Review Vol15 pp 110-166
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2006) Young peoplersquos views on leaving
care Newcastle Commission for Social Care Inspection
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2012) Young peoplersquos views on care
and aftercare Office of the Childrenrsquos Rights Director London
Ofsted
Mulvey T (1977) lsquoAfter-care ndash who caresrsquo Concern No 26
London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Munro E Lushey C and Ward H (2011) Evaluation of the
Right2BCared4 Pilots Final report (NCAS) London Department
for Education
38
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2011) Making the Cut
Planning Transitions for Care Levers in an Age of Austerity London
NCAS
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2012) [Online] Statistical
Briefing Looked after children and care leavers 2012 Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads0e9a6e4f266b8e96ad7c8e25
7bd53982pdf (Accessed 30 March 2015)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2013)
[Online] The NICE quality standard on the health and wellbeing of
looked after children and young people Available at
httpwwwniceorgukguidanceQS31chapterQuality-statement-8-
Support-to-move-to-independence (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Office for National Statistics (2014) [Online] Large increase in 20 to
34-year-olds living with parents since 1996 Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20160105160709httpw
wwonsgovukonsrelfamily-demographyyoung-adults-living-with-
parents2013sty-young-adultshtml (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board (2016) [Online] Child J ndash
Domestic Homicide Review and Serious Case Review (combined)
Available at httpwwwoscborgukwp-contentuploadsChild-J-
OSCB-Overview-Reportpdf (Accessed 25 February 2016)
Page R and Clark G (eds) (1977) Who Cares Young People in
Care Speak Out London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Puffett N and Orfford A (2016) [Online] Increasing numbers of
care leavers in unsuitable accommodation Children and Young
People Now Available at
httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1155917increasing-numbers-of-
care-leavers-in-unsuitable-accommodation (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Samuels G M and Pryce J M (2008) ldquoWhat doesnrsquot kill you
makes you strongerrdquo Survivalist self-reliance as resilience and risk
among young adults aging out of foster care Children and Youth
Services Review Vol 30 (10) pp 1198-1210
Stein M (2002) Young People Leaving Care A Research
Perspective In A Wheal ed The RHP Companion to Leaving Care
Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing pp 28-33
39
Stein M (2004) What works for young people leaving care
Barkingside Barnardos
Stein M (2006) lsquoYoung people aging out of care The poverty of
theoryrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 28 (4) pp 422-434
Stein M (2012) Young People Leaving Care Supporting Pathways
to Adulthood London Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Stein M and Carey K (1986) Leaving Care Oxford Blackwell
Stein M and Ellis S (1983) Gizza Say Reviews and Young People
in Care London NAYPIC
Stein M and Maynard C (1985) Irsquove Never Been So Lonely
London NAYPIC
Stone M (1990) Young People Leaving Care A study of
management systems service delivery and user evaluation UK The
Royal Philanthropic Society
The Who Carersquos Trust (2014) [Online] Leaving Care Available at
httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpagesleaving-care-what-
happens-post-16html
Wade J (2011) lsquoPreparation and transition planning for
unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee young people A review
of evidence in Englandrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol
33 pp 2424-2430
Wade J and Dixon J (2006) lsquoMaking a home finding a job
investing early housing and employment outcomes for young people
leaving carersquo Child and Family Social Work Vol 11 (3) pp 199-208
Wade J Mitchel F and Baylis G (2005) Unaccompanied asylum
seeking children The response of social services London BAAF
40
Appendix
1) httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf page 25
Karenrsquos story
2) httpwwwnhsukConditionsAttention-deficit-hyperactivity-
disorderPagesIntroductionaspx
3) Email received in response to a request for Mr Timpson (Minister
of State for Children and Families) to answer three questions
regarding care leavers
Dear MsthinspThompsonthinsp
I am writing on behalf of the Minister of State for Children and
Families to thank you for your email of 9 February about your
dissertation
I am sorry but the department receives so many requests like yours
that we are unable to respond to them other than to point you to
sources of information I would therefore suggest that you look at the
departmentrsquos website
at httpswwwgovuksearchq=care+leavers+strategy
I hope you find this link helpful and that you are able to find the
information you need
Your correspondence has been allocated reference number 2016-
0008179 If you need to respond to us please
visit httpswwweducationgovukcontactus and quote your
reference number
As part of our commitment to improving the service we provide to
our customers we are interested in hearing your views and would
welcome your comments via our website
at httpswwweducationgovukpcusurvey
Yours sincerely
Kelly Walkerthinsp
Ministerial and Public Communications Division
Web
[httpswwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovuk]https
wwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovukgt
Twitter httpswwwtwittercomeducationgovuk
Facebook httpswwwfacebookcomeducationgovuk
41
[httpswwweducationgovukimages2irisdfepng]
4) httpwwwgisdaorgengamdanom-nihtml
5) httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga198941section20
6)httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrut
iny20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20Whe
n20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf
7)httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachme
nt_datafile201015Staying_Put_Guidancepdf
8) httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpageswhats-a-pathway-
planhtml
9) httpjobscommunitycarecoukarticlecoventry-tops-london-in-
the-best-place-to-live-league-tablescmpid=EMP|JOBS|SCJOB-
2016-0224-CH|READMORE-COVampcmpid
10) httpwwwconwygovukdocaspcat=4800ampdoc=19742
11)httpresearchbriefingsparliamentukResearchBriefingSummary
SN06705
42
i) Interview Guide
Generic areas of question
Age upon leaving care
Staying put scheme
Financial help
Choice of housing
Suitability of accommodation
Geographical position of accommodation
Further education
Access to support eg Personal Advisor social worker
Input with Pathway plan
Being listened to
Transition
Keeping in touch
Difference with peers
43
11
Stone (1990) identified this issue twenty years prior to Dixon
indicating the evidence then showed an over-representation of care
leavers experiencing homelessness The same problem occurs in
literature by Stein and Carey (1986) from their study during 1982
It is noted by Morgan and Lindsey (2012) that there is a need for more
support with accommodation however Munro et al (2011) identified
out of the young people offered extra support the take up was only
about 50 This may be due to wanting to get rid of the lsquobeing in carersquo
label or perhaps a lack of understanding of the extra support offered
There is evidence within the literature that finances present a
significant issue to care leavers (Broad 2005 Munro et al 2011
Stein 2012 54)
Regional differences in the levels of financial support in the form of
leaving care grants is significant ranging from pound400 to pound2000 with the
average payment being pound1000 (Broad 200547) Stein (2012) notes
more recently the leaving care grant still lack in consistency ranging
from zero to pound2000 A survey carried out by the Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation (2009) calculated the young people needed at least pound2500
in order to set up the most basic essentials to live independently [of 150
LArsquos surveyed only one provided this amount]
These financial inconsistencies clearly present challenges not only with
basic needs such as food and housing but also the ability to participate
in leisure activities and higher education This exclusion has a
potentially damaging impact on the health and well-being for young
people who are already vulnerable (Jackson and Cameron 2012)
Furthermore a lack of understanding of financial matters can lead to
long term debt and financial difficulties
ldquoIrsquom still paying off debts now [nine years after living in her first
independent placement] if somebody had have gone through
these bills bills I didnrsquot even know existed Irsquove had to figure
everything out myself Irsquove had to learn the hard way If I had
12
have had support with that it would have changed thingsrdquo (Care
leaver in Barnardorsquos (2) 2014 13)
There is evidence the young peoplersquos voices may not be listened to
The meetings and reviews appear stressful for the young people (Daly
2012) A large proportion felt ignored during meetings (Munro et al
2011 28) and approximately a third felt their lsquoPathway Planrsquo [the LA
is duty bound to have a Pathway Plan to assist in the transition to
independent living] was not adhered to at all It is noted young people
wish to have more control of when they leave care and for the
transition to be more gradual and less rushed (Morgan and Lindsey
2012 Morgan and Lindsey 2006)
Mendes and Moselhuddin (2006 113) note lsquoGraduation from care
needs to become a far more gradual and flexible process based on levels
of maturity and skill development rather than simply agersquo
Furthermore this view is held by the young people involved
ldquoI didnrsquot want to go I still had to go anyway I didnrsquot have a
choiceI was moving out at eighteen end of discussion and the
bit that really pissed me [off] is [that] they chucked me out on
my eighteenth birthdayrdquo (Care leaver in Munro et al 2011 21)
Although the age has been extended to 18 before a young person has to
leave care [unless they are in full time education] an Independent
Reviewing Officer (IRO) in Munro et al (2011 23) states
ldquoWe identified fairly quickly that all it has done is just knock it
back two years erm you know what used to be 16hellipused to have
all these arguments Wersquove shunted it back to 18 but you know
our 18 year olds are just as vulnerable as those 16 year olds
wererdquo
It is clear within the literature the young people fundamentally require
consistency and support from leaving care workers and services to aid
their transition from care to independence (Munro et al 2011 21)
Pride and an inability to ask for help to access services is apparent It
is recognised that many care leavers where reluctant to allow
13
themselves to be cared for The young people were more comfortable
with caring for others This is a result of often having to adopt the role
of carer within their birth family (Samuels and Pryce 2008 1203-
1205) However the literature does not identify other underlying
reasons for the young people having difficulty in accepting help
themselves Reasons such as lack of self- esteem and self- worth due to
the trauma they may have suffered
The transition to independence brings with it feelings of isolation and
loneliness which were connected to losing their carers
ldquoItrsquos hard to think that people you lived with for nine years are
not in your life anymorerdquo
(Care leaver in Morgan 2012 22)
There is evidence these feelings may also be connected to moving away
from friends and professionals changes in social workers and a
transition to adult services
One author notes the young people are living life lsquoin limborsquo (Hiles et
al 2014 6) It is suggested as the young people approach their
eighteenth birthday they are in a state of limbo knowing they may not
be lsquoin carersquo not knowing if they can lsquostay putrsquo with foster carers or
lsquomoving onrsquo to independent accommodation Leaving care workers
involved in Hilesrsquo et al (2014) study describe having ldquoinsufficient time
to prepare some young people for this transitionrdquo especially the young
people who had experienced problems in maintaining stable
placements prior to leaving care
Moreover the system is described as ldquochaotic and complexrdquo forced to
react rather than respond to crisis The cause of this is identified
through poor staff retention and therefore the use of temporary staff
leaving a lack of continuity and consistency (Hiles et al 2014 7)
This research examines policies potentially promoting negative
consequences For example a disengagement of adult mental health
services leading to re-engagement of childrenrsquos services those young
14
people most able being offered more support through education
leaving some young people of low risk but still vulnerable in an isolated
position Also it was noted the young people leaving care to return
home to their birth families for longer than six months lose access to
services when they may actually still be in a vulnerable position (Hiles
et al2014 7)
However Stein (2012 81) suggests there is evidence that most young
people experience good outcomes after leaving care Positive outcomes
are underpinned by the relationship between the young person and the
leaving care teams In addition the evidence points to a positive sense
of well-being when settled and happy even if past or leaving care
experiences have been negative (Wade and Dixon 2006)
In conclusion the literature identifies the inconsistency within leaving
care systems These inconsistencies span throughout the services
available to care leavers from financial to pathway planning and
implementation There is evidence of a somewhat uneven service
delivery despite policy stipulations
There has been an encouraging influx of research in the last fifteen
years or so which should promote a continued improvement in policy
and outcome for this fundamentally vulnerable group in society
There is evident progress within the leaving care system which has
been noted by Stein Wade and Dixon However despite progress
within the system [the introduction of personal advisors Pathway
Plans and specific leaving care teams] and extensive research
informing policy makers the uneven delivery still exists Additionally
care leavers are still disadvantaged compared to their peers even with
the progress that has been made
There is an emphasis on a proactive and preventative approach and a
significant need for placement stability underpinned by systematic and
consistent services As it stands young people are currently being
15
ldquopushed into fighting against a systemrdquo rather than a system that works
together for a positive outcome (Hiles et al 2014 11)
Contingency plans are an important recommendation outlined in recent
research as a necessity to prevent care leavers falling into crisis These
plans need to be in place regardless of assessed lsquoneedrsquo Moreover
access to an independent visitor enabling another supportive
relationship to be formed along with personal advisors would offer
greater assistance when decisions are being made for the young
personrsquos future (Barnardorsquos 2014 23)
Now the research is taking place identifying young peoplersquos
experiences of leaving care it is necessary to listen in order to make
effective changes in policy and practice to achieve better outcomes for
this vulnerable group
16
Chapter 3
Methodology
This research is of a qualitative nature The methodology included an
online questionnaire (n=50) to identify common themes followed up
by face- to-face interviews (n=10) for more detailed data However
the response rate for the online questionnaire was poor with only ten
returned The interviews adopted a semi-structured approach to allow
for participants to talk freely about their experiences The author used
an interview guide to achieve this containing the areas of interest
rather than a structured set of interview questions (Appendix i)
Support for this project was received from a local fostering group and
that provided some resources for sourcing the sample
Initially the author had positive support from social workers and
professionals within the leaving care sector Although actual response
from local authority was limited only one out of four who received
the research pack responded Participation by third sector
organisations was similarly positive however commitment to be
interviewed could not be obtained
The sample consisted of four young people aged 16 plus involved in
the leaving care process and four professionals working within the
leaving care system Geographically broken down to Gwynedd
Conwy Telford and Wrekin and Caerphilly
The interviews took place either in their own home place of work or
a mutually comfortable setting agreed by the participants The
researcher offered anonymity to the participants and the interviews
were handled sensitively keeping the vulnerability of some of the
sample in mind
The interviews were concerned with
17
Whether the young person feels supported
Whether the resources are accessible and the young person is made
aware of everything available
Whether the duties of the LA are being met from both points of view
(professional and young person)
The view of the use of BampB accommodation
Whether the leaving care process helps or hinders their future
How universal are the services provided
Is there enough financial assistance available resources and financial
advice
Are the young peoplersquos voices heard
Has policy and practice improved over the last couple of decades
The interviews were voice recorded with consent and a diary was kept
for all fieldwork undertaken The study adopted a grounded
theoretical approach and the data subjected to content analysis
a) Ethical Consideration
The sample where given thorough information regarding the study in
order for them to make an informed choice whether to participate or
not Confidentiality was adhered to and any disclosures were handled
appropriately and with ethical consideration in mind The researcher
was aware of the vulnerability of the young people and the sensitive
nature of the study
Due to the sensitivity of the research the data gathered was securely
kept in a locked filing cabinet (paper) and secure password protected
file (electronic) and destroyed on completion of the study
Permission to undertake this study was granted after a thorough and
detailed ethics application
18
Chapter 4
Findings
a) Transition
ldquoYou wouldnrsquot dream of kicking your own kids out so young
They give these kids to much artificial support to encourage
them to leaverdquo (Foster carer)
This is clearly reverberated in the literature particularly in the
Barnardorsquos report Someone to Care Experiences of leaving care
(2014) which highlights the plight of young care leavers and the lack
of parental support contributing to difficult transitions In addition it
has already been identified in the literature review that for children not
in care the leaving home age ranges from 20- 34 (ONS 2014)
Communication for this specific young person appeared to be lacking
ldquoWell my social worker didnrsquot really talk about what
would happenhelliphellipthey were like lsquooh yeah you will get
your own placersquo hellipbut not what will happen afterhellipso I
rushed into it thinking it was a good idea I think they
said it too soon to me if they wouldnrsquot have said it I
would still be here (foster care) for a while So I rushed
into it I had just left school maybe it would be
better at 17 or 18rdquo (Care leaver A currently aged 18 LA
Gwynedd)
This statement by a young care leaver is echoed by a set of foster carers
It was found that by giving the young person an offer of their own flat
complete with some furnishings of their choice seemed to sway their
decision whether or not to leave This was especially the case for 16
year olds
These foster carers stated that their young person had indicated they
wanted to stay in care at least until 18 years old however with a change
of social worker came a change of heart
19
ldquoYou see we had talked about when he would leave but he said
lsquono I wouldnrsquot like to be in a house on my ownrsquo He wanted to
stay when he first came to us he was having nightmares hellip he is
still having problems now He wonrsquot sleep in his bedroom now
he sleeps in the living room with the TV on They (Social
Services team) didnrsquot take any of this into account When his
social worker changed to the 16+ one he was like lsquooh well I
might move outrsquordquo
This particular interview found the process of leaving care very hasty
with very little preparation The young person in question was
identified by the LA as vulnerable however according to the foster
carers the process continued regardless
ldquoHe suddenly was kicking against us The social worker said he
was a troubled child he just said he had issues We know about
confidentiality but we were part of the care package but they (16
+ team) would not involve us There was no communication
between the 16+ team and us It was like he is an adult and thatrsquos
thatrdquo
The foster carers suggested the young person was being coached to
leave There was a sudden decision made and the young person went
lsquooff the railsrsquo It seemed a place was offered to enable them to move
out and that was when reality hit
ldquohelliphe drank a bottle of vodka and was talking about suicide He
suffers from low self- esteem There was no help for that I think
this was brought on by them (16+ team) telling him there was a
space somewhere He kept saying lsquoIrsquom so sorryrsquo It was reality
he had been going through the motions before thisrdquo
This illustrates a terrible indictment of a rushed transition Added to
the trauma which led the young person to being in care this does not
present a positive outcome
The findings for this report support the previous literature Steinrsquos
(2012) extensive research in this area continually reveals hasty
transitions from care to independence
Legislation relating to young people leaving care states
20
lsquoIt is the duty of the local authority looking after a child to advise assist
and befriend him with a view to promoting his welfare when they have
ceased to look after himrsquo (19A Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000)
Indicating a rushed transition should not be promoted rather that it
should be a much slower process with time being given to prepare fully
for independence
In contrast one participant going through the leaving care system in
2004 and within a different LA (Telford and Wrekin) had a much more
positive experience
ldquoI left care at 18 I was in a childrenrsquos homehellipfoster care didnrsquot
suit me I was always running away I had brilliant support all
the way until I was 25 I went to supported living and I had help
to learn to cook and manage money and bills Then I had help to
find a flat and become independent I even still see some of the
people who supported me when I go back to Telfordrdquo (Care
leaver B aged 30)
This indicates a far more gradual transition to independence
Unfortunately the majority of the data within this study points more
often to the former rushed transition
ldquoI turned 18 and it was like hellipyoursquore an adult now I was in a
hostel then a homeless place that was scary there were all sorts
there I liked the place in Bala it was good there But when I
turned 18 I couldnrsquot stay It was like one minute I had everything
done for me then nothingrdquo (Care leaver C currently aged 19
LA Conwy)
This young person moved into private care and currently resides in a
mixed home for people with mental health problems He has Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (Appendix 2)
The research suggests past history is not always taken into account
when assessing the suitability of independent living for these young
people
ldquoHis issues should have been recognised then he would not have
been offered to leave at 16 The social worker had not made the
effort to look at his historyrdquo (Foster carer)
21
Taking the young peoplersquos history and circumstances into account
could offer a more positive outcome than simply their age
ldquoThey had eight files on me from when I was little My foster
carer nagged them until she was able to have them to read
Then she knew what had happenedrdquo (Care leaver D currently
aged 19 LA Caerphilly)
It is recognised in policy that the system still does not seem to perform
as it should The Care Leaversrsquo Strategy (2013) identifies the abrupt
transition experienced by these young people in its opening paragraphs
However the report fails to include lsquotransitionrsquo as a fundamental area
of concern Instead usual sections such as education employment
housing and so on are highlighted as lsquobroad areas of concernrsquo It would
seem the young peoplersquos emotional well- being which is clearly
affected by the hasty exit from care does not hold the same
governmental importance
Additionally it may be prudent to add at this point that Edward
Timpson Minister of State for Children and Families was contacted
for the purpose of this research Mr Timpson was involved in the
development of the Care Leaversrsquo Strategy and in addition to this grew
up with looked after children as his parents were foster carers There
was no response to the research (Appendix 3)
A fundamental issue surrounding rushed transitions is the view these
young people are now adults although they are still virtually as
vulnerable as children The serious case review into the murder of
Jayden Parkinson highlights this Jayden was 17 and considered an
adult by services and practitioners The review stated
lsquoToo often [Parkinson] was viewed as a difficult young person and not
recognised as a child in need of safeguarding Professionals and
agencies did not always fully understand the serious nature of the risks
to [her] or were too quick to be reassured that she would be able to
protect herself from those risksrsquo (Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children
Board 2016 62)
22
It would seem important for policy to start considering the young
personrsquos position in life rather than their age as an indicator of their
readiness for independence
b) Housing and Accommodation
The participants were asked about their experiences with housing when
leaving care Questions about choice suitability and geographic area
where considered Consistent with past research and previous literature
(Barnardorsquos [2] 2014) issues where found in all these areas
Once again the Care Leaversrsquo Strategy recognises these issues found
in research past and present surrounding housing
lsquoCare leavers are a vulnerable group of young adults who have
particular needs in relation to housing and homelessness Around a
quarter of those living on the streets have a background in care The
majority of care leavers leave care by the age of 18 and rising demands
on social housing and other accommodation is making it increasingly
difficult for young people to find suitable accommodation as they enter
adulthoodrsquo (2013 14)
These findings suggest a significant risk of homelessness for these
participants In actual fact without the charity Gisda (Appendix 4) the
options for young people in Gwynedd would be seriously limited
It has already been noted that nationally care leavers are overly
represented within the homeless and inadequately housed with 30 of
homeless people formerly being in care (Who Cares Trust 2014)
When considering choice Bed and Breakfast (BampB) accommodation
was not always used but choice did appear limited Geographical
consideration and suitable match for the young person does not always
seem possible
23
ldquoWell there was a bit of choice but it was mainly Caernarfon I
had shared housing with Gisda not BampB and then I got my flat
with Gisdardquo (Care leaver A)
Once again this is echoed by foster carers
ldquoHe moved into shared housing for two weekshelliphe was
terrified he slit his mattress to hide his laptop in it There wasnrsquot
much choice had he had the choice to stay in Penygroes he
would have He has been trying to get back here ever since He
is afraid in Caernarfon He has two brothers living there which
he has had problems with and his brotherrsquos friend He is quite a
fearful child and finds living in Caernarfon stressful When he
gets home to his flat from here he doesnrsquot go outrdquo
This does not seem to be reserved to just this LA either
ldquoI was in a hostel but I kicked off so was in a BampB for a couple
of days They said I was smoking in the room so I got kicked out
of therehellipdidnrsquot even get all my stuff Then my social worker
said I could stay with my mum for the weekend cause my sister
wasnrsquot there But then she came backhellipshe winds me uphellipI
kicked off but hit the window hellipI wanted to hit her So my mum
called the police helliprdquo (Care leaver D)
There appears to be insecurity surrounding housing Care leaver D
went on to lsquosofa surfrsquo and then went back to his motherrsquos even though
that episode left him with a criminal damage conviction [brought on by
his mother] His support seemed to end there
Care leaver A was asked if the flat with Gisda was permanent
ldquoNo itrsquos two years temporary I have three months leftrdquo
When asked what happens then
ldquoI think Irsquom on the top the list with housing so Irsquove gotta hope
something comes up or I will probably end up in BampB The thing
is once you have had the flat and you get to 18 you sort of go in
circles so you can be put in BampB Itrsquos a worry being three months
awayhelliphellipI keep phoning themrdquo
This was reiterated by the foster carers
ldquoI canrsquot see Gisda putting him out on the street but they have to
give him notice of eviction in order for the council to do
something about it Sometimes he stays with his cousin or his
24
dad if there is any room But he will probably have to lsquosofa
surfrsquohellip thatrsquos what his brother had to do That will put him on
the list he has to be homeless to get helprdquo
The question of supported living was raised for this particular
participant the foster carer replied
ldquoThere doesnrsquot seem to be any here But for him it wouldnrsquot
work he would worry about the other people there He is afraid
of people that do drugs there is a family history with drugsrdquo
However a neighbouring LA had positive experiences with supported
living Their providers of supported living and BampB accommodation
had been the same for over ten years which would indicate some
consistency The manager for the leaving care team for this LA
commented that the staff at the BampBrsquos offered a sympathetic approach
with more of a lsquofamily feelrsquo to the service Furthermore this LA had
long term relationships with landlords who specifically offered
tenancies to care leavers This demonstrates the importance of
consistency Although BampB may not seem ideal if there are good long
term relationships with service providers this can offer a positive short
term solution
Likewise care leaver B had the right experience with their
accommodation
ldquoI went from the childrenrsquos home to supported lodgings and after
that had my own flat The supported lodgings really helped me
learn how to look after myself I did go off the rails a bit when I
was about 23 but because of my support I sorted myself outrdquo
Though care leaver C will be moving once again in the near future It
seems his ADHD leaves the LA at a loss as to where this young person
should live The condition necessitates extra support to enable him to
manage independence
ldquoI like where I am But the funding for here runs out soon They
(social services) have said there is a new place in Abergele I
think itrsquos a shared house If I turn that down though I will make
myself intentionally homeless so there is no choicerdquo
25
This young personrsquos worries where resonated by his mother too He
entered care under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989 (Appendix 5)
as his mother was unable to manage his behaviour Her understanding
was that he would be care for until he reached 21 It may be argued he
is being cared for and is continuing to be Yet as stated earlier a mental
health facility may not be seen as ideal equally shared housing may
not offer the level of support required for an eventual and positive
departure from care
Regrettably national statistics have shown a rise of 108 per cent in the
number of young people in unsuitable accommodation from 1660 in
2014 to 1840 in 2015 This is reiterated by Carrie Wilson young
peoplersquos project co-ordinator at The Care Leaversrsquo Association
ldquoOn a basic level [BampBs] are seen as a ldquosaferdquo place but those young
people do not feel safe regardless of the interventions put into place to
support a young person if they do not feel like they have personal
safety at the end of the day their coping mechanisms start to break
downrdquo (Puffett and Orfford 2016)
The experiences of these participants suggests a chaotic existence in
line with the research undertaken by Barnardorsquos (2) (2014)
This does not present an improvement of services Government
statistics from 2011 suggested only 17 local authorities were housing
100 per cent of care leavers in suitable accommodation (Higgs 2011)
These are dismal statistics as research conducted by Stein (201280)
found from 2004 to 2009 the numbers of care leavers in suitable
accommodation had risen from 77 to 90 The statistics from 2011
could correlate with the age of austerity and social service budget cuts
(Stein 2012 24)
In Gwynedd since 2013 there has been the lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
available and similar to Englandrsquos lsquoStaying Putrsquo scheme (Appendix 6
amp 7) These schemes are now available throughout Wales and offer the
26
young person an opportunity to stay within their foster care placement
until the age of 21 or beyond if they are engaged in education or
training which started before their twenty first birthday This extended
stay may last until completion of the education or training on the
condition it is set out in the young personrsquos pathway plan The
opportunity offers a more gradual transition similar to young people in
the general population (Gwynedd Council 2014)
However there was no evidence of this scheme to have been offered to
care leaver A Care leavers C and D appear to have merely been
managed until the LA no longer had the duty of care
c) Pathway Plans Personal Advisors and Social
Workers
ldquoI donrsquot remember how many social workers I had hellipmaybe 14
or 15 by the time I left care They kept changingrdquo (Care leaver
D)
The participants were asked about their experiences with personal
advisors social workers the creation and implementation of their
pathway plans (Appendix 8) and whether they felt they were listened
to
It would seem having several social workers is commonplace
ldquoThe 16+ team didnrsquot seem to support him They changed social
worker but he didnrsquot seem to know what was going on Then they
changed again to one from the 16+ team Thatrsquos when his
behaviour changed One of his previous social workers was
fantastic and he worshipped herhellip If only they had kept that
social worker it would have made such a differencerdquo (Foster
carer)
For care leaver A this seems to have happened with the personal
advisor too When asked about their personal advisor
27
ldquoThere was a foster meeting the lady what was her namehellip Jan
she was really good She was with social services and Gisda
But then when they thought I was ok they transferred me to
someone elserdquo
Though for some there was more consistency Care leaver C suggested
a good relationship with their personal advisor They indicated regular
visits phone calls and planning meetings In turn this young person felt
they were being listened to when the pathway plan was produced
The manager for this LAs leaving care team confirms his perspective
on personal advisors
ldquoWe have a team of four personal advisors They have about 40
cases each but they do a great job All of their cases have a
mobile phone number for them and they are all very dedicated
and approachable [from the young personrsquos point of view] They
offer a vital link from care to independencerdquo
However once again this service appears inconsistent depending on
the LA
Added to this frequent changes of case worker suggest a difficulty in
completion and implementation of pathway plans and causes the
young person to feel they are not being listened to
ldquoI was kind of listened to but then my social worker changed so
I had to start againhellipthere was no relationship there cause they
kept changing We would do one pathway plan then the social
worker changed and we would have to do another onerdquo (Care
leaver A)
When the foster carers were asked about the pathway plan and whether
they thought their young person was listened to
ldquoHe didnrsquot have a proper pathway plan for leaving it was rushed
There was no proper structure He was listened to but without
question or consideration of the consequences They ticked their
boxes and he was off their handsrdquo
These experiences were evident in the earlier research by Munro et al
(2011) whereby young people felt their voices were not heard and the
meetings surrounding their exit from care caused anxiety and stress
28
The foster carers then suggested their current placement who had just
turned 16 may suffer the same
ldquoShe is just about to change to the 16+ team they canrsquot wait to
get her on thathellipit will be her third social worker in two years
She is adamant she doesnrsquot want to leave at 16 but if they dangle
the carrot of her own flat in front of her it might be differentrdquo
Furthermore for the foster carers support appears to be inconsistent
One set had just been assigned a new social worker the third in two
years
ldquoWe have a new social worker and she just ticks the boxes She
seems terrified to use her initiative One social worker I was
dealing with said there were five people who were either off or
had left and not been replaced in his office alonerdquo
It is well documented that retention of staff within social work is
increasingly difficult Added to which there a national shortage of
approximately 3500 social workers both hindering continuity for the
people they provide services to (Community Care 2014) This and
aforementioned cuts to funding within leaving care services may
explain how the inconsistency and a lack of relationship with social
workers described within this data can infringe on the process of
leaving care
With this in mind it is imperative to consider the legal implications at
this point It would appear within the legal framework there are lsquogrey
areasrsquo which can allow the experiences of care leaverrsquos A C and D to
occur The Children (Leaving Care) Act (2000) states that an
assessment of needs must be carried out by the LA for the said child
(a)while they are still looking after him and
(b)after they cease to look after him (19B 4)
The proviso for this is the child has been looked after for a period of
time and that they are aged 16 or 17 (19B 2 a amp b)
However the Care Act (2014) has a section dedicated to the needs of a
child in the transition to adulthood including the requirement for a
29
needs assessment but in relation to the childrsquos needs after the age of
18 Furthermore section 58 (4) insists the assessment should be carried
out whether the child consents or not if there is a risk of or experiencing
abuse or neglect Bearing in mind the vulnerability of these young
people the causes for them to have been placed in care in the first place
it would be fair to consider this group eligible for this assessment and
extended care Added to which one would expect a more thorough and
consistent assessment to be carried out Clearly with several changes to
case workers [as experienced by care leavers A and D] this legal
standard is not being met
Perhaps government and policy makers should consider case worker
retention and better working environments as fundamental aspects of
policy in turn offering better outcomes for the young people
(Appendix 9)
d) Financial aspects
ldquoThey told him to choose what he needed for the flat but only
some of it turned up There is something I heard of might be
from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation where some money is put
into an ISA which can be accessed once they are 18 This is
because they have been in care But I feel the danger of that is it
could all be blown on something else or used as a carrot to
encourage leaving care As far as I have seen they just go and
spend it all then itrsquos gone ndash they would be better giving them a
furnished flatrdquo (Foster carer)
The Care Leavers Strategy states it encourages LArsquos to offer at least
pound2000 as a lsquoSetting Up Home Allowancersquo (leaving care grant)
although as this is not a legal requirement the amount varies from LA
to LA Care leaver A received in the region of pound400 (Gwynedd LA)
However the manager for Conwy laving care team indicated the
amount their care leavers receive is dependent on what they need This
is also stated on the LArsquos web site (Appendix 8) It may be suggested
that young people within less affluent LArsquos will fare worse financially
30
The Strategy maintains care leavers are entitled to a pound1200 bursary if
they are attending further education and a pound2000 bursary for higher
education This is financed by the Department for Education (2013
10) Extra funding of this kind would appear significant for these young
people however if the earlier literature is considered the statistics for
this grouprsquos educational achievements did not present well (See
chapter one) As this funding is reliant on the young person being in
education there will be a significant proportion unable to access this
extra help
Conwy LA did suggest promising outcomes for employment for their
care leavers with many undertaking apprenticeships within the
councilrsquos departments
ldquoWe have a number of our young people working and training in
the council (Conwy) with a selection of apprenticeships
specifically for them Some do go on to stay with us being
offered permanent contractsrdquo (Leaving care team manager)
Unfortunately a comparison cannot be made with other LArsquos or
voluntary organisations in this area as there was no response to the
research
Care leaver A did have temporary employment with a local leisure
centre although when a permanent contract was offered it was of a zero
hourrsquos nature
ldquoI wasnrsquot worth me taking ithellipI would lose my benefit and have
no guarantee of workrdquo
Care leaver C started a college course and managed a couple of shifts
in a restaurant kitchen however his chaotic accommodation provision
and a lack of support for his ADHD hampered his continuation
Care leaver D is NEET (Appendix 11) and has been since his exit from
care It would seem this has not been assisted by his family [to which
he returned] who have also never been in employment and his
reluctance to receive any more services It may be suggested his high
31
level of case worker turnover contributed to his reluctance Equally his
chaotic existence before entering care disrupted his education added
the rushed transition from care has not facilitated good employment
prospects
e) Evaluation and Reflection
When evaluating this research one must acknowledge the limitations
when assessing the size of the sample
Despite persistence there was a reluctance by professionals particularly
to participate Out of four LAs contacted only one responded and
agreed to be interviewed One LA received the research pack three
times follow up calls were made several times to no avail The same
may be said for the voluntary sector in spite of positive telephone
conversations and receipt of the research pack Barnardorsquos and Gisda
did not consent to be interviewed Therefore the findings were
somewhat one sided and the professional perspective limited
However even with the limited sample the original hypothesis of the
leaving care system failing the young people has a degree of truth
Equally the findings are reflective of earlier research identified in
chapter 2
There is certainly scope for further and more considerable research
within this field Although for future studies it may be beneficial to use
focus group methodology to encourage professional participation This
would possibly generate an improved response rate in comparison to
the online questionnaire used for the initial stages of this project The
face to face follow up interviews proved difficult to organise although
it was difficult to decipher whether this was due to a reluctance to
engage in the research or a lack of available time
32
Chapter 5
Conclusion
In conclusion the data collected for this study shows a system that sadly
does fail its young people Certainly in Gwynedd the leaving care
process is seemingly rushed and centred around a personrsquos age rather
than their readiness for independence Of course it may be argued there
has to be a lsquocut off pointrsquo and young people have to become
independent at some time for legal purposes that lsquopointrsquo is dictated by
their age It would seem this is the case regardless of the harm it may
cause Furthermore it could be argued this hasty process is a breach of
the young personrsquos human rights however despite searching no cases
were found
In 2006 research conducted by Mendes and Moselhuddin concluded
the leaving care process should be a gradual process based on levels of
maturity and ability to manage independence rather than simply age
The same recommendation is echoed in the majority of research both
past and present It would seem that ten years on we are no closer to an
ideal solution
For care leaver A C and D the outcome was poor Certainly they did
not feel supported through the transition although care leaver C had
significantly better support from their personal advisor post 18
However despite this support care leaver C was still living in less than
ideal circumstances and about to be moved once again
In line with the literature this study although with the limited sample
found immense inconsistencies within the system and in every area
from support to financial assistance
Evidently for some the system works against an already disadvantaged
group abandoning when needed the most so to speak
33
It would seem the introduction of legislation and the Transitions
Guidance to strengthen practice and policy has failed to make a
significant improvement especially surrounding the lsquolevelling uprsquo of
services Attributed by the cost cutting imposed on LArsquos by central
government this is hardly surprising
There are some encouraging outcomes such as care leaver B receiving
immense support from their LA beyond policy and legal requirement
This is in line with some of Steinrsquos (2012 81) research and positive
outcomes are underpinned by the level of good consistent and accurate
support received by the individual Yet as this study has found this is
not consistent or universal
It is clear inconsistencies lack of support young and rushed transitions
all contribute to poorer outcomes for this group of young people A
group which are already disadvantaged and at a much higher risk of
social exclusion
As a society we should consider these young people as just that ndash young
people Often with the same dreams and aspirations as any other young
person On the contrary perhaps we should consider these young
people further as many will have already been let down by society
Either way they are entitled to as much support guidance and
opportunity as any other Regrettably this does not seem to be the case
as despite advances in research policy and legislation the same
inconsistencies and failures appear to occur time and time again
The study has shown the importance of understanding the young
peoplersquos history Of understanding former problems or areas of
concern This aids the transition to independence as it identifies where
the support is needed and individualizes the young person There
cannot be a lsquoone size fits allrsquo approach to the leaving care system as
one can see these young people are individual It has identified how
fundamental it is to include a young personrsquos foster carers when
considering independence to recognise the relationship they may have
34
with the young person and the key role they play after leaving care (as
with care lever A)
With this in mind one must acknowledge the leaving care system has
indeed improved over the last 30 years however it needs to continue to
progress if there is any hope of achieving a consistent service with more
even and positive outcomes for these young people
35
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careleaving-care
Barnardorsquos (2014)[1] [Online] Someone to Care Experiences of
leaving care Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorguksomeone_to_care_final_feb2014pdf
(Accessed 07 October 2015)
Barnardorsquos (2014)[2] [Online] The costs of not caring supporting
English care leavers into independence Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf (Accessed 07
October 2015)
Biehal N Clayden J Stein M and Wade J (1995) Moving On
Young people and leaving care schemes London HMSO
Broad B (2005) Improving the Health and Well-Being of Young
People Leaving Care Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing
Burgess C (1981) In Care and Into Work London Tavistock
Care Leaverrsquos Foundation (with Children and Young People Now)
(2009) [Online] Setting Up A place to call home Bala Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation Available at
httpwwwthecareleaversfoundationorgsitedatafilesSetting_Up_A
_Place_to_Callpdf (Accessed 06 April 2015)
Care Leavers Strategy (2013) [Online] Available at
httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachment_
datafile266484Care_Leaver_Strategypdf (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Care Act (2014) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga201423part1crossheadingtra
nsition-for-children-to-adult-care-and-support-etcenacted (Accessed
01 March 2016)
Children and Families Act 2014 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga20146section98enacted
(Accessed 02 October 2015)
36
Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200035pdfsukpga_20000035_
enpdf (Accessed 19 March 2015)
Children and Young Persons Act (2008) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200823contents (Accessed 02
October 2015)
Community Care (2014) [Online] Councils struggling to retain social
workers in face of high caseloads and competition over pay
Available at httpwwwcommunitycarecouk20140130councils-
struggling-retain-social-workers-face-high-caseloads-competition-
pay (Accessed 22 February 2016)
Courtney M Terrao S and Bost N (2004) Midwest evaluation of
the adult functioning of former foster youth Conditions of youth
preparing to leave state care Outcomes at age 19 Chicago Chapin
Hall Centre for Children at University of Chicago
Daly F (2012) lsquoMy voice has to be heardrsquo Research on outcomes
for young people leaving care in North Dublin Dublin EPIC
Dixon J and Baker C (2012) lsquoThe Housing Experience of Young
People Leaving Care in England What helpsrsquo Developing Practice
The Child Youth and Family Work Journal Issue 32 National Care
Advisory Service (NCAS)
wwweducationgovuk [Online]
Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20130123124929httpw
wweducationgovukresearchandstatisticsstatisticsa00195573
Family Rights Group (2014) [Online] Support for Young People
Leaving the Care System Available at
httpwwwfrgorgukimagesAdvice_Sheets16-support-for-young-
people-leaving-carepdf (Accessed 29 September 2015)
The Fostering Network (2014) [Online] Staying Put Available at
httpswwwfosteringnetall-about-fosteringprovidersstaying-put-
updateVg5D-PRdX1Y (Accessed 02 October 2015)
Godek S (1976) Leaving Care Barkingside Barnardorsquos
Gwynedd Council (2014) [Online] lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
Available at
httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrutin
y20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20When
37
20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf (Accessed
22 February 2016)
Harris R J (1982) Institutionalized Ambivalence Social Work and
the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 British Journal of Social
Work Vol12 pp 247-263
Higgs L (2011) [Online] Housing crisis around the corner for care
leavers experts warn Children and Young People Now Available
at httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1050066housing-crisis-
corner-care-leavers-experts-warn (Accessed 17 February 2016)
Hiles D Moss D Thorne L Wright J and Dallos R (2014) ldquoSo
what am Irdquo ndash Multiple perspectives on young peoplersquos experience of
leaving care Children and Youth Services Review Vol 41 pp 1-15
House of Commons (1968) Report of the Committee on Local
Authority and Allied Personal Social Services London HMSO
Hutchinson D (2013) [Online] Catch 22 National Care Advisory
Service (NCAS) Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads9b7793d8be6ffc05a501df3df
4a1ef5fpdf
Jackson S and Cameron C (2012) lsquoLeaving Care Looking ahead
and aiming higherrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 34 (6)
pp 1107-1114
Mendes P and Moslehuddin B (2006) lsquoFrom Dependence to
Interdependence Towards Better Outcomes for Young People
Leaving State Carersquo Child Abuse Review Vol15 pp 110-166
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2006) Young peoplersquos views on leaving
care Newcastle Commission for Social Care Inspection
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2012) Young peoplersquos views on care
and aftercare Office of the Childrenrsquos Rights Director London
Ofsted
Mulvey T (1977) lsquoAfter-care ndash who caresrsquo Concern No 26
London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Munro E Lushey C and Ward H (2011) Evaluation of the
Right2BCared4 Pilots Final report (NCAS) London Department
for Education
38
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2011) Making the Cut
Planning Transitions for Care Levers in an Age of Austerity London
NCAS
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2012) [Online] Statistical
Briefing Looked after children and care leavers 2012 Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads0e9a6e4f266b8e96ad7c8e25
7bd53982pdf (Accessed 30 March 2015)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2013)
[Online] The NICE quality standard on the health and wellbeing of
looked after children and young people Available at
httpwwwniceorgukguidanceQS31chapterQuality-statement-8-
Support-to-move-to-independence (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Office for National Statistics (2014) [Online] Large increase in 20 to
34-year-olds living with parents since 1996 Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20160105160709httpw
wwonsgovukonsrelfamily-demographyyoung-adults-living-with-
parents2013sty-young-adultshtml (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board (2016) [Online] Child J ndash
Domestic Homicide Review and Serious Case Review (combined)
Available at httpwwwoscborgukwp-contentuploadsChild-J-
OSCB-Overview-Reportpdf (Accessed 25 February 2016)
Page R and Clark G (eds) (1977) Who Cares Young People in
Care Speak Out London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Puffett N and Orfford A (2016) [Online] Increasing numbers of
care leavers in unsuitable accommodation Children and Young
People Now Available at
httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1155917increasing-numbers-of-
care-leavers-in-unsuitable-accommodation (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Samuels G M and Pryce J M (2008) ldquoWhat doesnrsquot kill you
makes you strongerrdquo Survivalist self-reliance as resilience and risk
among young adults aging out of foster care Children and Youth
Services Review Vol 30 (10) pp 1198-1210
Stein M (2002) Young People Leaving Care A Research
Perspective In A Wheal ed The RHP Companion to Leaving Care
Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing pp 28-33
39
Stein M (2004) What works for young people leaving care
Barkingside Barnardos
Stein M (2006) lsquoYoung people aging out of care The poverty of
theoryrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 28 (4) pp 422-434
Stein M (2012) Young People Leaving Care Supporting Pathways
to Adulthood London Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Stein M and Carey K (1986) Leaving Care Oxford Blackwell
Stein M and Ellis S (1983) Gizza Say Reviews and Young People
in Care London NAYPIC
Stein M and Maynard C (1985) Irsquove Never Been So Lonely
London NAYPIC
Stone M (1990) Young People Leaving Care A study of
management systems service delivery and user evaluation UK The
Royal Philanthropic Society
The Who Carersquos Trust (2014) [Online] Leaving Care Available at
httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpagesleaving-care-what-
happens-post-16html
Wade J (2011) lsquoPreparation and transition planning for
unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee young people A review
of evidence in Englandrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol
33 pp 2424-2430
Wade J and Dixon J (2006) lsquoMaking a home finding a job
investing early housing and employment outcomes for young people
leaving carersquo Child and Family Social Work Vol 11 (3) pp 199-208
Wade J Mitchel F and Baylis G (2005) Unaccompanied asylum
seeking children The response of social services London BAAF
40
Appendix
1) httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf page 25
Karenrsquos story
2) httpwwwnhsukConditionsAttention-deficit-hyperactivity-
disorderPagesIntroductionaspx
3) Email received in response to a request for Mr Timpson (Minister
of State for Children and Families) to answer three questions
regarding care leavers
Dear MsthinspThompsonthinsp
I am writing on behalf of the Minister of State for Children and
Families to thank you for your email of 9 February about your
dissertation
I am sorry but the department receives so many requests like yours
that we are unable to respond to them other than to point you to
sources of information I would therefore suggest that you look at the
departmentrsquos website
at httpswwwgovuksearchq=care+leavers+strategy
I hope you find this link helpful and that you are able to find the
information you need
Your correspondence has been allocated reference number 2016-
0008179 If you need to respond to us please
visit httpswwweducationgovukcontactus and quote your
reference number
As part of our commitment to improving the service we provide to
our customers we are interested in hearing your views and would
welcome your comments via our website
at httpswwweducationgovukpcusurvey
Yours sincerely
Kelly Walkerthinsp
Ministerial and Public Communications Division
Web
[httpswwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovuk]https
wwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovukgt
Twitter httpswwwtwittercomeducationgovuk
Facebook httpswwwfacebookcomeducationgovuk
41
[httpswwweducationgovukimages2irisdfepng]
4) httpwwwgisdaorgengamdanom-nihtml
5) httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga198941section20
6)httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrut
iny20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20Whe
n20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf
7)httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachme
nt_datafile201015Staying_Put_Guidancepdf
8) httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpageswhats-a-pathway-
planhtml
9) httpjobscommunitycarecoukarticlecoventry-tops-london-in-
the-best-place-to-live-league-tablescmpid=EMP|JOBS|SCJOB-
2016-0224-CH|READMORE-COVampcmpid
10) httpwwwconwygovukdocaspcat=4800ampdoc=19742
11)httpresearchbriefingsparliamentukResearchBriefingSummary
SN06705
42
i) Interview Guide
Generic areas of question
Age upon leaving care
Staying put scheme
Financial help
Choice of housing
Suitability of accommodation
Geographical position of accommodation
Further education
Access to support eg Personal Advisor social worker
Input with Pathway plan
Being listened to
Transition
Keeping in touch
Difference with peers
43
12
have had support with that it would have changed thingsrdquo (Care
leaver in Barnardorsquos (2) 2014 13)
There is evidence the young peoplersquos voices may not be listened to
The meetings and reviews appear stressful for the young people (Daly
2012) A large proportion felt ignored during meetings (Munro et al
2011 28) and approximately a third felt their lsquoPathway Planrsquo [the LA
is duty bound to have a Pathway Plan to assist in the transition to
independent living] was not adhered to at all It is noted young people
wish to have more control of when they leave care and for the
transition to be more gradual and less rushed (Morgan and Lindsey
2012 Morgan and Lindsey 2006)
Mendes and Moselhuddin (2006 113) note lsquoGraduation from care
needs to become a far more gradual and flexible process based on levels
of maturity and skill development rather than simply agersquo
Furthermore this view is held by the young people involved
ldquoI didnrsquot want to go I still had to go anyway I didnrsquot have a
choiceI was moving out at eighteen end of discussion and the
bit that really pissed me [off] is [that] they chucked me out on
my eighteenth birthdayrdquo (Care leaver in Munro et al 2011 21)
Although the age has been extended to 18 before a young person has to
leave care [unless they are in full time education] an Independent
Reviewing Officer (IRO) in Munro et al (2011 23) states
ldquoWe identified fairly quickly that all it has done is just knock it
back two years erm you know what used to be 16hellipused to have
all these arguments Wersquove shunted it back to 18 but you know
our 18 year olds are just as vulnerable as those 16 year olds
wererdquo
It is clear within the literature the young people fundamentally require
consistency and support from leaving care workers and services to aid
their transition from care to independence (Munro et al 2011 21)
Pride and an inability to ask for help to access services is apparent It
is recognised that many care leavers where reluctant to allow
13
themselves to be cared for The young people were more comfortable
with caring for others This is a result of often having to adopt the role
of carer within their birth family (Samuels and Pryce 2008 1203-
1205) However the literature does not identify other underlying
reasons for the young people having difficulty in accepting help
themselves Reasons such as lack of self- esteem and self- worth due to
the trauma they may have suffered
The transition to independence brings with it feelings of isolation and
loneliness which were connected to losing their carers
ldquoItrsquos hard to think that people you lived with for nine years are
not in your life anymorerdquo
(Care leaver in Morgan 2012 22)
There is evidence these feelings may also be connected to moving away
from friends and professionals changes in social workers and a
transition to adult services
One author notes the young people are living life lsquoin limborsquo (Hiles et
al 2014 6) It is suggested as the young people approach their
eighteenth birthday they are in a state of limbo knowing they may not
be lsquoin carersquo not knowing if they can lsquostay putrsquo with foster carers or
lsquomoving onrsquo to independent accommodation Leaving care workers
involved in Hilesrsquo et al (2014) study describe having ldquoinsufficient time
to prepare some young people for this transitionrdquo especially the young
people who had experienced problems in maintaining stable
placements prior to leaving care
Moreover the system is described as ldquochaotic and complexrdquo forced to
react rather than respond to crisis The cause of this is identified
through poor staff retention and therefore the use of temporary staff
leaving a lack of continuity and consistency (Hiles et al 2014 7)
This research examines policies potentially promoting negative
consequences For example a disengagement of adult mental health
services leading to re-engagement of childrenrsquos services those young
14
people most able being offered more support through education
leaving some young people of low risk but still vulnerable in an isolated
position Also it was noted the young people leaving care to return
home to their birth families for longer than six months lose access to
services when they may actually still be in a vulnerable position (Hiles
et al2014 7)
However Stein (2012 81) suggests there is evidence that most young
people experience good outcomes after leaving care Positive outcomes
are underpinned by the relationship between the young person and the
leaving care teams In addition the evidence points to a positive sense
of well-being when settled and happy even if past or leaving care
experiences have been negative (Wade and Dixon 2006)
In conclusion the literature identifies the inconsistency within leaving
care systems These inconsistencies span throughout the services
available to care leavers from financial to pathway planning and
implementation There is evidence of a somewhat uneven service
delivery despite policy stipulations
There has been an encouraging influx of research in the last fifteen
years or so which should promote a continued improvement in policy
and outcome for this fundamentally vulnerable group in society
There is evident progress within the leaving care system which has
been noted by Stein Wade and Dixon However despite progress
within the system [the introduction of personal advisors Pathway
Plans and specific leaving care teams] and extensive research
informing policy makers the uneven delivery still exists Additionally
care leavers are still disadvantaged compared to their peers even with
the progress that has been made
There is an emphasis on a proactive and preventative approach and a
significant need for placement stability underpinned by systematic and
consistent services As it stands young people are currently being
15
ldquopushed into fighting against a systemrdquo rather than a system that works
together for a positive outcome (Hiles et al 2014 11)
Contingency plans are an important recommendation outlined in recent
research as a necessity to prevent care leavers falling into crisis These
plans need to be in place regardless of assessed lsquoneedrsquo Moreover
access to an independent visitor enabling another supportive
relationship to be formed along with personal advisors would offer
greater assistance when decisions are being made for the young
personrsquos future (Barnardorsquos 2014 23)
Now the research is taking place identifying young peoplersquos
experiences of leaving care it is necessary to listen in order to make
effective changes in policy and practice to achieve better outcomes for
this vulnerable group
16
Chapter 3
Methodology
This research is of a qualitative nature The methodology included an
online questionnaire (n=50) to identify common themes followed up
by face- to-face interviews (n=10) for more detailed data However
the response rate for the online questionnaire was poor with only ten
returned The interviews adopted a semi-structured approach to allow
for participants to talk freely about their experiences The author used
an interview guide to achieve this containing the areas of interest
rather than a structured set of interview questions (Appendix i)
Support for this project was received from a local fostering group and
that provided some resources for sourcing the sample
Initially the author had positive support from social workers and
professionals within the leaving care sector Although actual response
from local authority was limited only one out of four who received
the research pack responded Participation by third sector
organisations was similarly positive however commitment to be
interviewed could not be obtained
The sample consisted of four young people aged 16 plus involved in
the leaving care process and four professionals working within the
leaving care system Geographically broken down to Gwynedd
Conwy Telford and Wrekin and Caerphilly
The interviews took place either in their own home place of work or
a mutually comfortable setting agreed by the participants The
researcher offered anonymity to the participants and the interviews
were handled sensitively keeping the vulnerability of some of the
sample in mind
The interviews were concerned with
17
Whether the young person feels supported
Whether the resources are accessible and the young person is made
aware of everything available
Whether the duties of the LA are being met from both points of view
(professional and young person)
The view of the use of BampB accommodation
Whether the leaving care process helps or hinders their future
How universal are the services provided
Is there enough financial assistance available resources and financial
advice
Are the young peoplersquos voices heard
Has policy and practice improved over the last couple of decades
The interviews were voice recorded with consent and a diary was kept
for all fieldwork undertaken The study adopted a grounded
theoretical approach and the data subjected to content analysis
a) Ethical Consideration
The sample where given thorough information regarding the study in
order for them to make an informed choice whether to participate or
not Confidentiality was adhered to and any disclosures were handled
appropriately and with ethical consideration in mind The researcher
was aware of the vulnerability of the young people and the sensitive
nature of the study
Due to the sensitivity of the research the data gathered was securely
kept in a locked filing cabinet (paper) and secure password protected
file (electronic) and destroyed on completion of the study
Permission to undertake this study was granted after a thorough and
detailed ethics application
18
Chapter 4
Findings
a) Transition
ldquoYou wouldnrsquot dream of kicking your own kids out so young
They give these kids to much artificial support to encourage
them to leaverdquo (Foster carer)
This is clearly reverberated in the literature particularly in the
Barnardorsquos report Someone to Care Experiences of leaving care
(2014) which highlights the plight of young care leavers and the lack
of parental support contributing to difficult transitions In addition it
has already been identified in the literature review that for children not
in care the leaving home age ranges from 20- 34 (ONS 2014)
Communication for this specific young person appeared to be lacking
ldquoWell my social worker didnrsquot really talk about what
would happenhelliphellipthey were like lsquooh yeah you will get
your own placersquo hellipbut not what will happen afterhellipso I
rushed into it thinking it was a good idea I think they
said it too soon to me if they wouldnrsquot have said it I
would still be here (foster care) for a while So I rushed
into it I had just left school maybe it would be
better at 17 or 18rdquo (Care leaver A currently aged 18 LA
Gwynedd)
This statement by a young care leaver is echoed by a set of foster carers
It was found that by giving the young person an offer of their own flat
complete with some furnishings of their choice seemed to sway their
decision whether or not to leave This was especially the case for 16
year olds
These foster carers stated that their young person had indicated they
wanted to stay in care at least until 18 years old however with a change
of social worker came a change of heart
19
ldquoYou see we had talked about when he would leave but he said
lsquono I wouldnrsquot like to be in a house on my ownrsquo He wanted to
stay when he first came to us he was having nightmares hellip he is
still having problems now He wonrsquot sleep in his bedroom now
he sleeps in the living room with the TV on They (Social
Services team) didnrsquot take any of this into account When his
social worker changed to the 16+ one he was like lsquooh well I
might move outrsquordquo
This particular interview found the process of leaving care very hasty
with very little preparation The young person in question was
identified by the LA as vulnerable however according to the foster
carers the process continued regardless
ldquoHe suddenly was kicking against us The social worker said he
was a troubled child he just said he had issues We know about
confidentiality but we were part of the care package but they (16
+ team) would not involve us There was no communication
between the 16+ team and us It was like he is an adult and thatrsquos
thatrdquo
The foster carers suggested the young person was being coached to
leave There was a sudden decision made and the young person went
lsquooff the railsrsquo It seemed a place was offered to enable them to move
out and that was when reality hit
ldquohelliphe drank a bottle of vodka and was talking about suicide He
suffers from low self- esteem There was no help for that I think
this was brought on by them (16+ team) telling him there was a
space somewhere He kept saying lsquoIrsquom so sorryrsquo It was reality
he had been going through the motions before thisrdquo
This illustrates a terrible indictment of a rushed transition Added to
the trauma which led the young person to being in care this does not
present a positive outcome
The findings for this report support the previous literature Steinrsquos
(2012) extensive research in this area continually reveals hasty
transitions from care to independence
Legislation relating to young people leaving care states
20
lsquoIt is the duty of the local authority looking after a child to advise assist
and befriend him with a view to promoting his welfare when they have
ceased to look after himrsquo (19A Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000)
Indicating a rushed transition should not be promoted rather that it
should be a much slower process with time being given to prepare fully
for independence
In contrast one participant going through the leaving care system in
2004 and within a different LA (Telford and Wrekin) had a much more
positive experience
ldquoI left care at 18 I was in a childrenrsquos homehellipfoster care didnrsquot
suit me I was always running away I had brilliant support all
the way until I was 25 I went to supported living and I had help
to learn to cook and manage money and bills Then I had help to
find a flat and become independent I even still see some of the
people who supported me when I go back to Telfordrdquo (Care
leaver B aged 30)
This indicates a far more gradual transition to independence
Unfortunately the majority of the data within this study points more
often to the former rushed transition
ldquoI turned 18 and it was like hellipyoursquore an adult now I was in a
hostel then a homeless place that was scary there were all sorts
there I liked the place in Bala it was good there But when I
turned 18 I couldnrsquot stay It was like one minute I had everything
done for me then nothingrdquo (Care leaver C currently aged 19
LA Conwy)
This young person moved into private care and currently resides in a
mixed home for people with mental health problems He has Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (Appendix 2)
The research suggests past history is not always taken into account
when assessing the suitability of independent living for these young
people
ldquoHis issues should have been recognised then he would not have
been offered to leave at 16 The social worker had not made the
effort to look at his historyrdquo (Foster carer)
21
Taking the young peoplersquos history and circumstances into account
could offer a more positive outcome than simply their age
ldquoThey had eight files on me from when I was little My foster
carer nagged them until she was able to have them to read
Then she knew what had happenedrdquo (Care leaver D currently
aged 19 LA Caerphilly)
It is recognised in policy that the system still does not seem to perform
as it should The Care Leaversrsquo Strategy (2013) identifies the abrupt
transition experienced by these young people in its opening paragraphs
However the report fails to include lsquotransitionrsquo as a fundamental area
of concern Instead usual sections such as education employment
housing and so on are highlighted as lsquobroad areas of concernrsquo It would
seem the young peoplersquos emotional well- being which is clearly
affected by the hasty exit from care does not hold the same
governmental importance
Additionally it may be prudent to add at this point that Edward
Timpson Minister of State for Children and Families was contacted
for the purpose of this research Mr Timpson was involved in the
development of the Care Leaversrsquo Strategy and in addition to this grew
up with looked after children as his parents were foster carers There
was no response to the research (Appendix 3)
A fundamental issue surrounding rushed transitions is the view these
young people are now adults although they are still virtually as
vulnerable as children The serious case review into the murder of
Jayden Parkinson highlights this Jayden was 17 and considered an
adult by services and practitioners The review stated
lsquoToo often [Parkinson] was viewed as a difficult young person and not
recognised as a child in need of safeguarding Professionals and
agencies did not always fully understand the serious nature of the risks
to [her] or were too quick to be reassured that she would be able to
protect herself from those risksrsquo (Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children
Board 2016 62)
22
It would seem important for policy to start considering the young
personrsquos position in life rather than their age as an indicator of their
readiness for independence
b) Housing and Accommodation
The participants were asked about their experiences with housing when
leaving care Questions about choice suitability and geographic area
where considered Consistent with past research and previous literature
(Barnardorsquos [2] 2014) issues where found in all these areas
Once again the Care Leaversrsquo Strategy recognises these issues found
in research past and present surrounding housing
lsquoCare leavers are a vulnerable group of young adults who have
particular needs in relation to housing and homelessness Around a
quarter of those living on the streets have a background in care The
majority of care leavers leave care by the age of 18 and rising demands
on social housing and other accommodation is making it increasingly
difficult for young people to find suitable accommodation as they enter
adulthoodrsquo (2013 14)
These findings suggest a significant risk of homelessness for these
participants In actual fact without the charity Gisda (Appendix 4) the
options for young people in Gwynedd would be seriously limited
It has already been noted that nationally care leavers are overly
represented within the homeless and inadequately housed with 30 of
homeless people formerly being in care (Who Cares Trust 2014)
When considering choice Bed and Breakfast (BampB) accommodation
was not always used but choice did appear limited Geographical
consideration and suitable match for the young person does not always
seem possible
23
ldquoWell there was a bit of choice but it was mainly Caernarfon I
had shared housing with Gisda not BampB and then I got my flat
with Gisdardquo (Care leaver A)
Once again this is echoed by foster carers
ldquoHe moved into shared housing for two weekshelliphe was
terrified he slit his mattress to hide his laptop in it There wasnrsquot
much choice had he had the choice to stay in Penygroes he
would have He has been trying to get back here ever since He
is afraid in Caernarfon He has two brothers living there which
he has had problems with and his brotherrsquos friend He is quite a
fearful child and finds living in Caernarfon stressful When he
gets home to his flat from here he doesnrsquot go outrdquo
This does not seem to be reserved to just this LA either
ldquoI was in a hostel but I kicked off so was in a BampB for a couple
of days They said I was smoking in the room so I got kicked out
of therehellipdidnrsquot even get all my stuff Then my social worker
said I could stay with my mum for the weekend cause my sister
wasnrsquot there But then she came backhellipshe winds me uphellipI
kicked off but hit the window hellipI wanted to hit her So my mum
called the police helliprdquo (Care leaver D)
There appears to be insecurity surrounding housing Care leaver D
went on to lsquosofa surfrsquo and then went back to his motherrsquos even though
that episode left him with a criminal damage conviction [brought on by
his mother] His support seemed to end there
Care leaver A was asked if the flat with Gisda was permanent
ldquoNo itrsquos two years temporary I have three months leftrdquo
When asked what happens then
ldquoI think Irsquom on the top the list with housing so Irsquove gotta hope
something comes up or I will probably end up in BampB The thing
is once you have had the flat and you get to 18 you sort of go in
circles so you can be put in BampB Itrsquos a worry being three months
awayhelliphellipI keep phoning themrdquo
This was reiterated by the foster carers
ldquoI canrsquot see Gisda putting him out on the street but they have to
give him notice of eviction in order for the council to do
something about it Sometimes he stays with his cousin or his
24
dad if there is any room But he will probably have to lsquosofa
surfrsquohellip thatrsquos what his brother had to do That will put him on
the list he has to be homeless to get helprdquo
The question of supported living was raised for this particular
participant the foster carer replied
ldquoThere doesnrsquot seem to be any here But for him it wouldnrsquot
work he would worry about the other people there He is afraid
of people that do drugs there is a family history with drugsrdquo
However a neighbouring LA had positive experiences with supported
living Their providers of supported living and BampB accommodation
had been the same for over ten years which would indicate some
consistency The manager for the leaving care team for this LA
commented that the staff at the BampBrsquos offered a sympathetic approach
with more of a lsquofamily feelrsquo to the service Furthermore this LA had
long term relationships with landlords who specifically offered
tenancies to care leavers This demonstrates the importance of
consistency Although BampB may not seem ideal if there are good long
term relationships with service providers this can offer a positive short
term solution
Likewise care leaver B had the right experience with their
accommodation
ldquoI went from the childrenrsquos home to supported lodgings and after
that had my own flat The supported lodgings really helped me
learn how to look after myself I did go off the rails a bit when I
was about 23 but because of my support I sorted myself outrdquo
Though care leaver C will be moving once again in the near future It
seems his ADHD leaves the LA at a loss as to where this young person
should live The condition necessitates extra support to enable him to
manage independence
ldquoI like where I am But the funding for here runs out soon They
(social services) have said there is a new place in Abergele I
think itrsquos a shared house If I turn that down though I will make
myself intentionally homeless so there is no choicerdquo
25
This young personrsquos worries where resonated by his mother too He
entered care under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989 (Appendix 5)
as his mother was unable to manage his behaviour Her understanding
was that he would be care for until he reached 21 It may be argued he
is being cared for and is continuing to be Yet as stated earlier a mental
health facility may not be seen as ideal equally shared housing may
not offer the level of support required for an eventual and positive
departure from care
Regrettably national statistics have shown a rise of 108 per cent in the
number of young people in unsuitable accommodation from 1660 in
2014 to 1840 in 2015 This is reiterated by Carrie Wilson young
peoplersquos project co-ordinator at The Care Leaversrsquo Association
ldquoOn a basic level [BampBs] are seen as a ldquosaferdquo place but those young
people do not feel safe regardless of the interventions put into place to
support a young person if they do not feel like they have personal
safety at the end of the day their coping mechanisms start to break
downrdquo (Puffett and Orfford 2016)
The experiences of these participants suggests a chaotic existence in
line with the research undertaken by Barnardorsquos (2) (2014)
This does not present an improvement of services Government
statistics from 2011 suggested only 17 local authorities were housing
100 per cent of care leavers in suitable accommodation (Higgs 2011)
These are dismal statistics as research conducted by Stein (201280)
found from 2004 to 2009 the numbers of care leavers in suitable
accommodation had risen from 77 to 90 The statistics from 2011
could correlate with the age of austerity and social service budget cuts
(Stein 2012 24)
In Gwynedd since 2013 there has been the lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
available and similar to Englandrsquos lsquoStaying Putrsquo scheme (Appendix 6
amp 7) These schemes are now available throughout Wales and offer the
26
young person an opportunity to stay within their foster care placement
until the age of 21 or beyond if they are engaged in education or
training which started before their twenty first birthday This extended
stay may last until completion of the education or training on the
condition it is set out in the young personrsquos pathway plan The
opportunity offers a more gradual transition similar to young people in
the general population (Gwynedd Council 2014)
However there was no evidence of this scheme to have been offered to
care leaver A Care leavers C and D appear to have merely been
managed until the LA no longer had the duty of care
c) Pathway Plans Personal Advisors and Social
Workers
ldquoI donrsquot remember how many social workers I had hellipmaybe 14
or 15 by the time I left care They kept changingrdquo (Care leaver
D)
The participants were asked about their experiences with personal
advisors social workers the creation and implementation of their
pathway plans (Appendix 8) and whether they felt they were listened
to
It would seem having several social workers is commonplace
ldquoThe 16+ team didnrsquot seem to support him They changed social
worker but he didnrsquot seem to know what was going on Then they
changed again to one from the 16+ team Thatrsquos when his
behaviour changed One of his previous social workers was
fantastic and he worshipped herhellip If only they had kept that
social worker it would have made such a differencerdquo (Foster
carer)
For care leaver A this seems to have happened with the personal
advisor too When asked about their personal advisor
27
ldquoThere was a foster meeting the lady what was her namehellip Jan
she was really good She was with social services and Gisda
But then when they thought I was ok they transferred me to
someone elserdquo
Though for some there was more consistency Care leaver C suggested
a good relationship with their personal advisor They indicated regular
visits phone calls and planning meetings In turn this young person felt
they were being listened to when the pathway plan was produced
The manager for this LAs leaving care team confirms his perspective
on personal advisors
ldquoWe have a team of four personal advisors They have about 40
cases each but they do a great job All of their cases have a
mobile phone number for them and they are all very dedicated
and approachable [from the young personrsquos point of view] They
offer a vital link from care to independencerdquo
However once again this service appears inconsistent depending on
the LA
Added to this frequent changes of case worker suggest a difficulty in
completion and implementation of pathway plans and causes the
young person to feel they are not being listened to
ldquoI was kind of listened to but then my social worker changed so
I had to start againhellipthere was no relationship there cause they
kept changing We would do one pathway plan then the social
worker changed and we would have to do another onerdquo (Care
leaver A)
When the foster carers were asked about the pathway plan and whether
they thought their young person was listened to
ldquoHe didnrsquot have a proper pathway plan for leaving it was rushed
There was no proper structure He was listened to but without
question or consideration of the consequences They ticked their
boxes and he was off their handsrdquo
These experiences were evident in the earlier research by Munro et al
(2011) whereby young people felt their voices were not heard and the
meetings surrounding their exit from care caused anxiety and stress
28
The foster carers then suggested their current placement who had just
turned 16 may suffer the same
ldquoShe is just about to change to the 16+ team they canrsquot wait to
get her on thathellipit will be her third social worker in two years
She is adamant she doesnrsquot want to leave at 16 but if they dangle
the carrot of her own flat in front of her it might be differentrdquo
Furthermore for the foster carers support appears to be inconsistent
One set had just been assigned a new social worker the third in two
years
ldquoWe have a new social worker and she just ticks the boxes She
seems terrified to use her initiative One social worker I was
dealing with said there were five people who were either off or
had left and not been replaced in his office alonerdquo
It is well documented that retention of staff within social work is
increasingly difficult Added to which there a national shortage of
approximately 3500 social workers both hindering continuity for the
people they provide services to (Community Care 2014) This and
aforementioned cuts to funding within leaving care services may
explain how the inconsistency and a lack of relationship with social
workers described within this data can infringe on the process of
leaving care
With this in mind it is imperative to consider the legal implications at
this point It would appear within the legal framework there are lsquogrey
areasrsquo which can allow the experiences of care leaverrsquos A C and D to
occur The Children (Leaving Care) Act (2000) states that an
assessment of needs must be carried out by the LA for the said child
(a)while they are still looking after him and
(b)after they cease to look after him (19B 4)
The proviso for this is the child has been looked after for a period of
time and that they are aged 16 or 17 (19B 2 a amp b)
However the Care Act (2014) has a section dedicated to the needs of a
child in the transition to adulthood including the requirement for a
29
needs assessment but in relation to the childrsquos needs after the age of
18 Furthermore section 58 (4) insists the assessment should be carried
out whether the child consents or not if there is a risk of or experiencing
abuse or neglect Bearing in mind the vulnerability of these young
people the causes for them to have been placed in care in the first place
it would be fair to consider this group eligible for this assessment and
extended care Added to which one would expect a more thorough and
consistent assessment to be carried out Clearly with several changes to
case workers [as experienced by care leavers A and D] this legal
standard is not being met
Perhaps government and policy makers should consider case worker
retention and better working environments as fundamental aspects of
policy in turn offering better outcomes for the young people
(Appendix 9)
d) Financial aspects
ldquoThey told him to choose what he needed for the flat but only
some of it turned up There is something I heard of might be
from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation where some money is put
into an ISA which can be accessed once they are 18 This is
because they have been in care But I feel the danger of that is it
could all be blown on something else or used as a carrot to
encourage leaving care As far as I have seen they just go and
spend it all then itrsquos gone ndash they would be better giving them a
furnished flatrdquo (Foster carer)
The Care Leavers Strategy states it encourages LArsquos to offer at least
pound2000 as a lsquoSetting Up Home Allowancersquo (leaving care grant)
although as this is not a legal requirement the amount varies from LA
to LA Care leaver A received in the region of pound400 (Gwynedd LA)
However the manager for Conwy laving care team indicated the
amount their care leavers receive is dependent on what they need This
is also stated on the LArsquos web site (Appendix 8) It may be suggested
that young people within less affluent LArsquos will fare worse financially
30
The Strategy maintains care leavers are entitled to a pound1200 bursary if
they are attending further education and a pound2000 bursary for higher
education This is financed by the Department for Education (2013
10) Extra funding of this kind would appear significant for these young
people however if the earlier literature is considered the statistics for
this grouprsquos educational achievements did not present well (See
chapter one) As this funding is reliant on the young person being in
education there will be a significant proportion unable to access this
extra help
Conwy LA did suggest promising outcomes for employment for their
care leavers with many undertaking apprenticeships within the
councilrsquos departments
ldquoWe have a number of our young people working and training in
the council (Conwy) with a selection of apprenticeships
specifically for them Some do go on to stay with us being
offered permanent contractsrdquo (Leaving care team manager)
Unfortunately a comparison cannot be made with other LArsquos or
voluntary organisations in this area as there was no response to the
research
Care leaver A did have temporary employment with a local leisure
centre although when a permanent contract was offered it was of a zero
hourrsquos nature
ldquoI wasnrsquot worth me taking ithellipI would lose my benefit and have
no guarantee of workrdquo
Care leaver C started a college course and managed a couple of shifts
in a restaurant kitchen however his chaotic accommodation provision
and a lack of support for his ADHD hampered his continuation
Care leaver D is NEET (Appendix 11) and has been since his exit from
care It would seem this has not been assisted by his family [to which
he returned] who have also never been in employment and his
reluctance to receive any more services It may be suggested his high
31
level of case worker turnover contributed to his reluctance Equally his
chaotic existence before entering care disrupted his education added
the rushed transition from care has not facilitated good employment
prospects
e) Evaluation and Reflection
When evaluating this research one must acknowledge the limitations
when assessing the size of the sample
Despite persistence there was a reluctance by professionals particularly
to participate Out of four LAs contacted only one responded and
agreed to be interviewed One LA received the research pack three
times follow up calls were made several times to no avail The same
may be said for the voluntary sector in spite of positive telephone
conversations and receipt of the research pack Barnardorsquos and Gisda
did not consent to be interviewed Therefore the findings were
somewhat one sided and the professional perspective limited
However even with the limited sample the original hypothesis of the
leaving care system failing the young people has a degree of truth
Equally the findings are reflective of earlier research identified in
chapter 2
There is certainly scope for further and more considerable research
within this field Although for future studies it may be beneficial to use
focus group methodology to encourage professional participation This
would possibly generate an improved response rate in comparison to
the online questionnaire used for the initial stages of this project The
face to face follow up interviews proved difficult to organise although
it was difficult to decipher whether this was due to a reluctance to
engage in the research or a lack of available time
32
Chapter 5
Conclusion
In conclusion the data collected for this study shows a system that sadly
does fail its young people Certainly in Gwynedd the leaving care
process is seemingly rushed and centred around a personrsquos age rather
than their readiness for independence Of course it may be argued there
has to be a lsquocut off pointrsquo and young people have to become
independent at some time for legal purposes that lsquopointrsquo is dictated by
their age It would seem this is the case regardless of the harm it may
cause Furthermore it could be argued this hasty process is a breach of
the young personrsquos human rights however despite searching no cases
were found
In 2006 research conducted by Mendes and Moselhuddin concluded
the leaving care process should be a gradual process based on levels of
maturity and ability to manage independence rather than simply age
The same recommendation is echoed in the majority of research both
past and present It would seem that ten years on we are no closer to an
ideal solution
For care leaver A C and D the outcome was poor Certainly they did
not feel supported through the transition although care leaver C had
significantly better support from their personal advisor post 18
However despite this support care leaver C was still living in less than
ideal circumstances and about to be moved once again
In line with the literature this study although with the limited sample
found immense inconsistencies within the system and in every area
from support to financial assistance
Evidently for some the system works against an already disadvantaged
group abandoning when needed the most so to speak
33
It would seem the introduction of legislation and the Transitions
Guidance to strengthen practice and policy has failed to make a
significant improvement especially surrounding the lsquolevelling uprsquo of
services Attributed by the cost cutting imposed on LArsquos by central
government this is hardly surprising
There are some encouraging outcomes such as care leaver B receiving
immense support from their LA beyond policy and legal requirement
This is in line with some of Steinrsquos (2012 81) research and positive
outcomes are underpinned by the level of good consistent and accurate
support received by the individual Yet as this study has found this is
not consistent or universal
It is clear inconsistencies lack of support young and rushed transitions
all contribute to poorer outcomes for this group of young people A
group which are already disadvantaged and at a much higher risk of
social exclusion
As a society we should consider these young people as just that ndash young
people Often with the same dreams and aspirations as any other young
person On the contrary perhaps we should consider these young
people further as many will have already been let down by society
Either way they are entitled to as much support guidance and
opportunity as any other Regrettably this does not seem to be the case
as despite advances in research policy and legislation the same
inconsistencies and failures appear to occur time and time again
The study has shown the importance of understanding the young
peoplersquos history Of understanding former problems or areas of
concern This aids the transition to independence as it identifies where
the support is needed and individualizes the young person There
cannot be a lsquoone size fits allrsquo approach to the leaving care system as
one can see these young people are individual It has identified how
fundamental it is to include a young personrsquos foster carers when
considering independence to recognise the relationship they may have
34
with the young person and the key role they play after leaving care (as
with care lever A)
With this in mind one must acknowledge the leaving care system has
indeed improved over the last 30 years however it needs to continue to
progress if there is any hope of achieving a consistent service with more
even and positive outcomes for these young people
35
Bibliography
Action for Children (2014) [Online]
Available at httpwwwactionforchildrenorgukour-
servicesadoption-fostering-and-children-in-carechildren-in-
careleaving-care
Barnardorsquos (2014)[1] [Online] Someone to Care Experiences of
leaving care Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorguksomeone_to_care_final_feb2014pdf
(Accessed 07 October 2015)
Barnardorsquos (2014)[2] [Online] The costs of not caring supporting
English care leavers into independence Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf (Accessed 07
October 2015)
Biehal N Clayden J Stein M and Wade J (1995) Moving On
Young people and leaving care schemes London HMSO
Broad B (2005) Improving the Health and Well-Being of Young
People Leaving Care Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing
Burgess C (1981) In Care and Into Work London Tavistock
Care Leaverrsquos Foundation (with Children and Young People Now)
(2009) [Online] Setting Up A place to call home Bala Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation Available at
httpwwwthecareleaversfoundationorgsitedatafilesSetting_Up_A
_Place_to_Callpdf (Accessed 06 April 2015)
Care Leavers Strategy (2013) [Online] Available at
httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachment_
datafile266484Care_Leaver_Strategypdf (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Care Act (2014) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga201423part1crossheadingtra
nsition-for-children-to-adult-care-and-support-etcenacted (Accessed
01 March 2016)
Children and Families Act 2014 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga20146section98enacted
(Accessed 02 October 2015)
36
Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200035pdfsukpga_20000035_
enpdf (Accessed 19 March 2015)
Children and Young Persons Act (2008) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200823contents (Accessed 02
October 2015)
Community Care (2014) [Online] Councils struggling to retain social
workers in face of high caseloads and competition over pay
Available at httpwwwcommunitycarecouk20140130councils-
struggling-retain-social-workers-face-high-caseloads-competition-
pay (Accessed 22 February 2016)
Courtney M Terrao S and Bost N (2004) Midwest evaluation of
the adult functioning of former foster youth Conditions of youth
preparing to leave state care Outcomes at age 19 Chicago Chapin
Hall Centre for Children at University of Chicago
Daly F (2012) lsquoMy voice has to be heardrsquo Research on outcomes
for young people leaving care in North Dublin Dublin EPIC
Dixon J and Baker C (2012) lsquoThe Housing Experience of Young
People Leaving Care in England What helpsrsquo Developing Practice
The Child Youth and Family Work Journal Issue 32 National Care
Advisory Service (NCAS)
wwweducationgovuk [Online]
Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20130123124929httpw
wweducationgovukresearchandstatisticsstatisticsa00195573
Family Rights Group (2014) [Online] Support for Young People
Leaving the Care System Available at
httpwwwfrgorgukimagesAdvice_Sheets16-support-for-young-
people-leaving-carepdf (Accessed 29 September 2015)
The Fostering Network (2014) [Online] Staying Put Available at
httpswwwfosteringnetall-about-fosteringprovidersstaying-put-
updateVg5D-PRdX1Y (Accessed 02 October 2015)
Godek S (1976) Leaving Care Barkingside Barnardorsquos
Gwynedd Council (2014) [Online] lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
Available at
httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrutin
y20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20When
37
20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf (Accessed
22 February 2016)
Harris R J (1982) Institutionalized Ambivalence Social Work and
the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 British Journal of Social
Work Vol12 pp 247-263
Higgs L (2011) [Online] Housing crisis around the corner for care
leavers experts warn Children and Young People Now Available
at httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1050066housing-crisis-
corner-care-leavers-experts-warn (Accessed 17 February 2016)
Hiles D Moss D Thorne L Wright J and Dallos R (2014) ldquoSo
what am Irdquo ndash Multiple perspectives on young peoplersquos experience of
leaving care Children and Youth Services Review Vol 41 pp 1-15
House of Commons (1968) Report of the Committee on Local
Authority and Allied Personal Social Services London HMSO
Hutchinson D (2013) [Online] Catch 22 National Care Advisory
Service (NCAS) Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads9b7793d8be6ffc05a501df3df
4a1ef5fpdf
Jackson S and Cameron C (2012) lsquoLeaving Care Looking ahead
and aiming higherrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 34 (6)
pp 1107-1114
Mendes P and Moslehuddin B (2006) lsquoFrom Dependence to
Interdependence Towards Better Outcomes for Young People
Leaving State Carersquo Child Abuse Review Vol15 pp 110-166
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2006) Young peoplersquos views on leaving
care Newcastle Commission for Social Care Inspection
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2012) Young peoplersquos views on care
and aftercare Office of the Childrenrsquos Rights Director London
Ofsted
Mulvey T (1977) lsquoAfter-care ndash who caresrsquo Concern No 26
London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Munro E Lushey C and Ward H (2011) Evaluation of the
Right2BCared4 Pilots Final report (NCAS) London Department
for Education
38
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2011) Making the Cut
Planning Transitions for Care Levers in an Age of Austerity London
NCAS
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2012) [Online] Statistical
Briefing Looked after children and care leavers 2012 Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads0e9a6e4f266b8e96ad7c8e25
7bd53982pdf (Accessed 30 March 2015)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2013)
[Online] The NICE quality standard on the health and wellbeing of
looked after children and young people Available at
httpwwwniceorgukguidanceQS31chapterQuality-statement-8-
Support-to-move-to-independence (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Office for National Statistics (2014) [Online] Large increase in 20 to
34-year-olds living with parents since 1996 Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20160105160709httpw
wwonsgovukonsrelfamily-demographyyoung-adults-living-with-
parents2013sty-young-adultshtml (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board (2016) [Online] Child J ndash
Domestic Homicide Review and Serious Case Review (combined)
Available at httpwwwoscborgukwp-contentuploadsChild-J-
OSCB-Overview-Reportpdf (Accessed 25 February 2016)
Page R and Clark G (eds) (1977) Who Cares Young People in
Care Speak Out London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Puffett N and Orfford A (2016) [Online] Increasing numbers of
care leavers in unsuitable accommodation Children and Young
People Now Available at
httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1155917increasing-numbers-of-
care-leavers-in-unsuitable-accommodation (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Samuels G M and Pryce J M (2008) ldquoWhat doesnrsquot kill you
makes you strongerrdquo Survivalist self-reliance as resilience and risk
among young adults aging out of foster care Children and Youth
Services Review Vol 30 (10) pp 1198-1210
Stein M (2002) Young People Leaving Care A Research
Perspective In A Wheal ed The RHP Companion to Leaving Care
Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing pp 28-33
39
Stein M (2004) What works for young people leaving care
Barkingside Barnardos
Stein M (2006) lsquoYoung people aging out of care The poverty of
theoryrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 28 (4) pp 422-434
Stein M (2012) Young People Leaving Care Supporting Pathways
to Adulthood London Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Stein M and Carey K (1986) Leaving Care Oxford Blackwell
Stein M and Ellis S (1983) Gizza Say Reviews and Young People
in Care London NAYPIC
Stein M and Maynard C (1985) Irsquove Never Been So Lonely
London NAYPIC
Stone M (1990) Young People Leaving Care A study of
management systems service delivery and user evaluation UK The
Royal Philanthropic Society
The Who Carersquos Trust (2014) [Online] Leaving Care Available at
httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpagesleaving-care-what-
happens-post-16html
Wade J (2011) lsquoPreparation and transition planning for
unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee young people A review
of evidence in Englandrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol
33 pp 2424-2430
Wade J and Dixon J (2006) lsquoMaking a home finding a job
investing early housing and employment outcomes for young people
leaving carersquo Child and Family Social Work Vol 11 (3) pp 199-208
Wade J Mitchel F and Baylis G (2005) Unaccompanied asylum
seeking children The response of social services London BAAF
40
Appendix
1) httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf page 25
Karenrsquos story
2) httpwwwnhsukConditionsAttention-deficit-hyperactivity-
disorderPagesIntroductionaspx
3) Email received in response to a request for Mr Timpson (Minister
of State for Children and Families) to answer three questions
regarding care leavers
Dear MsthinspThompsonthinsp
I am writing on behalf of the Minister of State for Children and
Families to thank you for your email of 9 February about your
dissertation
I am sorry but the department receives so many requests like yours
that we are unable to respond to them other than to point you to
sources of information I would therefore suggest that you look at the
departmentrsquos website
at httpswwwgovuksearchq=care+leavers+strategy
I hope you find this link helpful and that you are able to find the
information you need
Your correspondence has been allocated reference number 2016-
0008179 If you need to respond to us please
visit httpswwweducationgovukcontactus and quote your
reference number
As part of our commitment to improving the service we provide to
our customers we are interested in hearing your views and would
welcome your comments via our website
at httpswwweducationgovukpcusurvey
Yours sincerely
Kelly Walkerthinsp
Ministerial and Public Communications Division
Web
[httpswwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovuk]https
wwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovukgt
Twitter httpswwwtwittercomeducationgovuk
Facebook httpswwwfacebookcomeducationgovuk
41
[httpswwweducationgovukimages2irisdfepng]
4) httpwwwgisdaorgengamdanom-nihtml
5) httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga198941section20
6)httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrut
iny20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20Whe
n20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf
7)httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachme
nt_datafile201015Staying_Put_Guidancepdf
8) httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpageswhats-a-pathway-
planhtml
9) httpjobscommunitycarecoukarticlecoventry-tops-london-in-
the-best-place-to-live-league-tablescmpid=EMP|JOBS|SCJOB-
2016-0224-CH|READMORE-COVampcmpid
10) httpwwwconwygovukdocaspcat=4800ampdoc=19742
11)httpresearchbriefingsparliamentukResearchBriefingSummary
SN06705
42
i) Interview Guide
Generic areas of question
Age upon leaving care
Staying put scheme
Financial help
Choice of housing
Suitability of accommodation
Geographical position of accommodation
Further education
Access to support eg Personal Advisor social worker
Input with Pathway plan
Being listened to
Transition
Keeping in touch
Difference with peers
43
13
themselves to be cared for The young people were more comfortable
with caring for others This is a result of often having to adopt the role
of carer within their birth family (Samuels and Pryce 2008 1203-
1205) However the literature does not identify other underlying
reasons for the young people having difficulty in accepting help
themselves Reasons such as lack of self- esteem and self- worth due to
the trauma they may have suffered
The transition to independence brings with it feelings of isolation and
loneliness which were connected to losing their carers
ldquoItrsquos hard to think that people you lived with for nine years are
not in your life anymorerdquo
(Care leaver in Morgan 2012 22)
There is evidence these feelings may also be connected to moving away
from friends and professionals changes in social workers and a
transition to adult services
One author notes the young people are living life lsquoin limborsquo (Hiles et
al 2014 6) It is suggested as the young people approach their
eighteenth birthday they are in a state of limbo knowing they may not
be lsquoin carersquo not knowing if they can lsquostay putrsquo with foster carers or
lsquomoving onrsquo to independent accommodation Leaving care workers
involved in Hilesrsquo et al (2014) study describe having ldquoinsufficient time
to prepare some young people for this transitionrdquo especially the young
people who had experienced problems in maintaining stable
placements prior to leaving care
Moreover the system is described as ldquochaotic and complexrdquo forced to
react rather than respond to crisis The cause of this is identified
through poor staff retention and therefore the use of temporary staff
leaving a lack of continuity and consistency (Hiles et al 2014 7)
This research examines policies potentially promoting negative
consequences For example a disengagement of adult mental health
services leading to re-engagement of childrenrsquos services those young
14
people most able being offered more support through education
leaving some young people of low risk but still vulnerable in an isolated
position Also it was noted the young people leaving care to return
home to their birth families for longer than six months lose access to
services when they may actually still be in a vulnerable position (Hiles
et al2014 7)
However Stein (2012 81) suggests there is evidence that most young
people experience good outcomes after leaving care Positive outcomes
are underpinned by the relationship between the young person and the
leaving care teams In addition the evidence points to a positive sense
of well-being when settled and happy even if past or leaving care
experiences have been negative (Wade and Dixon 2006)
In conclusion the literature identifies the inconsistency within leaving
care systems These inconsistencies span throughout the services
available to care leavers from financial to pathway planning and
implementation There is evidence of a somewhat uneven service
delivery despite policy stipulations
There has been an encouraging influx of research in the last fifteen
years or so which should promote a continued improvement in policy
and outcome for this fundamentally vulnerable group in society
There is evident progress within the leaving care system which has
been noted by Stein Wade and Dixon However despite progress
within the system [the introduction of personal advisors Pathway
Plans and specific leaving care teams] and extensive research
informing policy makers the uneven delivery still exists Additionally
care leavers are still disadvantaged compared to their peers even with
the progress that has been made
There is an emphasis on a proactive and preventative approach and a
significant need for placement stability underpinned by systematic and
consistent services As it stands young people are currently being
15
ldquopushed into fighting against a systemrdquo rather than a system that works
together for a positive outcome (Hiles et al 2014 11)
Contingency plans are an important recommendation outlined in recent
research as a necessity to prevent care leavers falling into crisis These
plans need to be in place regardless of assessed lsquoneedrsquo Moreover
access to an independent visitor enabling another supportive
relationship to be formed along with personal advisors would offer
greater assistance when decisions are being made for the young
personrsquos future (Barnardorsquos 2014 23)
Now the research is taking place identifying young peoplersquos
experiences of leaving care it is necessary to listen in order to make
effective changes in policy and practice to achieve better outcomes for
this vulnerable group
16
Chapter 3
Methodology
This research is of a qualitative nature The methodology included an
online questionnaire (n=50) to identify common themes followed up
by face- to-face interviews (n=10) for more detailed data However
the response rate for the online questionnaire was poor with only ten
returned The interviews adopted a semi-structured approach to allow
for participants to talk freely about their experiences The author used
an interview guide to achieve this containing the areas of interest
rather than a structured set of interview questions (Appendix i)
Support for this project was received from a local fostering group and
that provided some resources for sourcing the sample
Initially the author had positive support from social workers and
professionals within the leaving care sector Although actual response
from local authority was limited only one out of four who received
the research pack responded Participation by third sector
organisations was similarly positive however commitment to be
interviewed could not be obtained
The sample consisted of four young people aged 16 plus involved in
the leaving care process and four professionals working within the
leaving care system Geographically broken down to Gwynedd
Conwy Telford and Wrekin and Caerphilly
The interviews took place either in their own home place of work or
a mutually comfortable setting agreed by the participants The
researcher offered anonymity to the participants and the interviews
were handled sensitively keeping the vulnerability of some of the
sample in mind
The interviews were concerned with
17
Whether the young person feels supported
Whether the resources are accessible and the young person is made
aware of everything available
Whether the duties of the LA are being met from both points of view
(professional and young person)
The view of the use of BampB accommodation
Whether the leaving care process helps or hinders their future
How universal are the services provided
Is there enough financial assistance available resources and financial
advice
Are the young peoplersquos voices heard
Has policy and practice improved over the last couple of decades
The interviews were voice recorded with consent and a diary was kept
for all fieldwork undertaken The study adopted a grounded
theoretical approach and the data subjected to content analysis
a) Ethical Consideration
The sample where given thorough information regarding the study in
order for them to make an informed choice whether to participate or
not Confidentiality was adhered to and any disclosures were handled
appropriately and with ethical consideration in mind The researcher
was aware of the vulnerability of the young people and the sensitive
nature of the study
Due to the sensitivity of the research the data gathered was securely
kept in a locked filing cabinet (paper) and secure password protected
file (electronic) and destroyed on completion of the study
Permission to undertake this study was granted after a thorough and
detailed ethics application
18
Chapter 4
Findings
a) Transition
ldquoYou wouldnrsquot dream of kicking your own kids out so young
They give these kids to much artificial support to encourage
them to leaverdquo (Foster carer)
This is clearly reverberated in the literature particularly in the
Barnardorsquos report Someone to Care Experiences of leaving care
(2014) which highlights the plight of young care leavers and the lack
of parental support contributing to difficult transitions In addition it
has already been identified in the literature review that for children not
in care the leaving home age ranges from 20- 34 (ONS 2014)
Communication for this specific young person appeared to be lacking
ldquoWell my social worker didnrsquot really talk about what
would happenhelliphellipthey were like lsquooh yeah you will get
your own placersquo hellipbut not what will happen afterhellipso I
rushed into it thinking it was a good idea I think they
said it too soon to me if they wouldnrsquot have said it I
would still be here (foster care) for a while So I rushed
into it I had just left school maybe it would be
better at 17 or 18rdquo (Care leaver A currently aged 18 LA
Gwynedd)
This statement by a young care leaver is echoed by a set of foster carers
It was found that by giving the young person an offer of their own flat
complete with some furnishings of their choice seemed to sway their
decision whether or not to leave This was especially the case for 16
year olds
These foster carers stated that their young person had indicated they
wanted to stay in care at least until 18 years old however with a change
of social worker came a change of heart
19
ldquoYou see we had talked about when he would leave but he said
lsquono I wouldnrsquot like to be in a house on my ownrsquo He wanted to
stay when he first came to us he was having nightmares hellip he is
still having problems now He wonrsquot sleep in his bedroom now
he sleeps in the living room with the TV on They (Social
Services team) didnrsquot take any of this into account When his
social worker changed to the 16+ one he was like lsquooh well I
might move outrsquordquo
This particular interview found the process of leaving care very hasty
with very little preparation The young person in question was
identified by the LA as vulnerable however according to the foster
carers the process continued regardless
ldquoHe suddenly was kicking against us The social worker said he
was a troubled child he just said he had issues We know about
confidentiality but we were part of the care package but they (16
+ team) would not involve us There was no communication
between the 16+ team and us It was like he is an adult and thatrsquos
thatrdquo
The foster carers suggested the young person was being coached to
leave There was a sudden decision made and the young person went
lsquooff the railsrsquo It seemed a place was offered to enable them to move
out and that was when reality hit
ldquohelliphe drank a bottle of vodka and was talking about suicide He
suffers from low self- esteem There was no help for that I think
this was brought on by them (16+ team) telling him there was a
space somewhere He kept saying lsquoIrsquom so sorryrsquo It was reality
he had been going through the motions before thisrdquo
This illustrates a terrible indictment of a rushed transition Added to
the trauma which led the young person to being in care this does not
present a positive outcome
The findings for this report support the previous literature Steinrsquos
(2012) extensive research in this area continually reveals hasty
transitions from care to independence
Legislation relating to young people leaving care states
20
lsquoIt is the duty of the local authority looking after a child to advise assist
and befriend him with a view to promoting his welfare when they have
ceased to look after himrsquo (19A Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000)
Indicating a rushed transition should not be promoted rather that it
should be a much slower process with time being given to prepare fully
for independence
In contrast one participant going through the leaving care system in
2004 and within a different LA (Telford and Wrekin) had a much more
positive experience
ldquoI left care at 18 I was in a childrenrsquos homehellipfoster care didnrsquot
suit me I was always running away I had brilliant support all
the way until I was 25 I went to supported living and I had help
to learn to cook and manage money and bills Then I had help to
find a flat and become independent I even still see some of the
people who supported me when I go back to Telfordrdquo (Care
leaver B aged 30)
This indicates a far more gradual transition to independence
Unfortunately the majority of the data within this study points more
often to the former rushed transition
ldquoI turned 18 and it was like hellipyoursquore an adult now I was in a
hostel then a homeless place that was scary there were all sorts
there I liked the place in Bala it was good there But when I
turned 18 I couldnrsquot stay It was like one minute I had everything
done for me then nothingrdquo (Care leaver C currently aged 19
LA Conwy)
This young person moved into private care and currently resides in a
mixed home for people with mental health problems He has Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (Appendix 2)
The research suggests past history is not always taken into account
when assessing the suitability of independent living for these young
people
ldquoHis issues should have been recognised then he would not have
been offered to leave at 16 The social worker had not made the
effort to look at his historyrdquo (Foster carer)
21
Taking the young peoplersquos history and circumstances into account
could offer a more positive outcome than simply their age
ldquoThey had eight files on me from when I was little My foster
carer nagged them until she was able to have them to read
Then she knew what had happenedrdquo (Care leaver D currently
aged 19 LA Caerphilly)
It is recognised in policy that the system still does not seem to perform
as it should The Care Leaversrsquo Strategy (2013) identifies the abrupt
transition experienced by these young people in its opening paragraphs
However the report fails to include lsquotransitionrsquo as a fundamental area
of concern Instead usual sections such as education employment
housing and so on are highlighted as lsquobroad areas of concernrsquo It would
seem the young peoplersquos emotional well- being which is clearly
affected by the hasty exit from care does not hold the same
governmental importance
Additionally it may be prudent to add at this point that Edward
Timpson Minister of State for Children and Families was contacted
for the purpose of this research Mr Timpson was involved in the
development of the Care Leaversrsquo Strategy and in addition to this grew
up with looked after children as his parents were foster carers There
was no response to the research (Appendix 3)
A fundamental issue surrounding rushed transitions is the view these
young people are now adults although they are still virtually as
vulnerable as children The serious case review into the murder of
Jayden Parkinson highlights this Jayden was 17 and considered an
adult by services and practitioners The review stated
lsquoToo often [Parkinson] was viewed as a difficult young person and not
recognised as a child in need of safeguarding Professionals and
agencies did not always fully understand the serious nature of the risks
to [her] or were too quick to be reassured that she would be able to
protect herself from those risksrsquo (Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children
Board 2016 62)
22
It would seem important for policy to start considering the young
personrsquos position in life rather than their age as an indicator of their
readiness for independence
b) Housing and Accommodation
The participants were asked about their experiences with housing when
leaving care Questions about choice suitability and geographic area
where considered Consistent with past research and previous literature
(Barnardorsquos [2] 2014) issues where found in all these areas
Once again the Care Leaversrsquo Strategy recognises these issues found
in research past and present surrounding housing
lsquoCare leavers are a vulnerable group of young adults who have
particular needs in relation to housing and homelessness Around a
quarter of those living on the streets have a background in care The
majority of care leavers leave care by the age of 18 and rising demands
on social housing and other accommodation is making it increasingly
difficult for young people to find suitable accommodation as they enter
adulthoodrsquo (2013 14)
These findings suggest a significant risk of homelessness for these
participants In actual fact without the charity Gisda (Appendix 4) the
options for young people in Gwynedd would be seriously limited
It has already been noted that nationally care leavers are overly
represented within the homeless and inadequately housed with 30 of
homeless people formerly being in care (Who Cares Trust 2014)
When considering choice Bed and Breakfast (BampB) accommodation
was not always used but choice did appear limited Geographical
consideration and suitable match for the young person does not always
seem possible
23
ldquoWell there was a bit of choice but it was mainly Caernarfon I
had shared housing with Gisda not BampB and then I got my flat
with Gisdardquo (Care leaver A)
Once again this is echoed by foster carers
ldquoHe moved into shared housing for two weekshelliphe was
terrified he slit his mattress to hide his laptop in it There wasnrsquot
much choice had he had the choice to stay in Penygroes he
would have He has been trying to get back here ever since He
is afraid in Caernarfon He has two brothers living there which
he has had problems with and his brotherrsquos friend He is quite a
fearful child and finds living in Caernarfon stressful When he
gets home to his flat from here he doesnrsquot go outrdquo
This does not seem to be reserved to just this LA either
ldquoI was in a hostel but I kicked off so was in a BampB for a couple
of days They said I was smoking in the room so I got kicked out
of therehellipdidnrsquot even get all my stuff Then my social worker
said I could stay with my mum for the weekend cause my sister
wasnrsquot there But then she came backhellipshe winds me uphellipI
kicked off but hit the window hellipI wanted to hit her So my mum
called the police helliprdquo (Care leaver D)
There appears to be insecurity surrounding housing Care leaver D
went on to lsquosofa surfrsquo and then went back to his motherrsquos even though
that episode left him with a criminal damage conviction [brought on by
his mother] His support seemed to end there
Care leaver A was asked if the flat with Gisda was permanent
ldquoNo itrsquos two years temporary I have three months leftrdquo
When asked what happens then
ldquoI think Irsquom on the top the list with housing so Irsquove gotta hope
something comes up or I will probably end up in BampB The thing
is once you have had the flat and you get to 18 you sort of go in
circles so you can be put in BampB Itrsquos a worry being three months
awayhelliphellipI keep phoning themrdquo
This was reiterated by the foster carers
ldquoI canrsquot see Gisda putting him out on the street but they have to
give him notice of eviction in order for the council to do
something about it Sometimes he stays with his cousin or his
24
dad if there is any room But he will probably have to lsquosofa
surfrsquohellip thatrsquos what his brother had to do That will put him on
the list he has to be homeless to get helprdquo
The question of supported living was raised for this particular
participant the foster carer replied
ldquoThere doesnrsquot seem to be any here But for him it wouldnrsquot
work he would worry about the other people there He is afraid
of people that do drugs there is a family history with drugsrdquo
However a neighbouring LA had positive experiences with supported
living Their providers of supported living and BampB accommodation
had been the same for over ten years which would indicate some
consistency The manager for the leaving care team for this LA
commented that the staff at the BampBrsquos offered a sympathetic approach
with more of a lsquofamily feelrsquo to the service Furthermore this LA had
long term relationships with landlords who specifically offered
tenancies to care leavers This demonstrates the importance of
consistency Although BampB may not seem ideal if there are good long
term relationships with service providers this can offer a positive short
term solution
Likewise care leaver B had the right experience with their
accommodation
ldquoI went from the childrenrsquos home to supported lodgings and after
that had my own flat The supported lodgings really helped me
learn how to look after myself I did go off the rails a bit when I
was about 23 but because of my support I sorted myself outrdquo
Though care leaver C will be moving once again in the near future It
seems his ADHD leaves the LA at a loss as to where this young person
should live The condition necessitates extra support to enable him to
manage independence
ldquoI like where I am But the funding for here runs out soon They
(social services) have said there is a new place in Abergele I
think itrsquos a shared house If I turn that down though I will make
myself intentionally homeless so there is no choicerdquo
25
This young personrsquos worries where resonated by his mother too He
entered care under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989 (Appendix 5)
as his mother was unable to manage his behaviour Her understanding
was that he would be care for until he reached 21 It may be argued he
is being cared for and is continuing to be Yet as stated earlier a mental
health facility may not be seen as ideal equally shared housing may
not offer the level of support required for an eventual and positive
departure from care
Regrettably national statistics have shown a rise of 108 per cent in the
number of young people in unsuitable accommodation from 1660 in
2014 to 1840 in 2015 This is reiterated by Carrie Wilson young
peoplersquos project co-ordinator at The Care Leaversrsquo Association
ldquoOn a basic level [BampBs] are seen as a ldquosaferdquo place but those young
people do not feel safe regardless of the interventions put into place to
support a young person if they do not feel like they have personal
safety at the end of the day their coping mechanisms start to break
downrdquo (Puffett and Orfford 2016)
The experiences of these participants suggests a chaotic existence in
line with the research undertaken by Barnardorsquos (2) (2014)
This does not present an improvement of services Government
statistics from 2011 suggested only 17 local authorities were housing
100 per cent of care leavers in suitable accommodation (Higgs 2011)
These are dismal statistics as research conducted by Stein (201280)
found from 2004 to 2009 the numbers of care leavers in suitable
accommodation had risen from 77 to 90 The statistics from 2011
could correlate with the age of austerity and social service budget cuts
(Stein 2012 24)
In Gwynedd since 2013 there has been the lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
available and similar to Englandrsquos lsquoStaying Putrsquo scheme (Appendix 6
amp 7) These schemes are now available throughout Wales and offer the
26
young person an opportunity to stay within their foster care placement
until the age of 21 or beyond if they are engaged in education or
training which started before their twenty first birthday This extended
stay may last until completion of the education or training on the
condition it is set out in the young personrsquos pathway plan The
opportunity offers a more gradual transition similar to young people in
the general population (Gwynedd Council 2014)
However there was no evidence of this scheme to have been offered to
care leaver A Care leavers C and D appear to have merely been
managed until the LA no longer had the duty of care
c) Pathway Plans Personal Advisors and Social
Workers
ldquoI donrsquot remember how many social workers I had hellipmaybe 14
or 15 by the time I left care They kept changingrdquo (Care leaver
D)
The participants were asked about their experiences with personal
advisors social workers the creation and implementation of their
pathway plans (Appendix 8) and whether they felt they were listened
to
It would seem having several social workers is commonplace
ldquoThe 16+ team didnrsquot seem to support him They changed social
worker but he didnrsquot seem to know what was going on Then they
changed again to one from the 16+ team Thatrsquos when his
behaviour changed One of his previous social workers was
fantastic and he worshipped herhellip If only they had kept that
social worker it would have made such a differencerdquo (Foster
carer)
For care leaver A this seems to have happened with the personal
advisor too When asked about their personal advisor
27
ldquoThere was a foster meeting the lady what was her namehellip Jan
she was really good She was with social services and Gisda
But then when they thought I was ok they transferred me to
someone elserdquo
Though for some there was more consistency Care leaver C suggested
a good relationship with their personal advisor They indicated regular
visits phone calls and planning meetings In turn this young person felt
they were being listened to when the pathway plan was produced
The manager for this LAs leaving care team confirms his perspective
on personal advisors
ldquoWe have a team of four personal advisors They have about 40
cases each but they do a great job All of their cases have a
mobile phone number for them and they are all very dedicated
and approachable [from the young personrsquos point of view] They
offer a vital link from care to independencerdquo
However once again this service appears inconsistent depending on
the LA
Added to this frequent changes of case worker suggest a difficulty in
completion and implementation of pathway plans and causes the
young person to feel they are not being listened to
ldquoI was kind of listened to but then my social worker changed so
I had to start againhellipthere was no relationship there cause they
kept changing We would do one pathway plan then the social
worker changed and we would have to do another onerdquo (Care
leaver A)
When the foster carers were asked about the pathway plan and whether
they thought their young person was listened to
ldquoHe didnrsquot have a proper pathway plan for leaving it was rushed
There was no proper structure He was listened to but without
question or consideration of the consequences They ticked their
boxes and he was off their handsrdquo
These experiences were evident in the earlier research by Munro et al
(2011) whereby young people felt their voices were not heard and the
meetings surrounding their exit from care caused anxiety and stress
28
The foster carers then suggested their current placement who had just
turned 16 may suffer the same
ldquoShe is just about to change to the 16+ team they canrsquot wait to
get her on thathellipit will be her third social worker in two years
She is adamant she doesnrsquot want to leave at 16 but if they dangle
the carrot of her own flat in front of her it might be differentrdquo
Furthermore for the foster carers support appears to be inconsistent
One set had just been assigned a new social worker the third in two
years
ldquoWe have a new social worker and she just ticks the boxes She
seems terrified to use her initiative One social worker I was
dealing with said there were five people who were either off or
had left and not been replaced in his office alonerdquo
It is well documented that retention of staff within social work is
increasingly difficult Added to which there a national shortage of
approximately 3500 social workers both hindering continuity for the
people they provide services to (Community Care 2014) This and
aforementioned cuts to funding within leaving care services may
explain how the inconsistency and a lack of relationship with social
workers described within this data can infringe on the process of
leaving care
With this in mind it is imperative to consider the legal implications at
this point It would appear within the legal framework there are lsquogrey
areasrsquo which can allow the experiences of care leaverrsquos A C and D to
occur The Children (Leaving Care) Act (2000) states that an
assessment of needs must be carried out by the LA for the said child
(a)while they are still looking after him and
(b)after they cease to look after him (19B 4)
The proviso for this is the child has been looked after for a period of
time and that they are aged 16 or 17 (19B 2 a amp b)
However the Care Act (2014) has a section dedicated to the needs of a
child in the transition to adulthood including the requirement for a
29
needs assessment but in relation to the childrsquos needs after the age of
18 Furthermore section 58 (4) insists the assessment should be carried
out whether the child consents or not if there is a risk of or experiencing
abuse or neglect Bearing in mind the vulnerability of these young
people the causes for them to have been placed in care in the first place
it would be fair to consider this group eligible for this assessment and
extended care Added to which one would expect a more thorough and
consistent assessment to be carried out Clearly with several changes to
case workers [as experienced by care leavers A and D] this legal
standard is not being met
Perhaps government and policy makers should consider case worker
retention and better working environments as fundamental aspects of
policy in turn offering better outcomes for the young people
(Appendix 9)
d) Financial aspects
ldquoThey told him to choose what he needed for the flat but only
some of it turned up There is something I heard of might be
from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation where some money is put
into an ISA which can be accessed once they are 18 This is
because they have been in care But I feel the danger of that is it
could all be blown on something else or used as a carrot to
encourage leaving care As far as I have seen they just go and
spend it all then itrsquos gone ndash they would be better giving them a
furnished flatrdquo (Foster carer)
The Care Leavers Strategy states it encourages LArsquos to offer at least
pound2000 as a lsquoSetting Up Home Allowancersquo (leaving care grant)
although as this is not a legal requirement the amount varies from LA
to LA Care leaver A received in the region of pound400 (Gwynedd LA)
However the manager for Conwy laving care team indicated the
amount their care leavers receive is dependent on what they need This
is also stated on the LArsquos web site (Appendix 8) It may be suggested
that young people within less affluent LArsquos will fare worse financially
30
The Strategy maintains care leavers are entitled to a pound1200 bursary if
they are attending further education and a pound2000 bursary for higher
education This is financed by the Department for Education (2013
10) Extra funding of this kind would appear significant for these young
people however if the earlier literature is considered the statistics for
this grouprsquos educational achievements did not present well (See
chapter one) As this funding is reliant on the young person being in
education there will be a significant proportion unable to access this
extra help
Conwy LA did suggest promising outcomes for employment for their
care leavers with many undertaking apprenticeships within the
councilrsquos departments
ldquoWe have a number of our young people working and training in
the council (Conwy) with a selection of apprenticeships
specifically for them Some do go on to stay with us being
offered permanent contractsrdquo (Leaving care team manager)
Unfortunately a comparison cannot be made with other LArsquos or
voluntary organisations in this area as there was no response to the
research
Care leaver A did have temporary employment with a local leisure
centre although when a permanent contract was offered it was of a zero
hourrsquos nature
ldquoI wasnrsquot worth me taking ithellipI would lose my benefit and have
no guarantee of workrdquo
Care leaver C started a college course and managed a couple of shifts
in a restaurant kitchen however his chaotic accommodation provision
and a lack of support for his ADHD hampered his continuation
Care leaver D is NEET (Appendix 11) and has been since his exit from
care It would seem this has not been assisted by his family [to which
he returned] who have also never been in employment and his
reluctance to receive any more services It may be suggested his high
31
level of case worker turnover contributed to his reluctance Equally his
chaotic existence before entering care disrupted his education added
the rushed transition from care has not facilitated good employment
prospects
e) Evaluation and Reflection
When evaluating this research one must acknowledge the limitations
when assessing the size of the sample
Despite persistence there was a reluctance by professionals particularly
to participate Out of four LAs contacted only one responded and
agreed to be interviewed One LA received the research pack three
times follow up calls were made several times to no avail The same
may be said for the voluntary sector in spite of positive telephone
conversations and receipt of the research pack Barnardorsquos and Gisda
did not consent to be interviewed Therefore the findings were
somewhat one sided and the professional perspective limited
However even with the limited sample the original hypothesis of the
leaving care system failing the young people has a degree of truth
Equally the findings are reflective of earlier research identified in
chapter 2
There is certainly scope for further and more considerable research
within this field Although for future studies it may be beneficial to use
focus group methodology to encourage professional participation This
would possibly generate an improved response rate in comparison to
the online questionnaire used for the initial stages of this project The
face to face follow up interviews proved difficult to organise although
it was difficult to decipher whether this was due to a reluctance to
engage in the research or a lack of available time
32
Chapter 5
Conclusion
In conclusion the data collected for this study shows a system that sadly
does fail its young people Certainly in Gwynedd the leaving care
process is seemingly rushed and centred around a personrsquos age rather
than their readiness for independence Of course it may be argued there
has to be a lsquocut off pointrsquo and young people have to become
independent at some time for legal purposes that lsquopointrsquo is dictated by
their age It would seem this is the case regardless of the harm it may
cause Furthermore it could be argued this hasty process is a breach of
the young personrsquos human rights however despite searching no cases
were found
In 2006 research conducted by Mendes and Moselhuddin concluded
the leaving care process should be a gradual process based on levels of
maturity and ability to manage independence rather than simply age
The same recommendation is echoed in the majority of research both
past and present It would seem that ten years on we are no closer to an
ideal solution
For care leaver A C and D the outcome was poor Certainly they did
not feel supported through the transition although care leaver C had
significantly better support from their personal advisor post 18
However despite this support care leaver C was still living in less than
ideal circumstances and about to be moved once again
In line with the literature this study although with the limited sample
found immense inconsistencies within the system and in every area
from support to financial assistance
Evidently for some the system works against an already disadvantaged
group abandoning when needed the most so to speak
33
It would seem the introduction of legislation and the Transitions
Guidance to strengthen practice and policy has failed to make a
significant improvement especially surrounding the lsquolevelling uprsquo of
services Attributed by the cost cutting imposed on LArsquos by central
government this is hardly surprising
There are some encouraging outcomes such as care leaver B receiving
immense support from their LA beyond policy and legal requirement
This is in line with some of Steinrsquos (2012 81) research and positive
outcomes are underpinned by the level of good consistent and accurate
support received by the individual Yet as this study has found this is
not consistent or universal
It is clear inconsistencies lack of support young and rushed transitions
all contribute to poorer outcomes for this group of young people A
group which are already disadvantaged and at a much higher risk of
social exclusion
As a society we should consider these young people as just that ndash young
people Often with the same dreams and aspirations as any other young
person On the contrary perhaps we should consider these young
people further as many will have already been let down by society
Either way they are entitled to as much support guidance and
opportunity as any other Regrettably this does not seem to be the case
as despite advances in research policy and legislation the same
inconsistencies and failures appear to occur time and time again
The study has shown the importance of understanding the young
peoplersquos history Of understanding former problems or areas of
concern This aids the transition to independence as it identifies where
the support is needed and individualizes the young person There
cannot be a lsquoone size fits allrsquo approach to the leaving care system as
one can see these young people are individual It has identified how
fundamental it is to include a young personrsquos foster carers when
considering independence to recognise the relationship they may have
34
with the young person and the key role they play after leaving care (as
with care lever A)
With this in mind one must acknowledge the leaving care system has
indeed improved over the last 30 years however it needs to continue to
progress if there is any hope of achieving a consistent service with more
even and positive outcomes for these young people
35
Bibliography
Action for Children (2014) [Online]
Available at httpwwwactionforchildrenorgukour-
servicesadoption-fostering-and-children-in-carechildren-in-
careleaving-care
Barnardorsquos (2014)[1] [Online] Someone to Care Experiences of
leaving care Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorguksomeone_to_care_final_feb2014pdf
(Accessed 07 October 2015)
Barnardorsquos (2014)[2] [Online] The costs of not caring supporting
English care leavers into independence Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf (Accessed 07
October 2015)
Biehal N Clayden J Stein M and Wade J (1995) Moving On
Young people and leaving care schemes London HMSO
Broad B (2005) Improving the Health and Well-Being of Young
People Leaving Care Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing
Burgess C (1981) In Care and Into Work London Tavistock
Care Leaverrsquos Foundation (with Children and Young People Now)
(2009) [Online] Setting Up A place to call home Bala Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation Available at
httpwwwthecareleaversfoundationorgsitedatafilesSetting_Up_A
_Place_to_Callpdf (Accessed 06 April 2015)
Care Leavers Strategy (2013) [Online] Available at
httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachment_
datafile266484Care_Leaver_Strategypdf (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Care Act (2014) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga201423part1crossheadingtra
nsition-for-children-to-adult-care-and-support-etcenacted (Accessed
01 March 2016)
Children and Families Act 2014 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga20146section98enacted
(Accessed 02 October 2015)
36
Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200035pdfsukpga_20000035_
enpdf (Accessed 19 March 2015)
Children and Young Persons Act (2008) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200823contents (Accessed 02
October 2015)
Community Care (2014) [Online] Councils struggling to retain social
workers in face of high caseloads and competition over pay
Available at httpwwwcommunitycarecouk20140130councils-
struggling-retain-social-workers-face-high-caseloads-competition-
pay (Accessed 22 February 2016)
Courtney M Terrao S and Bost N (2004) Midwest evaluation of
the adult functioning of former foster youth Conditions of youth
preparing to leave state care Outcomes at age 19 Chicago Chapin
Hall Centre for Children at University of Chicago
Daly F (2012) lsquoMy voice has to be heardrsquo Research on outcomes
for young people leaving care in North Dublin Dublin EPIC
Dixon J and Baker C (2012) lsquoThe Housing Experience of Young
People Leaving Care in England What helpsrsquo Developing Practice
The Child Youth and Family Work Journal Issue 32 National Care
Advisory Service (NCAS)
wwweducationgovuk [Online]
Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20130123124929httpw
wweducationgovukresearchandstatisticsstatisticsa00195573
Family Rights Group (2014) [Online] Support for Young People
Leaving the Care System Available at
httpwwwfrgorgukimagesAdvice_Sheets16-support-for-young-
people-leaving-carepdf (Accessed 29 September 2015)
The Fostering Network (2014) [Online] Staying Put Available at
httpswwwfosteringnetall-about-fosteringprovidersstaying-put-
updateVg5D-PRdX1Y (Accessed 02 October 2015)
Godek S (1976) Leaving Care Barkingside Barnardorsquos
Gwynedd Council (2014) [Online] lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
Available at
httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrutin
y20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20When
37
20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf (Accessed
22 February 2016)
Harris R J (1982) Institutionalized Ambivalence Social Work and
the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 British Journal of Social
Work Vol12 pp 247-263
Higgs L (2011) [Online] Housing crisis around the corner for care
leavers experts warn Children and Young People Now Available
at httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1050066housing-crisis-
corner-care-leavers-experts-warn (Accessed 17 February 2016)
Hiles D Moss D Thorne L Wright J and Dallos R (2014) ldquoSo
what am Irdquo ndash Multiple perspectives on young peoplersquos experience of
leaving care Children and Youth Services Review Vol 41 pp 1-15
House of Commons (1968) Report of the Committee on Local
Authority and Allied Personal Social Services London HMSO
Hutchinson D (2013) [Online] Catch 22 National Care Advisory
Service (NCAS) Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads9b7793d8be6ffc05a501df3df
4a1ef5fpdf
Jackson S and Cameron C (2012) lsquoLeaving Care Looking ahead
and aiming higherrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 34 (6)
pp 1107-1114
Mendes P and Moslehuddin B (2006) lsquoFrom Dependence to
Interdependence Towards Better Outcomes for Young People
Leaving State Carersquo Child Abuse Review Vol15 pp 110-166
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2006) Young peoplersquos views on leaving
care Newcastle Commission for Social Care Inspection
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2012) Young peoplersquos views on care
and aftercare Office of the Childrenrsquos Rights Director London
Ofsted
Mulvey T (1977) lsquoAfter-care ndash who caresrsquo Concern No 26
London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Munro E Lushey C and Ward H (2011) Evaluation of the
Right2BCared4 Pilots Final report (NCAS) London Department
for Education
38
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2011) Making the Cut
Planning Transitions for Care Levers in an Age of Austerity London
NCAS
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2012) [Online] Statistical
Briefing Looked after children and care leavers 2012 Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads0e9a6e4f266b8e96ad7c8e25
7bd53982pdf (Accessed 30 March 2015)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2013)
[Online] The NICE quality standard on the health and wellbeing of
looked after children and young people Available at
httpwwwniceorgukguidanceQS31chapterQuality-statement-8-
Support-to-move-to-independence (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Office for National Statistics (2014) [Online] Large increase in 20 to
34-year-olds living with parents since 1996 Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20160105160709httpw
wwonsgovukonsrelfamily-demographyyoung-adults-living-with-
parents2013sty-young-adultshtml (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board (2016) [Online] Child J ndash
Domestic Homicide Review and Serious Case Review (combined)
Available at httpwwwoscborgukwp-contentuploadsChild-J-
OSCB-Overview-Reportpdf (Accessed 25 February 2016)
Page R and Clark G (eds) (1977) Who Cares Young People in
Care Speak Out London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Puffett N and Orfford A (2016) [Online] Increasing numbers of
care leavers in unsuitable accommodation Children and Young
People Now Available at
httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1155917increasing-numbers-of-
care-leavers-in-unsuitable-accommodation (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Samuels G M and Pryce J M (2008) ldquoWhat doesnrsquot kill you
makes you strongerrdquo Survivalist self-reliance as resilience and risk
among young adults aging out of foster care Children and Youth
Services Review Vol 30 (10) pp 1198-1210
Stein M (2002) Young People Leaving Care A Research
Perspective In A Wheal ed The RHP Companion to Leaving Care
Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing pp 28-33
39
Stein M (2004) What works for young people leaving care
Barkingside Barnardos
Stein M (2006) lsquoYoung people aging out of care The poverty of
theoryrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 28 (4) pp 422-434
Stein M (2012) Young People Leaving Care Supporting Pathways
to Adulthood London Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Stein M and Carey K (1986) Leaving Care Oxford Blackwell
Stein M and Ellis S (1983) Gizza Say Reviews and Young People
in Care London NAYPIC
Stein M and Maynard C (1985) Irsquove Never Been So Lonely
London NAYPIC
Stone M (1990) Young People Leaving Care A study of
management systems service delivery and user evaluation UK The
Royal Philanthropic Society
The Who Carersquos Trust (2014) [Online] Leaving Care Available at
httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpagesleaving-care-what-
happens-post-16html
Wade J (2011) lsquoPreparation and transition planning for
unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee young people A review
of evidence in Englandrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol
33 pp 2424-2430
Wade J and Dixon J (2006) lsquoMaking a home finding a job
investing early housing and employment outcomes for young people
leaving carersquo Child and Family Social Work Vol 11 (3) pp 199-208
Wade J Mitchel F and Baylis G (2005) Unaccompanied asylum
seeking children The response of social services London BAAF
40
Appendix
1) httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf page 25
Karenrsquos story
2) httpwwwnhsukConditionsAttention-deficit-hyperactivity-
disorderPagesIntroductionaspx
3) Email received in response to a request for Mr Timpson (Minister
of State for Children and Families) to answer three questions
regarding care leavers
Dear MsthinspThompsonthinsp
I am writing on behalf of the Minister of State for Children and
Families to thank you for your email of 9 February about your
dissertation
I am sorry but the department receives so many requests like yours
that we are unable to respond to them other than to point you to
sources of information I would therefore suggest that you look at the
departmentrsquos website
at httpswwwgovuksearchq=care+leavers+strategy
I hope you find this link helpful and that you are able to find the
information you need
Your correspondence has been allocated reference number 2016-
0008179 If you need to respond to us please
visit httpswwweducationgovukcontactus and quote your
reference number
As part of our commitment to improving the service we provide to
our customers we are interested in hearing your views and would
welcome your comments via our website
at httpswwweducationgovukpcusurvey
Yours sincerely
Kelly Walkerthinsp
Ministerial and Public Communications Division
Web
[httpswwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovuk]https
wwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovukgt
Twitter httpswwwtwittercomeducationgovuk
Facebook httpswwwfacebookcomeducationgovuk
41
[httpswwweducationgovukimages2irisdfepng]
4) httpwwwgisdaorgengamdanom-nihtml
5) httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga198941section20
6)httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrut
iny20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20Whe
n20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf
7)httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachme
nt_datafile201015Staying_Put_Guidancepdf
8) httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpageswhats-a-pathway-
planhtml
9) httpjobscommunitycarecoukarticlecoventry-tops-london-in-
the-best-place-to-live-league-tablescmpid=EMP|JOBS|SCJOB-
2016-0224-CH|READMORE-COVampcmpid
10) httpwwwconwygovukdocaspcat=4800ampdoc=19742
11)httpresearchbriefingsparliamentukResearchBriefingSummary
SN06705
42
i) Interview Guide
Generic areas of question
Age upon leaving care
Staying put scheme
Financial help
Choice of housing
Suitability of accommodation
Geographical position of accommodation
Further education
Access to support eg Personal Advisor social worker
Input with Pathway plan
Being listened to
Transition
Keeping in touch
Difference with peers
43
14
people most able being offered more support through education
leaving some young people of low risk but still vulnerable in an isolated
position Also it was noted the young people leaving care to return
home to their birth families for longer than six months lose access to
services when they may actually still be in a vulnerable position (Hiles
et al2014 7)
However Stein (2012 81) suggests there is evidence that most young
people experience good outcomes after leaving care Positive outcomes
are underpinned by the relationship between the young person and the
leaving care teams In addition the evidence points to a positive sense
of well-being when settled and happy even if past or leaving care
experiences have been negative (Wade and Dixon 2006)
In conclusion the literature identifies the inconsistency within leaving
care systems These inconsistencies span throughout the services
available to care leavers from financial to pathway planning and
implementation There is evidence of a somewhat uneven service
delivery despite policy stipulations
There has been an encouraging influx of research in the last fifteen
years or so which should promote a continued improvement in policy
and outcome for this fundamentally vulnerable group in society
There is evident progress within the leaving care system which has
been noted by Stein Wade and Dixon However despite progress
within the system [the introduction of personal advisors Pathway
Plans and specific leaving care teams] and extensive research
informing policy makers the uneven delivery still exists Additionally
care leavers are still disadvantaged compared to their peers even with
the progress that has been made
There is an emphasis on a proactive and preventative approach and a
significant need for placement stability underpinned by systematic and
consistent services As it stands young people are currently being
15
ldquopushed into fighting against a systemrdquo rather than a system that works
together for a positive outcome (Hiles et al 2014 11)
Contingency plans are an important recommendation outlined in recent
research as a necessity to prevent care leavers falling into crisis These
plans need to be in place regardless of assessed lsquoneedrsquo Moreover
access to an independent visitor enabling another supportive
relationship to be formed along with personal advisors would offer
greater assistance when decisions are being made for the young
personrsquos future (Barnardorsquos 2014 23)
Now the research is taking place identifying young peoplersquos
experiences of leaving care it is necessary to listen in order to make
effective changes in policy and practice to achieve better outcomes for
this vulnerable group
16
Chapter 3
Methodology
This research is of a qualitative nature The methodology included an
online questionnaire (n=50) to identify common themes followed up
by face- to-face interviews (n=10) for more detailed data However
the response rate for the online questionnaire was poor with only ten
returned The interviews adopted a semi-structured approach to allow
for participants to talk freely about their experiences The author used
an interview guide to achieve this containing the areas of interest
rather than a structured set of interview questions (Appendix i)
Support for this project was received from a local fostering group and
that provided some resources for sourcing the sample
Initially the author had positive support from social workers and
professionals within the leaving care sector Although actual response
from local authority was limited only one out of four who received
the research pack responded Participation by third sector
organisations was similarly positive however commitment to be
interviewed could not be obtained
The sample consisted of four young people aged 16 plus involved in
the leaving care process and four professionals working within the
leaving care system Geographically broken down to Gwynedd
Conwy Telford and Wrekin and Caerphilly
The interviews took place either in their own home place of work or
a mutually comfortable setting agreed by the participants The
researcher offered anonymity to the participants and the interviews
were handled sensitively keeping the vulnerability of some of the
sample in mind
The interviews were concerned with
17
Whether the young person feels supported
Whether the resources are accessible and the young person is made
aware of everything available
Whether the duties of the LA are being met from both points of view
(professional and young person)
The view of the use of BampB accommodation
Whether the leaving care process helps or hinders their future
How universal are the services provided
Is there enough financial assistance available resources and financial
advice
Are the young peoplersquos voices heard
Has policy and practice improved over the last couple of decades
The interviews were voice recorded with consent and a diary was kept
for all fieldwork undertaken The study adopted a grounded
theoretical approach and the data subjected to content analysis
a) Ethical Consideration
The sample where given thorough information regarding the study in
order for them to make an informed choice whether to participate or
not Confidentiality was adhered to and any disclosures were handled
appropriately and with ethical consideration in mind The researcher
was aware of the vulnerability of the young people and the sensitive
nature of the study
Due to the sensitivity of the research the data gathered was securely
kept in a locked filing cabinet (paper) and secure password protected
file (electronic) and destroyed on completion of the study
Permission to undertake this study was granted after a thorough and
detailed ethics application
18
Chapter 4
Findings
a) Transition
ldquoYou wouldnrsquot dream of kicking your own kids out so young
They give these kids to much artificial support to encourage
them to leaverdquo (Foster carer)
This is clearly reverberated in the literature particularly in the
Barnardorsquos report Someone to Care Experiences of leaving care
(2014) which highlights the plight of young care leavers and the lack
of parental support contributing to difficult transitions In addition it
has already been identified in the literature review that for children not
in care the leaving home age ranges from 20- 34 (ONS 2014)
Communication for this specific young person appeared to be lacking
ldquoWell my social worker didnrsquot really talk about what
would happenhelliphellipthey were like lsquooh yeah you will get
your own placersquo hellipbut not what will happen afterhellipso I
rushed into it thinking it was a good idea I think they
said it too soon to me if they wouldnrsquot have said it I
would still be here (foster care) for a while So I rushed
into it I had just left school maybe it would be
better at 17 or 18rdquo (Care leaver A currently aged 18 LA
Gwynedd)
This statement by a young care leaver is echoed by a set of foster carers
It was found that by giving the young person an offer of their own flat
complete with some furnishings of their choice seemed to sway their
decision whether or not to leave This was especially the case for 16
year olds
These foster carers stated that their young person had indicated they
wanted to stay in care at least until 18 years old however with a change
of social worker came a change of heart
19
ldquoYou see we had talked about when he would leave but he said
lsquono I wouldnrsquot like to be in a house on my ownrsquo He wanted to
stay when he first came to us he was having nightmares hellip he is
still having problems now He wonrsquot sleep in his bedroom now
he sleeps in the living room with the TV on They (Social
Services team) didnrsquot take any of this into account When his
social worker changed to the 16+ one he was like lsquooh well I
might move outrsquordquo
This particular interview found the process of leaving care very hasty
with very little preparation The young person in question was
identified by the LA as vulnerable however according to the foster
carers the process continued regardless
ldquoHe suddenly was kicking against us The social worker said he
was a troubled child he just said he had issues We know about
confidentiality but we were part of the care package but they (16
+ team) would not involve us There was no communication
between the 16+ team and us It was like he is an adult and thatrsquos
thatrdquo
The foster carers suggested the young person was being coached to
leave There was a sudden decision made and the young person went
lsquooff the railsrsquo It seemed a place was offered to enable them to move
out and that was when reality hit
ldquohelliphe drank a bottle of vodka and was talking about suicide He
suffers from low self- esteem There was no help for that I think
this was brought on by them (16+ team) telling him there was a
space somewhere He kept saying lsquoIrsquom so sorryrsquo It was reality
he had been going through the motions before thisrdquo
This illustrates a terrible indictment of a rushed transition Added to
the trauma which led the young person to being in care this does not
present a positive outcome
The findings for this report support the previous literature Steinrsquos
(2012) extensive research in this area continually reveals hasty
transitions from care to independence
Legislation relating to young people leaving care states
20
lsquoIt is the duty of the local authority looking after a child to advise assist
and befriend him with a view to promoting his welfare when they have
ceased to look after himrsquo (19A Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000)
Indicating a rushed transition should not be promoted rather that it
should be a much slower process with time being given to prepare fully
for independence
In contrast one participant going through the leaving care system in
2004 and within a different LA (Telford and Wrekin) had a much more
positive experience
ldquoI left care at 18 I was in a childrenrsquos homehellipfoster care didnrsquot
suit me I was always running away I had brilliant support all
the way until I was 25 I went to supported living and I had help
to learn to cook and manage money and bills Then I had help to
find a flat and become independent I even still see some of the
people who supported me when I go back to Telfordrdquo (Care
leaver B aged 30)
This indicates a far more gradual transition to independence
Unfortunately the majority of the data within this study points more
often to the former rushed transition
ldquoI turned 18 and it was like hellipyoursquore an adult now I was in a
hostel then a homeless place that was scary there were all sorts
there I liked the place in Bala it was good there But when I
turned 18 I couldnrsquot stay It was like one minute I had everything
done for me then nothingrdquo (Care leaver C currently aged 19
LA Conwy)
This young person moved into private care and currently resides in a
mixed home for people with mental health problems He has Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (Appendix 2)
The research suggests past history is not always taken into account
when assessing the suitability of independent living for these young
people
ldquoHis issues should have been recognised then he would not have
been offered to leave at 16 The social worker had not made the
effort to look at his historyrdquo (Foster carer)
21
Taking the young peoplersquos history and circumstances into account
could offer a more positive outcome than simply their age
ldquoThey had eight files on me from when I was little My foster
carer nagged them until she was able to have them to read
Then she knew what had happenedrdquo (Care leaver D currently
aged 19 LA Caerphilly)
It is recognised in policy that the system still does not seem to perform
as it should The Care Leaversrsquo Strategy (2013) identifies the abrupt
transition experienced by these young people in its opening paragraphs
However the report fails to include lsquotransitionrsquo as a fundamental area
of concern Instead usual sections such as education employment
housing and so on are highlighted as lsquobroad areas of concernrsquo It would
seem the young peoplersquos emotional well- being which is clearly
affected by the hasty exit from care does not hold the same
governmental importance
Additionally it may be prudent to add at this point that Edward
Timpson Minister of State for Children and Families was contacted
for the purpose of this research Mr Timpson was involved in the
development of the Care Leaversrsquo Strategy and in addition to this grew
up with looked after children as his parents were foster carers There
was no response to the research (Appendix 3)
A fundamental issue surrounding rushed transitions is the view these
young people are now adults although they are still virtually as
vulnerable as children The serious case review into the murder of
Jayden Parkinson highlights this Jayden was 17 and considered an
adult by services and practitioners The review stated
lsquoToo often [Parkinson] was viewed as a difficult young person and not
recognised as a child in need of safeguarding Professionals and
agencies did not always fully understand the serious nature of the risks
to [her] or were too quick to be reassured that she would be able to
protect herself from those risksrsquo (Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children
Board 2016 62)
22
It would seem important for policy to start considering the young
personrsquos position in life rather than their age as an indicator of their
readiness for independence
b) Housing and Accommodation
The participants were asked about their experiences with housing when
leaving care Questions about choice suitability and geographic area
where considered Consistent with past research and previous literature
(Barnardorsquos [2] 2014) issues where found in all these areas
Once again the Care Leaversrsquo Strategy recognises these issues found
in research past and present surrounding housing
lsquoCare leavers are a vulnerable group of young adults who have
particular needs in relation to housing and homelessness Around a
quarter of those living on the streets have a background in care The
majority of care leavers leave care by the age of 18 and rising demands
on social housing and other accommodation is making it increasingly
difficult for young people to find suitable accommodation as they enter
adulthoodrsquo (2013 14)
These findings suggest a significant risk of homelessness for these
participants In actual fact without the charity Gisda (Appendix 4) the
options for young people in Gwynedd would be seriously limited
It has already been noted that nationally care leavers are overly
represented within the homeless and inadequately housed with 30 of
homeless people formerly being in care (Who Cares Trust 2014)
When considering choice Bed and Breakfast (BampB) accommodation
was not always used but choice did appear limited Geographical
consideration and suitable match for the young person does not always
seem possible
23
ldquoWell there was a bit of choice but it was mainly Caernarfon I
had shared housing with Gisda not BampB and then I got my flat
with Gisdardquo (Care leaver A)
Once again this is echoed by foster carers
ldquoHe moved into shared housing for two weekshelliphe was
terrified he slit his mattress to hide his laptop in it There wasnrsquot
much choice had he had the choice to stay in Penygroes he
would have He has been trying to get back here ever since He
is afraid in Caernarfon He has two brothers living there which
he has had problems with and his brotherrsquos friend He is quite a
fearful child and finds living in Caernarfon stressful When he
gets home to his flat from here he doesnrsquot go outrdquo
This does not seem to be reserved to just this LA either
ldquoI was in a hostel but I kicked off so was in a BampB for a couple
of days They said I was smoking in the room so I got kicked out
of therehellipdidnrsquot even get all my stuff Then my social worker
said I could stay with my mum for the weekend cause my sister
wasnrsquot there But then she came backhellipshe winds me uphellipI
kicked off but hit the window hellipI wanted to hit her So my mum
called the police helliprdquo (Care leaver D)
There appears to be insecurity surrounding housing Care leaver D
went on to lsquosofa surfrsquo and then went back to his motherrsquos even though
that episode left him with a criminal damage conviction [brought on by
his mother] His support seemed to end there
Care leaver A was asked if the flat with Gisda was permanent
ldquoNo itrsquos two years temporary I have three months leftrdquo
When asked what happens then
ldquoI think Irsquom on the top the list with housing so Irsquove gotta hope
something comes up or I will probably end up in BampB The thing
is once you have had the flat and you get to 18 you sort of go in
circles so you can be put in BampB Itrsquos a worry being three months
awayhelliphellipI keep phoning themrdquo
This was reiterated by the foster carers
ldquoI canrsquot see Gisda putting him out on the street but they have to
give him notice of eviction in order for the council to do
something about it Sometimes he stays with his cousin or his
24
dad if there is any room But he will probably have to lsquosofa
surfrsquohellip thatrsquos what his brother had to do That will put him on
the list he has to be homeless to get helprdquo
The question of supported living was raised for this particular
participant the foster carer replied
ldquoThere doesnrsquot seem to be any here But for him it wouldnrsquot
work he would worry about the other people there He is afraid
of people that do drugs there is a family history with drugsrdquo
However a neighbouring LA had positive experiences with supported
living Their providers of supported living and BampB accommodation
had been the same for over ten years which would indicate some
consistency The manager for the leaving care team for this LA
commented that the staff at the BampBrsquos offered a sympathetic approach
with more of a lsquofamily feelrsquo to the service Furthermore this LA had
long term relationships with landlords who specifically offered
tenancies to care leavers This demonstrates the importance of
consistency Although BampB may not seem ideal if there are good long
term relationships with service providers this can offer a positive short
term solution
Likewise care leaver B had the right experience with their
accommodation
ldquoI went from the childrenrsquos home to supported lodgings and after
that had my own flat The supported lodgings really helped me
learn how to look after myself I did go off the rails a bit when I
was about 23 but because of my support I sorted myself outrdquo
Though care leaver C will be moving once again in the near future It
seems his ADHD leaves the LA at a loss as to where this young person
should live The condition necessitates extra support to enable him to
manage independence
ldquoI like where I am But the funding for here runs out soon They
(social services) have said there is a new place in Abergele I
think itrsquos a shared house If I turn that down though I will make
myself intentionally homeless so there is no choicerdquo
25
This young personrsquos worries where resonated by his mother too He
entered care under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989 (Appendix 5)
as his mother was unable to manage his behaviour Her understanding
was that he would be care for until he reached 21 It may be argued he
is being cared for and is continuing to be Yet as stated earlier a mental
health facility may not be seen as ideal equally shared housing may
not offer the level of support required for an eventual and positive
departure from care
Regrettably national statistics have shown a rise of 108 per cent in the
number of young people in unsuitable accommodation from 1660 in
2014 to 1840 in 2015 This is reiterated by Carrie Wilson young
peoplersquos project co-ordinator at The Care Leaversrsquo Association
ldquoOn a basic level [BampBs] are seen as a ldquosaferdquo place but those young
people do not feel safe regardless of the interventions put into place to
support a young person if they do not feel like they have personal
safety at the end of the day their coping mechanisms start to break
downrdquo (Puffett and Orfford 2016)
The experiences of these participants suggests a chaotic existence in
line with the research undertaken by Barnardorsquos (2) (2014)
This does not present an improvement of services Government
statistics from 2011 suggested only 17 local authorities were housing
100 per cent of care leavers in suitable accommodation (Higgs 2011)
These are dismal statistics as research conducted by Stein (201280)
found from 2004 to 2009 the numbers of care leavers in suitable
accommodation had risen from 77 to 90 The statistics from 2011
could correlate with the age of austerity and social service budget cuts
(Stein 2012 24)
In Gwynedd since 2013 there has been the lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
available and similar to Englandrsquos lsquoStaying Putrsquo scheme (Appendix 6
amp 7) These schemes are now available throughout Wales and offer the
26
young person an opportunity to stay within their foster care placement
until the age of 21 or beyond if they are engaged in education or
training which started before their twenty first birthday This extended
stay may last until completion of the education or training on the
condition it is set out in the young personrsquos pathway plan The
opportunity offers a more gradual transition similar to young people in
the general population (Gwynedd Council 2014)
However there was no evidence of this scheme to have been offered to
care leaver A Care leavers C and D appear to have merely been
managed until the LA no longer had the duty of care
c) Pathway Plans Personal Advisors and Social
Workers
ldquoI donrsquot remember how many social workers I had hellipmaybe 14
or 15 by the time I left care They kept changingrdquo (Care leaver
D)
The participants were asked about their experiences with personal
advisors social workers the creation and implementation of their
pathway plans (Appendix 8) and whether they felt they were listened
to
It would seem having several social workers is commonplace
ldquoThe 16+ team didnrsquot seem to support him They changed social
worker but he didnrsquot seem to know what was going on Then they
changed again to one from the 16+ team Thatrsquos when his
behaviour changed One of his previous social workers was
fantastic and he worshipped herhellip If only they had kept that
social worker it would have made such a differencerdquo (Foster
carer)
For care leaver A this seems to have happened with the personal
advisor too When asked about their personal advisor
27
ldquoThere was a foster meeting the lady what was her namehellip Jan
she was really good She was with social services and Gisda
But then when they thought I was ok they transferred me to
someone elserdquo
Though for some there was more consistency Care leaver C suggested
a good relationship with their personal advisor They indicated regular
visits phone calls and planning meetings In turn this young person felt
they were being listened to when the pathway plan was produced
The manager for this LAs leaving care team confirms his perspective
on personal advisors
ldquoWe have a team of four personal advisors They have about 40
cases each but they do a great job All of their cases have a
mobile phone number for them and they are all very dedicated
and approachable [from the young personrsquos point of view] They
offer a vital link from care to independencerdquo
However once again this service appears inconsistent depending on
the LA
Added to this frequent changes of case worker suggest a difficulty in
completion and implementation of pathway plans and causes the
young person to feel they are not being listened to
ldquoI was kind of listened to but then my social worker changed so
I had to start againhellipthere was no relationship there cause they
kept changing We would do one pathway plan then the social
worker changed and we would have to do another onerdquo (Care
leaver A)
When the foster carers were asked about the pathway plan and whether
they thought their young person was listened to
ldquoHe didnrsquot have a proper pathway plan for leaving it was rushed
There was no proper structure He was listened to but without
question or consideration of the consequences They ticked their
boxes and he was off their handsrdquo
These experiences were evident in the earlier research by Munro et al
(2011) whereby young people felt their voices were not heard and the
meetings surrounding their exit from care caused anxiety and stress
28
The foster carers then suggested their current placement who had just
turned 16 may suffer the same
ldquoShe is just about to change to the 16+ team they canrsquot wait to
get her on thathellipit will be her third social worker in two years
She is adamant she doesnrsquot want to leave at 16 but if they dangle
the carrot of her own flat in front of her it might be differentrdquo
Furthermore for the foster carers support appears to be inconsistent
One set had just been assigned a new social worker the third in two
years
ldquoWe have a new social worker and she just ticks the boxes She
seems terrified to use her initiative One social worker I was
dealing with said there were five people who were either off or
had left and not been replaced in his office alonerdquo
It is well documented that retention of staff within social work is
increasingly difficult Added to which there a national shortage of
approximately 3500 social workers both hindering continuity for the
people they provide services to (Community Care 2014) This and
aforementioned cuts to funding within leaving care services may
explain how the inconsistency and a lack of relationship with social
workers described within this data can infringe on the process of
leaving care
With this in mind it is imperative to consider the legal implications at
this point It would appear within the legal framework there are lsquogrey
areasrsquo which can allow the experiences of care leaverrsquos A C and D to
occur The Children (Leaving Care) Act (2000) states that an
assessment of needs must be carried out by the LA for the said child
(a)while they are still looking after him and
(b)after they cease to look after him (19B 4)
The proviso for this is the child has been looked after for a period of
time and that they are aged 16 or 17 (19B 2 a amp b)
However the Care Act (2014) has a section dedicated to the needs of a
child in the transition to adulthood including the requirement for a
29
needs assessment but in relation to the childrsquos needs after the age of
18 Furthermore section 58 (4) insists the assessment should be carried
out whether the child consents or not if there is a risk of or experiencing
abuse or neglect Bearing in mind the vulnerability of these young
people the causes for them to have been placed in care in the first place
it would be fair to consider this group eligible for this assessment and
extended care Added to which one would expect a more thorough and
consistent assessment to be carried out Clearly with several changes to
case workers [as experienced by care leavers A and D] this legal
standard is not being met
Perhaps government and policy makers should consider case worker
retention and better working environments as fundamental aspects of
policy in turn offering better outcomes for the young people
(Appendix 9)
d) Financial aspects
ldquoThey told him to choose what he needed for the flat but only
some of it turned up There is something I heard of might be
from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation where some money is put
into an ISA which can be accessed once they are 18 This is
because they have been in care But I feel the danger of that is it
could all be blown on something else or used as a carrot to
encourage leaving care As far as I have seen they just go and
spend it all then itrsquos gone ndash they would be better giving them a
furnished flatrdquo (Foster carer)
The Care Leavers Strategy states it encourages LArsquos to offer at least
pound2000 as a lsquoSetting Up Home Allowancersquo (leaving care grant)
although as this is not a legal requirement the amount varies from LA
to LA Care leaver A received in the region of pound400 (Gwynedd LA)
However the manager for Conwy laving care team indicated the
amount their care leavers receive is dependent on what they need This
is also stated on the LArsquos web site (Appendix 8) It may be suggested
that young people within less affluent LArsquos will fare worse financially
30
The Strategy maintains care leavers are entitled to a pound1200 bursary if
they are attending further education and a pound2000 bursary for higher
education This is financed by the Department for Education (2013
10) Extra funding of this kind would appear significant for these young
people however if the earlier literature is considered the statistics for
this grouprsquos educational achievements did not present well (See
chapter one) As this funding is reliant on the young person being in
education there will be a significant proportion unable to access this
extra help
Conwy LA did suggest promising outcomes for employment for their
care leavers with many undertaking apprenticeships within the
councilrsquos departments
ldquoWe have a number of our young people working and training in
the council (Conwy) with a selection of apprenticeships
specifically for them Some do go on to stay with us being
offered permanent contractsrdquo (Leaving care team manager)
Unfortunately a comparison cannot be made with other LArsquos or
voluntary organisations in this area as there was no response to the
research
Care leaver A did have temporary employment with a local leisure
centre although when a permanent contract was offered it was of a zero
hourrsquos nature
ldquoI wasnrsquot worth me taking ithellipI would lose my benefit and have
no guarantee of workrdquo
Care leaver C started a college course and managed a couple of shifts
in a restaurant kitchen however his chaotic accommodation provision
and a lack of support for his ADHD hampered his continuation
Care leaver D is NEET (Appendix 11) and has been since his exit from
care It would seem this has not been assisted by his family [to which
he returned] who have also never been in employment and his
reluctance to receive any more services It may be suggested his high
31
level of case worker turnover contributed to his reluctance Equally his
chaotic existence before entering care disrupted his education added
the rushed transition from care has not facilitated good employment
prospects
e) Evaluation and Reflection
When evaluating this research one must acknowledge the limitations
when assessing the size of the sample
Despite persistence there was a reluctance by professionals particularly
to participate Out of four LAs contacted only one responded and
agreed to be interviewed One LA received the research pack three
times follow up calls were made several times to no avail The same
may be said for the voluntary sector in spite of positive telephone
conversations and receipt of the research pack Barnardorsquos and Gisda
did not consent to be interviewed Therefore the findings were
somewhat one sided and the professional perspective limited
However even with the limited sample the original hypothesis of the
leaving care system failing the young people has a degree of truth
Equally the findings are reflective of earlier research identified in
chapter 2
There is certainly scope for further and more considerable research
within this field Although for future studies it may be beneficial to use
focus group methodology to encourage professional participation This
would possibly generate an improved response rate in comparison to
the online questionnaire used for the initial stages of this project The
face to face follow up interviews proved difficult to organise although
it was difficult to decipher whether this was due to a reluctance to
engage in the research or a lack of available time
32
Chapter 5
Conclusion
In conclusion the data collected for this study shows a system that sadly
does fail its young people Certainly in Gwynedd the leaving care
process is seemingly rushed and centred around a personrsquos age rather
than their readiness for independence Of course it may be argued there
has to be a lsquocut off pointrsquo and young people have to become
independent at some time for legal purposes that lsquopointrsquo is dictated by
their age It would seem this is the case regardless of the harm it may
cause Furthermore it could be argued this hasty process is a breach of
the young personrsquos human rights however despite searching no cases
were found
In 2006 research conducted by Mendes and Moselhuddin concluded
the leaving care process should be a gradual process based on levels of
maturity and ability to manage independence rather than simply age
The same recommendation is echoed in the majority of research both
past and present It would seem that ten years on we are no closer to an
ideal solution
For care leaver A C and D the outcome was poor Certainly they did
not feel supported through the transition although care leaver C had
significantly better support from their personal advisor post 18
However despite this support care leaver C was still living in less than
ideal circumstances and about to be moved once again
In line with the literature this study although with the limited sample
found immense inconsistencies within the system and in every area
from support to financial assistance
Evidently for some the system works against an already disadvantaged
group abandoning when needed the most so to speak
33
It would seem the introduction of legislation and the Transitions
Guidance to strengthen practice and policy has failed to make a
significant improvement especially surrounding the lsquolevelling uprsquo of
services Attributed by the cost cutting imposed on LArsquos by central
government this is hardly surprising
There are some encouraging outcomes such as care leaver B receiving
immense support from their LA beyond policy and legal requirement
This is in line with some of Steinrsquos (2012 81) research and positive
outcomes are underpinned by the level of good consistent and accurate
support received by the individual Yet as this study has found this is
not consistent or universal
It is clear inconsistencies lack of support young and rushed transitions
all contribute to poorer outcomes for this group of young people A
group which are already disadvantaged and at a much higher risk of
social exclusion
As a society we should consider these young people as just that ndash young
people Often with the same dreams and aspirations as any other young
person On the contrary perhaps we should consider these young
people further as many will have already been let down by society
Either way they are entitled to as much support guidance and
opportunity as any other Regrettably this does not seem to be the case
as despite advances in research policy and legislation the same
inconsistencies and failures appear to occur time and time again
The study has shown the importance of understanding the young
peoplersquos history Of understanding former problems or areas of
concern This aids the transition to independence as it identifies where
the support is needed and individualizes the young person There
cannot be a lsquoone size fits allrsquo approach to the leaving care system as
one can see these young people are individual It has identified how
fundamental it is to include a young personrsquos foster carers when
considering independence to recognise the relationship they may have
34
with the young person and the key role they play after leaving care (as
with care lever A)
With this in mind one must acknowledge the leaving care system has
indeed improved over the last 30 years however it needs to continue to
progress if there is any hope of achieving a consistent service with more
even and positive outcomes for these young people
35
Bibliography
Action for Children (2014) [Online]
Available at httpwwwactionforchildrenorgukour-
servicesadoption-fostering-and-children-in-carechildren-in-
careleaving-care
Barnardorsquos (2014)[1] [Online] Someone to Care Experiences of
leaving care Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorguksomeone_to_care_final_feb2014pdf
(Accessed 07 October 2015)
Barnardorsquos (2014)[2] [Online] The costs of not caring supporting
English care leavers into independence Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf (Accessed 07
October 2015)
Biehal N Clayden J Stein M and Wade J (1995) Moving On
Young people and leaving care schemes London HMSO
Broad B (2005) Improving the Health and Well-Being of Young
People Leaving Care Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing
Burgess C (1981) In Care and Into Work London Tavistock
Care Leaverrsquos Foundation (with Children and Young People Now)
(2009) [Online] Setting Up A place to call home Bala Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation Available at
httpwwwthecareleaversfoundationorgsitedatafilesSetting_Up_A
_Place_to_Callpdf (Accessed 06 April 2015)
Care Leavers Strategy (2013) [Online] Available at
httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachment_
datafile266484Care_Leaver_Strategypdf (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Care Act (2014) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga201423part1crossheadingtra
nsition-for-children-to-adult-care-and-support-etcenacted (Accessed
01 March 2016)
Children and Families Act 2014 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga20146section98enacted
(Accessed 02 October 2015)
36
Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200035pdfsukpga_20000035_
enpdf (Accessed 19 March 2015)
Children and Young Persons Act (2008) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200823contents (Accessed 02
October 2015)
Community Care (2014) [Online] Councils struggling to retain social
workers in face of high caseloads and competition over pay
Available at httpwwwcommunitycarecouk20140130councils-
struggling-retain-social-workers-face-high-caseloads-competition-
pay (Accessed 22 February 2016)
Courtney M Terrao S and Bost N (2004) Midwest evaluation of
the adult functioning of former foster youth Conditions of youth
preparing to leave state care Outcomes at age 19 Chicago Chapin
Hall Centre for Children at University of Chicago
Daly F (2012) lsquoMy voice has to be heardrsquo Research on outcomes
for young people leaving care in North Dublin Dublin EPIC
Dixon J and Baker C (2012) lsquoThe Housing Experience of Young
People Leaving Care in England What helpsrsquo Developing Practice
The Child Youth and Family Work Journal Issue 32 National Care
Advisory Service (NCAS)
wwweducationgovuk [Online]
Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20130123124929httpw
wweducationgovukresearchandstatisticsstatisticsa00195573
Family Rights Group (2014) [Online] Support for Young People
Leaving the Care System Available at
httpwwwfrgorgukimagesAdvice_Sheets16-support-for-young-
people-leaving-carepdf (Accessed 29 September 2015)
The Fostering Network (2014) [Online] Staying Put Available at
httpswwwfosteringnetall-about-fosteringprovidersstaying-put-
updateVg5D-PRdX1Y (Accessed 02 October 2015)
Godek S (1976) Leaving Care Barkingside Barnardorsquos
Gwynedd Council (2014) [Online] lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
Available at
httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrutin
y20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20When
37
20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf (Accessed
22 February 2016)
Harris R J (1982) Institutionalized Ambivalence Social Work and
the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 British Journal of Social
Work Vol12 pp 247-263
Higgs L (2011) [Online] Housing crisis around the corner for care
leavers experts warn Children and Young People Now Available
at httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1050066housing-crisis-
corner-care-leavers-experts-warn (Accessed 17 February 2016)
Hiles D Moss D Thorne L Wright J and Dallos R (2014) ldquoSo
what am Irdquo ndash Multiple perspectives on young peoplersquos experience of
leaving care Children and Youth Services Review Vol 41 pp 1-15
House of Commons (1968) Report of the Committee on Local
Authority and Allied Personal Social Services London HMSO
Hutchinson D (2013) [Online] Catch 22 National Care Advisory
Service (NCAS) Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads9b7793d8be6ffc05a501df3df
4a1ef5fpdf
Jackson S and Cameron C (2012) lsquoLeaving Care Looking ahead
and aiming higherrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 34 (6)
pp 1107-1114
Mendes P and Moslehuddin B (2006) lsquoFrom Dependence to
Interdependence Towards Better Outcomes for Young People
Leaving State Carersquo Child Abuse Review Vol15 pp 110-166
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2006) Young peoplersquos views on leaving
care Newcastle Commission for Social Care Inspection
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2012) Young peoplersquos views on care
and aftercare Office of the Childrenrsquos Rights Director London
Ofsted
Mulvey T (1977) lsquoAfter-care ndash who caresrsquo Concern No 26
London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Munro E Lushey C and Ward H (2011) Evaluation of the
Right2BCared4 Pilots Final report (NCAS) London Department
for Education
38
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2011) Making the Cut
Planning Transitions for Care Levers in an Age of Austerity London
NCAS
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2012) [Online] Statistical
Briefing Looked after children and care leavers 2012 Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads0e9a6e4f266b8e96ad7c8e25
7bd53982pdf (Accessed 30 March 2015)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2013)
[Online] The NICE quality standard on the health and wellbeing of
looked after children and young people Available at
httpwwwniceorgukguidanceQS31chapterQuality-statement-8-
Support-to-move-to-independence (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Office for National Statistics (2014) [Online] Large increase in 20 to
34-year-olds living with parents since 1996 Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20160105160709httpw
wwonsgovukonsrelfamily-demographyyoung-adults-living-with-
parents2013sty-young-adultshtml (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board (2016) [Online] Child J ndash
Domestic Homicide Review and Serious Case Review (combined)
Available at httpwwwoscborgukwp-contentuploadsChild-J-
OSCB-Overview-Reportpdf (Accessed 25 February 2016)
Page R and Clark G (eds) (1977) Who Cares Young People in
Care Speak Out London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Puffett N and Orfford A (2016) [Online] Increasing numbers of
care leavers in unsuitable accommodation Children and Young
People Now Available at
httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1155917increasing-numbers-of-
care-leavers-in-unsuitable-accommodation (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Samuels G M and Pryce J M (2008) ldquoWhat doesnrsquot kill you
makes you strongerrdquo Survivalist self-reliance as resilience and risk
among young adults aging out of foster care Children and Youth
Services Review Vol 30 (10) pp 1198-1210
Stein M (2002) Young People Leaving Care A Research
Perspective In A Wheal ed The RHP Companion to Leaving Care
Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing pp 28-33
39
Stein M (2004) What works for young people leaving care
Barkingside Barnardos
Stein M (2006) lsquoYoung people aging out of care The poverty of
theoryrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 28 (4) pp 422-434
Stein M (2012) Young People Leaving Care Supporting Pathways
to Adulthood London Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Stein M and Carey K (1986) Leaving Care Oxford Blackwell
Stein M and Ellis S (1983) Gizza Say Reviews and Young People
in Care London NAYPIC
Stein M and Maynard C (1985) Irsquove Never Been So Lonely
London NAYPIC
Stone M (1990) Young People Leaving Care A study of
management systems service delivery and user evaluation UK The
Royal Philanthropic Society
The Who Carersquos Trust (2014) [Online] Leaving Care Available at
httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpagesleaving-care-what-
happens-post-16html
Wade J (2011) lsquoPreparation and transition planning for
unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee young people A review
of evidence in Englandrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol
33 pp 2424-2430
Wade J and Dixon J (2006) lsquoMaking a home finding a job
investing early housing and employment outcomes for young people
leaving carersquo Child and Family Social Work Vol 11 (3) pp 199-208
Wade J Mitchel F and Baylis G (2005) Unaccompanied asylum
seeking children The response of social services London BAAF
40
Appendix
1) httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf page 25
Karenrsquos story
2) httpwwwnhsukConditionsAttention-deficit-hyperactivity-
disorderPagesIntroductionaspx
3) Email received in response to a request for Mr Timpson (Minister
of State for Children and Families) to answer three questions
regarding care leavers
Dear MsthinspThompsonthinsp
I am writing on behalf of the Minister of State for Children and
Families to thank you for your email of 9 February about your
dissertation
I am sorry but the department receives so many requests like yours
that we are unable to respond to them other than to point you to
sources of information I would therefore suggest that you look at the
departmentrsquos website
at httpswwwgovuksearchq=care+leavers+strategy
I hope you find this link helpful and that you are able to find the
information you need
Your correspondence has been allocated reference number 2016-
0008179 If you need to respond to us please
visit httpswwweducationgovukcontactus and quote your
reference number
As part of our commitment to improving the service we provide to
our customers we are interested in hearing your views and would
welcome your comments via our website
at httpswwweducationgovukpcusurvey
Yours sincerely
Kelly Walkerthinsp
Ministerial and Public Communications Division
Web
[httpswwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovuk]https
wwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovukgt
Twitter httpswwwtwittercomeducationgovuk
Facebook httpswwwfacebookcomeducationgovuk
41
[httpswwweducationgovukimages2irisdfepng]
4) httpwwwgisdaorgengamdanom-nihtml
5) httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga198941section20
6)httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrut
iny20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20Whe
n20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf
7)httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachme
nt_datafile201015Staying_Put_Guidancepdf
8) httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpageswhats-a-pathway-
planhtml
9) httpjobscommunitycarecoukarticlecoventry-tops-london-in-
the-best-place-to-live-league-tablescmpid=EMP|JOBS|SCJOB-
2016-0224-CH|READMORE-COVampcmpid
10) httpwwwconwygovukdocaspcat=4800ampdoc=19742
11)httpresearchbriefingsparliamentukResearchBriefingSummary
SN06705
42
i) Interview Guide
Generic areas of question
Age upon leaving care
Staying put scheme
Financial help
Choice of housing
Suitability of accommodation
Geographical position of accommodation
Further education
Access to support eg Personal Advisor social worker
Input with Pathway plan
Being listened to
Transition
Keeping in touch
Difference with peers
43
15
ldquopushed into fighting against a systemrdquo rather than a system that works
together for a positive outcome (Hiles et al 2014 11)
Contingency plans are an important recommendation outlined in recent
research as a necessity to prevent care leavers falling into crisis These
plans need to be in place regardless of assessed lsquoneedrsquo Moreover
access to an independent visitor enabling another supportive
relationship to be formed along with personal advisors would offer
greater assistance when decisions are being made for the young
personrsquos future (Barnardorsquos 2014 23)
Now the research is taking place identifying young peoplersquos
experiences of leaving care it is necessary to listen in order to make
effective changes in policy and practice to achieve better outcomes for
this vulnerable group
16
Chapter 3
Methodology
This research is of a qualitative nature The methodology included an
online questionnaire (n=50) to identify common themes followed up
by face- to-face interviews (n=10) for more detailed data However
the response rate for the online questionnaire was poor with only ten
returned The interviews adopted a semi-structured approach to allow
for participants to talk freely about their experiences The author used
an interview guide to achieve this containing the areas of interest
rather than a structured set of interview questions (Appendix i)
Support for this project was received from a local fostering group and
that provided some resources for sourcing the sample
Initially the author had positive support from social workers and
professionals within the leaving care sector Although actual response
from local authority was limited only one out of four who received
the research pack responded Participation by third sector
organisations was similarly positive however commitment to be
interviewed could not be obtained
The sample consisted of four young people aged 16 plus involved in
the leaving care process and four professionals working within the
leaving care system Geographically broken down to Gwynedd
Conwy Telford and Wrekin and Caerphilly
The interviews took place either in their own home place of work or
a mutually comfortable setting agreed by the participants The
researcher offered anonymity to the participants and the interviews
were handled sensitively keeping the vulnerability of some of the
sample in mind
The interviews were concerned with
17
Whether the young person feels supported
Whether the resources are accessible and the young person is made
aware of everything available
Whether the duties of the LA are being met from both points of view
(professional and young person)
The view of the use of BampB accommodation
Whether the leaving care process helps or hinders their future
How universal are the services provided
Is there enough financial assistance available resources and financial
advice
Are the young peoplersquos voices heard
Has policy and practice improved over the last couple of decades
The interviews were voice recorded with consent and a diary was kept
for all fieldwork undertaken The study adopted a grounded
theoretical approach and the data subjected to content analysis
a) Ethical Consideration
The sample where given thorough information regarding the study in
order for them to make an informed choice whether to participate or
not Confidentiality was adhered to and any disclosures were handled
appropriately and with ethical consideration in mind The researcher
was aware of the vulnerability of the young people and the sensitive
nature of the study
Due to the sensitivity of the research the data gathered was securely
kept in a locked filing cabinet (paper) and secure password protected
file (electronic) and destroyed on completion of the study
Permission to undertake this study was granted after a thorough and
detailed ethics application
18
Chapter 4
Findings
a) Transition
ldquoYou wouldnrsquot dream of kicking your own kids out so young
They give these kids to much artificial support to encourage
them to leaverdquo (Foster carer)
This is clearly reverberated in the literature particularly in the
Barnardorsquos report Someone to Care Experiences of leaving care
(2014) which highlights the plight of young care leavers and the lack
of parental support contributing to difficult transitions In addition it
has already been identified in the literature review that for children not
in care the leaving home age ranges from 20- 34 (ONS 2014)
Communication for this specific young person appeared to be lacking
ldquoWell my social worker didnrsquot really talk about what
would happenhelliphellipthey were like lsquooh yeah you will get
your own placersquo hellipbut not what will happen afterhellipso I
rushed into it thinking it was a good idea I think they
said it too soon to me if they wouldnrsquot have said it I
would still be here (foster care) for a while So I rushed
into it I had just left school maybe it would be
better at 17 or 18rdquo (Care leaver A currently aged 18 LA
Gwynedd)
This statement by a young care leaver is echoed by a set of foster carers
It was found that by giving the young person an offer of their own flat
complete with some furnishings of their choice seemed to sway their
decision whether or not to leave This was especially the case for 16
year olds
These foster carers stated that their young person had indicated they
wanted to stay in care at least until 18 years old however with a change
of social worker came a change of heart
19
ldquoYou see we had talked about when he would leave but he said
lsquono I wouldnrsquot like to be in a house on my ownrsquo He wanted to
stay when he first came to us he was having nightmares hellip he is
still having problems now He wonrsquot sleep in his bedroom now
he sleeps in the living room with the TV on They (Social
Services team) didnrsquot take any of this into account When his
social worker changed to the 16+ one he was like lsquooh well I
might move outrsquordquo
This particular interview found the process of leaving care very hasty
with very little preparation The young person in question was
identified by the LA as vulnerable however according to the foster
carers the process continued regardless
ldquoHe suddenly was kicking against us The social worker said he
was a troubled child he just said he had issues We know about
confidentiality but we were part of the care package but they (16
+ team) would not involve us There was no communication
between the 16+ team and us It was like he is an adult and thatrsquos
thatrdquo
The foster carers suggested the young person was being coached to
leave There was a sudden decision made and the young person went
lsquooff the railsrsquo It seemed a place was offered to enable them to move
out and that was when reality hit
ldquohelliphe drank a bottle of vodka and was talking about suicide He
suffers from low self- esteem There was no help for that I think
this was brought on by them (16+ team) telling him there was a
space somewhere He kept saying lsquoIrsquom so sorryrsquo It was reality
he had been going through the motions before thisrdquo
This illustrates a terrible indictment of a rushed transition Added to
the trauma which led the young person to being in care this does not
present a positive outcome
The findings for this report support the previous literature Steinrsquos
(2012) extensive research in this area continually reveals hasty
transitions from care to independence
Legislation relating to young people leaving care states
20
lsquoIt is the duty of the local authority looking after a child to advise assist
and befriend him with a view to promoting his welfare when they have
ceased to look after himrsquo (19A Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000)
Indicating a rushed transition should not be promoted rather that it
should be a much slower process with time being given to prepare fully
for independence
In contrast one participant going through the leaving care system in
2004 and within a different LA (Telford and Wrekin) had a much more
positive experience
ldquoI left care at 18 I was in a childrenrsquos homehellipfoster care didnrsquot
suit me I was always running away I had brilliant support all
the way until I was 25 I went to supported living and I had help
to learn to cook and manage money and bills Then I had help to
find a flat and become independent I even still see some of the
people who supported me when I go back to Telfordrdquo (Care
leaver B aged 30)
This indicates a far more gradual transition to independence
Unfortunately the majority of the data within this study points more
often to the former rushed transition
ldquoI turned 18 and it was like hellipyoursquore an adult now I was in a
hostel then a homeless place that was scary there were all sorts
there I liked the place in Bala it was good there But when I
turned 18 I couldnrsquot stay It was like one minute I had everything
done for me then nothingrdquo (Care leaver C currently aged 19
LA Conwy)
This young person moved into private care and currently resides in a
mixed home for people with mental health problems He has Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (Appendix 2)
The research suggests past history is not always taken into account
when assessing the suitability of independent living for these young
people
ldquoHis issues should have been recognised then he would not have
been offered to leave at 16 The social worker had not made the
effort to look at his historyrdquo (Foster carer)
21
Taking the young peoplersquos history and circumstances into account
could offer a more positive outcome than simply their age
ldquoThey had eight files on me from when I was little My foster
carer nagged them until she was able to have them to read
Then she knew what had happenedrdquo (Care leaver D currently
aged 19 LA Caerphilly)
It is recognised in policy that the system still does not seem to perform
as it should The Care Leaversrsquo Strategy (2013) identifies the abrupt
transition experienced by these young people in its opening paragraphs
However the report fails to include lsquotransitionrsquo as a fundamental area
of concern Instead usual sections such as education employment
housing and so on are highlighted as lsquobroad areas of concernrsquo It would
seem the young peoplersquos emotional well- being which is clearly
affected by the hasty exit from care does not hold the same
governmental importance
Additionally it may be prudent to add at this point that Edward
Timpson Minister of State for Children and Families was contacted
for the purpose of this research Mr Timpson was involved in the
development of the Care Leaversrsquo Strategy and in addition to this grew
up with looked after children as his parents were foster carers There
was no response to the research (Appendix 3)
A fundamental issue surrounding rushed transitions is the view these
young people are now adults although they are still virtually as
vulnerable as children The serious case review into the murder of
Jayden Parkinson highlights this Jayden was 17 and considered an
adult by services and practitioners The review stated
lsquoToo often [Parkinson] was viewed as a difficult young person and not
recognised as a child in need of safeguarding Professionals and
agencies did not always fully understand the serious nature of the risks
to [her] or were too quick to be reassured that she would be able to
protect herself from those risksrsquo (Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children
Board 2016 62)
22
It would seem important for policy to start considering the young
personrsquos position in life rather than their age as an indicator of their
readiness for independence
b) Housing and Accommodation
The participants were asked about their experiences with housing when
leaving care Questions about choice suitability and geographic area
where considered Consistent with past research and previous literature
(Barnardorsquos [2] 2014) issues where found in all these areas
Once again the Care Leaversrsquo Strategy recognises these issues found
in research past and present surrounding housing
lsquoCare leavers are a vulnerable group of young adults who have
particular needs in relation to housing and homelessness Around a
quarter of those living on the streets have a background in care The
majority of care leavers leave care by the age of 18 and rising demands
on social housing and other accommodation is making it increasingly
difficult for young people to find suitable accommodation as they enter
adulthoodrsquo (2013 14)
These findings suggest a significant risk of homelessness for these
participants In actual fact without the charity Gisda (Appendix 4) the
options for young people in Gwynedd would be seriously limited
It has already been noted that nationally care leavers are overly
represented within the homeless and inadequately housed with 30 of
homeless people formerly being in care (Who Cares Trust 2014)
When considering choice Bed and Breakfast (BampB) accommodation
was not always used but choice did appear limited Geographical
consideration and suitable match for the young person does not always
seem possible
23
ldquoWell there was a bit of choice but it was mainly Caernarfon I
had shared housing with Gisda not BampB and then I got my flat
with Gisdardquo (Care leaver A)
Once again this is echoed by foster carers
ldquoHe moved into shared housing for two weekshelliphe was
terrified he slit his mattress to hide his laptop in it There wasnrsquot
much choice had he had the choice to stay in Penygroes he
would have He has been trying to get back here ever since He
is afraid in Caernarfon He has two brothers living there which
he has had problems with and his brotherrsquos friend He is quite a
fearful child and finds living in Caernarfon stressful When he
gets home to his flat from here he doesnrsquot go outrdquo
This does not seem to be reserved to just this LA either
ldquoI was in a hostel but I kicked off so was in a BampB for a couple
of days They said I was smoking in the room so I got kicked out
of therehellipdidnrsquot even get all my stuff Then my social worker
said I could stay with my mum for the weekend cause my sister
wasnrsquot there But then she came backhellipshe winds me uphellipI
kicked off but hit the window hellipI wanted to hit her So my mum
called the police helliprdquo (Care leaver D)
There appears to be insecurity surrounding housing Care leaver D
went on to lsquosofa surfrsquo and then went back to his motherrsquos even though
that episode left him with a criminal damage conviction [brought on by
his mother] His support seemed to end there
Care leaver A was asked if the flat with Gisda was permanent
ldquoNo itrsquos two years temporary I have three months leftrdquo
When asked what happens then
ldquoI think Irsquom on the top the list with housing so Irsquove gotta hope
something comes up or I will probably end up in BampB The thing
is once you have had the flat and you get to 18 you sort of go in
circles so you can be put in BampB Itrsquos a worry being three months
awayhelliphellipI keep phoning themrdquo
This was reiterated by the foster carers
ldquoI canrsquot see Gisda putting him out on the street but they have to
give him notice of eviction in order for the council to do
something about it Sometimes he stays with his cousin or his
24
dad if there is any room But he will probably have to lsquosofa
surfrsquohellip thatrsquos what his brother had to do That will put him on
the list he has to be homeless to get helprdquo
The question of supported living was raised for this particular
participant the foster carer replied
ldquoThere doesnrsquot seem to be any here But for him it wouldnrsquot
work he would worry about the other people there He is afraid
of people that do drugs there is a family history with drugsrdquo
However a neighbouring LA had positive experiences with supported
living Their providers of supported living and BampB accommodation
had been the same for over ten years which would indicate some
consistency The manager for the leaving care team for this LA
commented that the staff at the BampBrsquos offered a sympathetic approach
with more of a lsquofamily feelrsquo to the service Furthermore this LA had
long term relationships with landlords who specifically offered
tenancies to care leavers This demonstrates the importance of
consistency Although BampB may not seem ideal if there are good long
term relationships with service providers this can offer a positive short
term solution
Likewise care leaver B had the right experience with their
accommodation
ldquoI went from the childrenrsquos home to supported lodgings and after
that had my own flat The supported lodgings really helped me
learn how to look after myself I did go off the rails a bit when I
was about 23 but because of my support I sorted myself outrdquo
Though care leaver C will be moving once again in the near future It
seems his ADHD leaves the LA at a loss as to where this young person
should live The condition necessitates extra support to enable him to
manage independence
ldquoI like where I am But the funding for here runs out soon They
(social services) have said there is a new place in Abergele I
think itrsquos a shared house If I turn that down though I will make
myself intentionally homeless so there is no choicerdquo
25
This young personrsquos worries where resonated by his mother too He
entered care under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989 (Appendix 5)
as his mother was unable to manage his behaviour Her understanding
was that he would be care for until he reached 21 It may be argued he
is being cared for and is continuing to be Yet as stated earlier a mental
health facility may not be seen as ideal equally shared housing may
not offer the level of support required for an eventual and positive
departure from care
Regrettably national statistics have shown a rise of 108 per cent in the
number of young people in unsuitable accommodation from 1660 in
2014 to 1840 in 2015 This is reiterated by Carrie Wilson young
peoplersquos project co-ordinator at The Care Leaversrsquo Association
ldquoOn a basic level [BampBs] are seen as a ldquosaferdquo place but those young
people do not feel safe regardless of the interventions put into place to
support a young person if they do not feel like they have personal
safety at the end of the day their coping mechanisms start to break
downrdquo (Puffett and Orfford 2016)
The experiences of these participants suggests a chaotic existence in
line with the research undertaken by Barnardorsquos (2) (2014)
This does not present an improvement of services Government
statistics from 2011 suggested only 17 local authorities were housing
100 per cent of care leavers in suitable accommodation (Higgs 2011)
These are dismal statistics as research conducted by Stein (201280)
found from 2004 to 2009 the numbers of care leavers in suitable
accommodation had risen from 77 to 90 The statistics from 2011
could correlate with the age of austerity and social service budget cuts
(Stein 2012 24)
In Gwynedd since 2013 there has been the lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
available and similar to Englandrsquos lsquoStaying Putrsquo scheme (Appendix 6
amp 7) These schemes are now available throughout Wales and offer the
26
young person an opportunity to stay within their foster care placement
until the age of 21 or beyond if they are engaged in education or
training which started before their twenty first birthday This extended
stay may last until completion of the education or training on the
condition it is set out in the young personrsquos pathway plan The
opportunity offers a more gradual transition similar to young people in
the general population (Gwynedd Council 2014)
However there was no evidence of this scheme to have been offered to
care leaver A Care leavers C and D appear to have merely been
managed until the LA no longer had the duty of care
c) Pathway Plans Personal Advisors and Social
Workers
ldquoI donrsquot remember how many social workers I had hellipmaybe 14
or 15 by the time I left care They kept changingrdquo (Care leaver
D)
The participants were asked about their experiences with personal
advisors social workers the creation and implementation of their
pathway plans (Appendix 8) and whether they felt they were listened
to
It would seem having several social workers is commonplace
ldquoThe 16+ team didnrsquot seem to support him They changed social
worker but he didnrsquot seem to know what was going on Then they
changed again to one from the 16+ team Thatrsquos when his
behaviour changed One of his previous social workers was
fantastic and he worshipped herhellip If only they had kept that
social worker it would have made such a differencerdquo (Foster
carer)
For care leaver A this seems to have happened with the personal
advisor too When asked about their personal advisor
27
ldquoThere was a foster meeting the lady what was her namehellip Jan
she was really good She was with social services and Gisda
But then when they thought I was ok they transferred me to
someone elserdquo
Though for some there was more consistency Care leaver C suggested
a good relationship with their personal advisor They indicated regular
visits phone calls and planning meetings In turn this young person felt
they were being listened to when the pathway plan was produced
The manager for this LAs leaving care team confirms his perspective
on personal advisors
ldquoWe have a team of four personal advisors They have about 40
cases each but they do a great job All of their cases have a
mobile phone number for them and they are all very dedicated
and approachable [from the young personrsquos point of view] They
offer a vital link from care to independencerdquo
However once again this service appears inconsistent depending on
the LA
Added to this frequent changes of case worker suggest a difficulty in
completion and implementation of pathway plans and causes the
young person to feel they are not being listened to
ldquoI was kind of listened to but then my social worker changed so
I had to start againhellipthere was no relationship there cause they
kept changing We would do one pathway plan then the social
worker changed and we would have to do another onerdquo (Care
leaver A)
When the foster carers were asked about the pathway plan and whether
they thought their young person was listened to
ldquoHe didnrsquot have a proper pathway plan for leaving it was rushed
There was no proper structure He was listened to but without
question or consideration of the consequences They ticked their
boxes and he was off their handsrdquo
These experiences were evident in the earlier research by Munro et al
(2011) whereby young people felt their voices were not heard and the
meetings surrounding their exit from care caused anxiety and stress
28
The foster carers then suggested their current placement who had just
turned 16 may suffer the same
ldquoShe is just about to change to the 16+ team they canrsquot wait to
get her on thathellipit will be her third social worker in two years
She is adamant she doesnrsquot want to leave at 16 but if they dangle
the carrot of her own flat in front of her it might be differentrdquo
Furthermore for the foster carers support appears to be inconsistent
One set had just been assigned a new social worker the third in two
years
ldquoWe have a new social worker and she just ticks the boxes She
seems terrified to use her initiative One social worker I was
dealing with said there were five people who were either off or
had left and not been replaced in his office alonerdquo
It is well documented that retention of staff within social work is
increasingly difficult Added to which there a national shortage of
approximately 3500 social workers both hindering continuity for the
people they provide services to (Community Care 2014) This and
aforementioned cuts to funding within leaving care services may
explain how the inconsistency and a lack of relationship with social
workers described within this data can infringe on the process of
leaving care
With this in mind it is imperative to consider the legal implications at
this point It would appear within the legal framework there are lsquogrey
areasrsquo which can allow the experiences of care leaverrsquos A C and D to
occur The Children (Leaving Care) Act (2000) states that an
assessment of needs must be carried out by the LA for the said child
(a)while they are still looking after him and
(b)after they cease to look after him (19B 4)
The proviso for this is the child has been looked after for a period of
time and that they are aged 16 or 17 (19B 2 a amp b)
However the Care Act (2014) has a section dedicated to the needs of a
child in the transition to adulthood including the requirement for a
29
needs assessment but in relation to the childrsquos needs after the age of
18 Furthermore section 58 (4) insists the assessment should be carried
out whether the child consents or not if there is a risk of or experiencing
abuse or neglect Bearing in mind the vulnerability of these young
people the causes for them to have been placed in care in the first place
it would be fair to consider this group eligible for this assessment and
extended care Added to which one would expect a more thorough and
consistent assessment to be carried out Clearly with several changes to
case workers [as experienced by care leavers A and D] this legal
standard is not being met
Perhaps government and policy makers should consider case worker
retention and better working environments as fundamental aspects of
policy in turn offering better outcomes for the young people
(Appendix 9)
d) Financial aspects
ldquoThey told him to choose what he needed for the flat but only
some of it turned up There is something I heard of might be
from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation where some money is put
into an ISA which can be accessed once they are 18 This is
because they have been in care But I feel the danger of that is it
could all be blown on something else or used as a carrot to
encourage leaving care As far as I have seen they just go and
spend it all then itrsquos gone ndash they would be better giving them a
furnished flatrdquo (Foster carer)
The Care Leavers Strategy states it encourages LArsquos to offer at least
pound2000 as a lsquoSetting Up Home Allowancersquo (leaving care grant)
although as this is not a legal requirement the amount varies from LA
to LA Care leaver A received in the region of pound400 (Gwynedd LA)
However the manager for Conwy laving care team indicated the
amount their care leavers receive is dependent on what they need This
is also stated on the LArsquos web site (Appendix 8) It may be suggested
that young people within less affluent LArsquos will fare worse financially
30
The Strategy maintains care leavers are entitled to a pound1200 bursary if
they are attending further education and a pound2000 bursary for higher
education This is financed by the Department for Education (2013
10) Extra funding of this kind would appear significant for these young
people however if the earlier literature is considered the statistics for
this grouprsquos educational achievements did not present well (See
chapter one) As this funding is reliant on the young person being in
education there will be a significant proportion unable to access this
extra help
Conwy LA did suggest promising outcomes for employment for their
care leavers with many undertaking apprenticeships within the
councilrsquos departments
ldquoWe have a number of our young people working and training in
the council (Conwy) with a selection of apprenticeships
specifically for them Some do go on to stay with us being
offered permanent contractsrdquo (Leaving care team manager)
Unfortunately a comparison cannot be made with other LArsquos or
voluntary organisations in this area as there was no response to the
research
Care leaver A did have temporary employment with a local leisure
centre although when a permanent contract was offered it was of a zero
hourrsquos nature
ldquoI wasnrsquot worth me taking ithellipI would lose my benefit and have
no guarantee of workrdquo
Care leaver C started a college course and managed a couple of shifts
in a restaurant kitchen however his chaotic accommodation provision
and a lack of support for his ADHD hampered his continuation
Care leaver D is NEET (Appendix 11) and has been since his exit from
care It would seem this has not been assisted by his family [to which
he returned] who have also never been in employment and his
reluctance to receive any more services It may be suggested his high
31
level of case worker turnover contributed to his reluctance Equally his
chaotic existence before entering care disrupted his education added
the rushed transition from care has not facilitated good employment
prospects
e) Evaluation and Reflection
When evaluating this research one must acknowledge the limitations
when assessing the size of the sample
Despite persistence there was a reluctance by professionals particularly
to participate Out of four LAs contacted only one responded and
agreed to be interviewed One LA received the research pack three
times follow up calls were made several times to no avail The same
may be said for the voluntary sector in spite of positive telephone
conversations and receipt of the research pack Barnardorsquos and Gisda
did not consent to be interviewed Therefore the findings were
somewhat one sided and the professional perspective limited
However even with the limited sample the original hypothesis of the
leaving care system failing the young people has a degree of truth
Equally the findings are reflective of earlier research identified in
chapter 2
There is certainly scope for further and more considerable research
within this field Although for future studies it may be beneficial to use
focus group methodology to encourage professional participation This
would possibly generate an improved response rate in comparison to
the online questionnaire used for the initial stages of this project The
face to face follow up interviews proved difficult to organise although
it was difficult to decipher whether this was due to a reluctance to
engage in the research or a lack of available time
32
Chapter 5
Conclusion
In conclusion the data collected for this study shows a system that sadly
does fail its young people Certainly in Gwynedd the leaving care
process is seemingly rushed and centred around a personrsquos age rather
than their readiness for independence Of course it may be argued there
has to be a lsquocut off pointrsquo and young people have to become
independent at some time for legal purposes that lsquopointrsquo is dictated by
their age It would seem this is the case regardless of the harm it may
cause Furthermore it could be argued this hasty process is a breach of
the young personrsquos human rights however despite searching no cases
were found
In 2006 research conducted by Mendes and Moselhuddin concluded
the leaving care process should be a gradual process based on levels of
maturity and ability to manage independence rather than simply age
The same recommendation is echoed in the majority of research both
past and present It would seem that ten years on we are no closer to an
ideal solution
For care leaver A C and D the outcome was poor Certainly they did
not feel supported through the transition although care leaver C had
significantly better support from their personal advisor post 18
However despite this support care leaver C was still living in less than
ideal circumstances and about to be moved once again
In line with the literature this study although with the limited sample
found immense inconsistencies within the system and in every area
from support to financial assistance
Evidently for some the system works against an already disadvantaged
group abandoning when needed the most so to speak
33
It would seem the introduction of legislation and the Transitions
Guidance to strengthen practice and policy has failed to make a
significant improvement especially surrounding the lsquolevelling uprsquo of
services Attributed by the cost cutting imposed on LArsquos by central
government this is hardly surprising
There are some encouraging outcomes such as care leaver B receiving
immense support from their LA beyond policy and legal requirement
This is in line with some of Steinrsquos (2012 81) research and positive
outcomes are underpinned by the level of good consistent and accurate
support received by the individual Yet as this study has found this is
not consistent or universal
It is clear inconsistencies lack of support young and rushed transitions
all contribute to poorer outcomes for this group of young people A
group which are already disadvantaged and at a much higher risk of
social exclusion
As a society we should consider these young people as just that ndash young
people Often with the same dreams and aspirations as any other young
person On the contrary perhaps we should consider these young
people further as many will have already been let down by society
Either way they are entitled to as much support guidance and
opportunity as any other Regrettably this does not seem to be the case
as despite advances in research policy and legislation the same
inconsistencies and failures appear to occur time and time again
The study has shown the importance of understanding the young
peoplersquos history Of understanding former problems or areas of
concern This aids the transition to independence as it identifies where
the support is needed and individualizes the young person There
cannot be a lsquoone size fits allrsquo approach to the leaving care system as
one can see these young people are individual It has identified how
fundamental it is to include a young personrsquos foster carers when
considering independence to recognise the relationship they may have
34
with the young person and the key role they play after leaving care (as
with care lever A)
With this in mind one must acknowledge the leaving care system has
indeed improved over the last 30 years however it needs to continue to
progress if there is any hope of achieving a consistent service with more
even and positive outcomes for these young people
35
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Available at httpwwwactionforchildrenorgukour-
servicesadoption-fostering-and-children-in-carechildren-in-
careleaving-care
Barnardorsquos (2014)[1] [Online] Someone to Care Experiences of
leaving care Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorguksomeone_to_care_final_feb2014pdf
(Accessed 07 October 2015)
Barnardorsquos (2014)[2] [Online] The costs of not caring supporting
English care leavers into independence Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf (Accessed 07
October 2015)
Biehal N Clayden J Stein M and Wade J (1995) Moving On
Young people and leaving care schemes London HMSO
Broad B (2005) Improving the Health and Well-Being of Young
People Leaving Care Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing
Burgess C (1981) In Care and Into Work London Tavistock
Care Leaverrsquos Foundation (with Children and Young People Now)
(2009) [Online] Setting Up A place to call home Bala Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation Available at
httpwwwthecareleaversfoundationorgsitedatafilesSetting_Up_A
_Place_to_Callpdf (Accessed 06 April 2015)
Care Leavers Strategy (2013) [Online] Available at
httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachment_
datafile266484Care_Leaver_Strategypdf (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Care Act (2014) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga201423part1crossheadingtra
nsition-for-children-to-adult-care-and-support-etcenacted (Accessed
01 March 2016)
Children and Families Act 2014 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga20146section98enacted
(Accessed 02 October 2015)
36
Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 [Online] Available at
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Children and Young Persons Act (2008) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200823contents (Accessed 02
October 2015)
Community Care (2014) [Online] Councils struggling to retain social
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Available at httpwwwcommunitycarecouk20140130councils-
struggling-retain-social-workers-face-high-caseloads-competition-
pay (Accessed 22 February 2016)
Courtney M Terrao S and Bost N (2004) Midwest evaluation of
the adult functioning of former foster youth Conditions of youth
preparing to leave state care Outcomes at age 19 Chicago Chapin
Hall Centre for Children at University of Chicago
Daly F (2012) lsquoMy voice has to be heardrsquo Research on outcomes
for young people leaving care in North Dublin Dublin EPIC
Dixon J and Baker C (2012) lsquoThe Housing Experience of Young
People Leaving Care in England What helpsrsquo Developing Practice
The Child Youth and Family Work Journal Issue 32 National Care
Advisory Service (NCAS)
wwweducationgovuk [Online]
Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20130123124929httpw
wweducationgovukresearchandstatisticsstatisticsa00195573
Family Rights Group (2014) [Online] Support for Young People
Leaving the Care System Available at
httpwwwfrgorgukimagesAdvice_Sheets16-support-for-young-
people-leaving-carepdf (Accessed 29 September 2015)
The Fostering Network (2014) [Online] Staying Put Available at
httpswwwfosteringnetall-about-fosteringprovidersstaying-put-
updateVg5D-PRdX1Y (Accessed 02 October 2015)
Godek S (1976) Leaving Care Barkingside Barnardorsquos
Gwynedd Council (2014) [Online] lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
Available at
httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrutin
y20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20When
37
20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf (Accessed
22 February 2016)
Harris R J (1982) Institutionalized Ambivalence Social Work and
the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 British Journal of Social
Work Vol12 pp 247-263
Higgs L (2011) [Online] Housing crisis around the corner for care
leavers experts warn Children and Young People Now Available
at httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1050066housing-crisis-
corner-care-leavers-experts-warn (Accessed 17 February 2016)
Hiles D Moss D Thorne L Wright J and Dallos R (2014) ldquoSo
what am Irdquo ndash Multiple perspectives on young peoplersquos experience of
leaving care Children and Youth Services Review Vol 41 pp 1-15
House of Commons (1968) Report of the Committee on Local
Authority and Allied Personal Social Services London HMSO
Hutchinson D (2013) [Online] Catch 22 National Care Advisory
Service (NCAS) Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads9b7793d8be6ffc05a501df3df
4a1ef5fpdf
Jackson S and Cameron C (2012) lsquoLeaving Care Looking ahead
and aiming higherrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 34 (6)
pp 1107-1114
Mendes P and Moslehuddin B (2006) lsquoFrom Dependence to
Interdependence Towards Better Outcomes for Young People
Leaving State Carersquo Child Abuse Review Vol15 pp 110-166
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2006) Young peoplersquos views on leaving
care Newcastle Commission for Social Care Inspection
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2012) Young peoplersquos views on care
and aftercare Office of the Childrenrsquos Rights Director London
Ofsted
Mulvey T (1977) lsquoAfter-care ndash who caresrsquo Concern No 26
London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Munro E Lushey C and Ward H (2011) Evaluation of the
Right2BCared4 Pilots Final report (NCAS) London Department
for Education
38
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2011) Making the Cut
Planning Transitions for Care Levers in an Age of Austerity London
NCAS
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2012) [Online] Statistical
Briefing Looked after children and care leavers 2012 Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads0e9a6e4f266b8e96ad7c8e25
7bd53982pdf (Accessed 30 March 2015)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2013)
[Online] The NICE quality standard on the health and wellbeing of
looked after children and young people Available at
httpwwwniceorgukguidanceQS31chapterQuality-statement-8-
Support-to-move-to-independence (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Office for National Statistics (2014) [Online] Large increase in 20 to
34-year-olds living with parents since 1996 Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20160105160709httpw
wwonsgovukonsrelfamily-demographyyoung-adults-living-with-
parents2013sty-young-adultshtml (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board (2016) [Online] Child J ndash
Domestic Homicide Review and Serious Case Review (combined)
Available at httpwwwoscborgukwp-contentuploadsChild-J-
OSCB-Overview-Reportpdf (Accessed 25 February 2016)
Page R and Clark G (eds) (1977) Who Cares Young People in
Care Speak Out London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Puffett N and Orfford A (2016) [Online] Increasing numbers of
care leavers in unsuitable accommodation Children and Young
People Now Available at
httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1155917increasing-numbers-of-
care-leavers-in-unsuitable-accommodation (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Samuels G M and Pryce J M (2008) ldquoWhat doesnrsquot kill you
makes you strongerrdquo Survivalist self-reliance as resilience and risk
among young adults aging out of foster care Children and Youth
Services Review Vol 30 (10) pp 1198-1210
Stein M (2002) Young People Leaving Care A Research
Perspective In A Wheal ed The RHP Companion to Leaving Care
Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing pp 28-33
39
Stein M (2004) What works for young people leaving care
Barkingside Barnardos
Stein M (2006) lsquoYoung people aging out of care The poverty of
theoryrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 28 (4) pp 422-434
Stein M (2012) Young People Leaving Care Supporting Pathways
to Adulthood London Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Stein M and Carey K (1986) Leaving Care Oxford Blackwell
Stein M and Ellis S (1983) Gizza Say Reviews and Young People
in Care London NAYPIC
Stein M and Maynard C (1985) Irsquove Never Been So Lonely
London NAYPIC
Stone M (1990) Young People Leaving Care A study of
management systems service delivery and user evaluation UK The
Royal Philanthropic Society
The Who Carersquos Trust (2014) [Online] Leaving Care Available at
httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpagesleaving-care-what-
happens-post-16html
Wade J (2011) lsquoPreparation and transition planning for
unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee young people A review
of evidence in Englandrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol
33 pp 2424-2430
Wade J and Dixon J (2006) lsquoMaking a home finding a job
investing early housing and employment outcomes for young people
leaving carersquo Child and Family Social Work Vol 11 (3) pp 199-208
Wade J Mitchel F and Baylis G (2005) Unaccompanied asylum
seeking children The response of social services London BAAF
40
Appendix
1) httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf page 25
Karenrsquos story
2) httpwwwnhsukConditionsAttention-deficit-hyperactivity-
disorderPagesIntroductionaspx
3) Email received in response to a request for Mr Timpson (Minister
of State for Children and Families) to answer three questions
regarding care leavers
Dear MsthinspThompsonthinsp
I am writing on behalf of the Minister of State for Children and
Families to thank you for your email of 9 February about your
dissertation
I am sorry but the department receives so many requests like yours
that we are unable to respond to them other than to point you to
sources of information I would therefore suggest that you look at the
departmentrsquos website
at httpswwwgovuksearchq=care+leavers+strategy
I hope you find this link helpful and that you are able to find the
information you need
Your correspondence has been allocated reference number 2016-
0008179 If you need to respond to us please
visit httpswwweducationgovukcontactus and quote your
reference number
As part of our commitment to improving the service we provide to
our customers we are interested in hearing your views and would
welcome your comments via our website
at httpswwweducationgovukpcusurvey
Yours sincerely
Kelly Walkerthinsp
Ministerial and Public Communications Division
Web
[httpswwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovuk]https
wwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovukgt
Twitter httpswwwtwittercomeducationgovuk
Facebook httpswwwfacebookcomeducationgovuk
41
[httpswwweducationgovukimages2irisdfepng]
4) httpwwwgisdaorgengamdanom-nihtml
5) httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga198941section20
6)httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrut
iny20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20Whe
n20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf
7)httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachme
nt_datafile201015Staying_Put_Guidancepdf
8) httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpageswhats-a-pathway-
planhtml
9) httpjobscommunitycarecoukarticlecoventry-tops-london-in-
the-best-place-to-live-league-tablescmpid=EMP|JOBS|SCJOB-
2016-0224-CH|READMORE-COVampcmpid
10) httpwwwconwygovukdocaspcat=4800ampdoc=19742
11)httpresearchbriefingsparliamentukResearchBriefingSummary
SN06705
42
i) Interview Guide
Generic areas of question
Age upon leaving care
Staying put scheme
Financial help
Choice of housing
Suitability of accommodation
Geographical position of accommodation
Further education
Access to support eg Personal Advisor social worker
Input with Pathway plan
Being listened to
Transition
Keeping in touch
Difference with peers
43
16
Chapter 3
Methodology
This research is of a qualitative nature The methodology included an
online questionnaire (n=50) to identify common themes followed up
by face- to-face interviews (n=10) for more detailed data However
the response rate for the online questionnaire was poor with only ten
returned The interviews adopted a semi-structured approach to allow
for participants to talk freely about their experiences The author used
an interview guide to achieve this containing the areas of interest
rather than a structured set of interview questions (Appendix i)
Support for this project was received from a local fostering group and
that provided some resources for sourcing the sample
Initially the author had positive support from social workers and
professionals within the leaving care sector Although actual response
from local authority was limited only one out of four who received
the research pack responded Participation by third sector
organisations was similarly positive however commitment to be
interviewed could not be obtained
The sample consisted of four young people aged 16 plus involved in
the leaving care process and four professionals working within the
leaving care system Geographically broken down to Gwynedd
Conwy Telford and Wrekin and Caerphilly
The interviews took place either in their own home place of work or
a mutually comfortable setting agreed by the participants The
researcher offered anonymity to the participants and the interviews
were handled sensitively keeping the vulnerability of some of the
sample in mind
The interviews were concerned with
17
Whether the young person feels supported
Whether the resources are accessible and the young person is made
aware of everything available
Whether the duties of the LA are being met from both points of view
(professional and young person)
The view of the use of BampB accommodation
Whether the leaving care process helps or hinders their future
How universal are the services provided
Is there enough financial assistance available resources and financial
advice
Are the young peoplersquos voices heard
Has policy and practice improved over the last couple of decades
The interviews were voice recorded with consent and a diary was kept
for all fieldwork undertaken The study adopted a grounded
theoretical approach and the data subjected to content analysis
a) Ethical Consideration
The sample where given thorough information regarding the study in
order for them to make an informed choice whether to participate or
not Confidentiality was adhered to and any disclosures were handled
appropriately and with ethical consideration in mind The researcher
was aware of the vulnerability of the young people and the sensitive
nature of the study
Due to the sensitivity of the research the data gathered was securely
kept in a locked filing cabinet (paper) and secure password protected
file (electronic) and destroyed on completion of the study
Permission to undertake this study was granted after a thorough and
detailed ethics application
18
Chapter 4
Findings
a) Transition
ldquoYou wouldnrsquot dream of kicking your own kids out so young
They give these kids to much artificial support to encourage
them to leaverdquo (Foster carer)
This is clearly reverberated in the literature particularly in the
Barnardorsquos report Someone to Care Experiences of leaving care
(2014) which highlights the plight of young care leavers and the lack
of parental support contributing to difficult transitions In addition it
has already been identified in the literature review that for children not
in care the leaving home age ranges from 20- 34 (ONS 2014)
Communication for this specific young person appeared to be lacking
ldquoWell my social worker didnrsquot really talk about what
would happenhelliphellipthey were like lsquooh yeah you will get
your own placersquo hellipbut not what will happen afterhellipso I
rushed into it thinking it was a good idea I think they
said it too soon to me if they wouldnrsquot have said it I
would still be here (foster care) for a while So I rushed
into it I had just left school maybe it would be
better at 17 or 18rdquo (Care leaver A currently aged 18 LA
Gwynedd)
This statement by a young care leaver is echoed by a set of foster carers
It was found that by giving the young person an offer of their own flat
complete with some furnishings of their choice seemed to sway their
decision whether or not to leave This was especially the case for 16
year olds
These foster carers stated that their young person had indicated they
wanted to stay in care at least until 18 years old however with a change
of social worker came a change of heart
19
ldquoYou see we had talked about when he would leave but he said
lsquono I wouldnrsquot like to be in a house on my ownrsquo He wanted to
stay when he first came to us he was having nightmares hellip he is
still having problems now He wonrsquot sleep in his bedroom now
he sleeps in the living room with the TV on They (Social
Services team) didnrsquot take any of this into account When his
social worker changed to the 16+ one he was like lsquooh well I
might move outrsquordquo
This particular interview found the process of leaving care very hasty
with very little preparation The young person in question was
identified by the LA as vulnerable however according to the foster
carers the process continued regardless
ldquoHe suddenly was kicking against us The social worker said he
was a troubled child he just said he had issues We know about
confidentiality but we were part of the care package but they (16
+ team) would not involve us There was no communication
between the 16+ team and us It was like he is an adult and thatrsquos
thatrdquo
The foster carers suggested the young person was being coached to
leave There was a sudden decision made and the young person went
lsquooff the railsrsquo It seemed a place was offered to enable them to move
out and that was when reality hit
ldquohelliphe drank a bottle of vodka and was talking about suicide He
suffers from low self- esteem There was no help for that I think
this was brought on by them (16+ team) telling him there was a
space somewhere He kept saying lsquoIrsquom so sorryrsquo It was reality
he had been going through the motions before thisrdquo
This illustrates a terrible indictment of a rushed transition Added to
the trauma which led the young person to being in care this does not
present a positive outcome
The findings for this report support the previous literature Steinrsquos
(2012) extensive research in this area continually reveals hasty
transitions from care to independence
Legislation relating to young people leaving care states
20
lsquoIt is the duty of the local authority looking after a child to advise assist
and befriend him with a view to promoting his welfare when they have
ceased to look after himrsquo (19A Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000)
Indicating a rushed transition should not be promoted rather that it
should be a much slower process with time being given to prepare fully
for independence
In contrast one participant going through the leaving care system in
2004 and within a different LA (Telford and Wrekin) had a much more
positive experience
ldquoI left care at 18 I was in a childrenrsquos homehellipfoster care didnrsquot
suit me I was always running away I had brilliant support all
the way until I was 25 I went to supported living and I had help
to learn to cook and manage money and bills Then I had help to
find a flat and become independent I even still see some of the
people who supported me when I go back to Telfordrdquo (Care
leaver B aged 30)
This indicates a far more gradual transition to independence
Unfortunately the majority of the data within this study points more
often to the former rushed transition
ldquoI turned 18 and it was like hellipyoursquore an adult now I was in a
hostel then a homeless place that was scary there were all sorts
there I liked the place in Bala it was good there But when I
turned 18 I couldnrsquot stay It was like one minute I had everything
done for me then nothingrdquo (Care leaver C currently aged 19
LA Conwy)
This young person moved into private care and currently resides in a
mixed home for people with mental health problems He has Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (Appendix 2)
The research suggests past history is not always taken into account
when assessing the suitability of independent living for these young
people
ldquoHis issues should have been recognised then he would not have
been offered to leave at 16 The social worker had not made the
effort to look at his historyrdquo (Foster carer)
21
Taking the young peoplersquos history and circumstances into account
could offer a more positive outcome than simply their age
ldquoThey had eight files on me from when I was little My foster
carer nagged them until she was able to have them to read
Then she knew what had happenedrdquo (Care leaver D currently
aged 19 LA Caerphilly)
It is recognised in policy that the system still does not seem to perform
as it should The Care Leaversrsquo Strategy (2013) identifies the abrupt
transition experienced by these young people in its opening paragraphs
However the report fails to include lsquotransitionrsquo as a fundamental area
of concern Instead usual sections such as education employment
housing and so on are highlighted as lsquobroad areas of concernrsquo It would
seem the young peoplersquos emotional well- being which is clearly
affected by the hasty exit from care does not hold the same
governmental importance
Additionally it may be prudent to add at this point that Edward
Timpson Minister of State for Children and Families was contacted
for the purpose of this research Mr Timpson was involved in the
development of the Care Leaversrsquo Strategy and in addition to this grew
up with looked after children as his parents were foster carers There
was no response to the research (Appendix 3)
A fundamental issue surrounding rushed transitions is the view these
young people are now adults although they are still virtually as
vulnerable as children The serious case review into the murder of
Jayden Parkinson highlights this Jayden was 17 and considered an
adult by services and practitioners The review stated
lsquoToo often [Parkinson] was viewed as a difficult young person and not
recognised as a child in need of safeguarding Professionals and
agencies did not always fully understand the serious nature of the risks
to [her] or were too quick to be reassured that she would be able to
protect herself from those risksrsquo (Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children
Board 2016 62)
22
It would seem important for policy to start considering the young
personrsquos position in life rather than their age as an indicator of their
readiness for independence
b) Housing and Accommodation
The participants were asked about their experiences with housing when
leaving care Questions about choice suitability and geographic area
where considered Consistent with past research and previous literature
(Barnardorsquos [2] 2014) issues where found in all these areas
Once again the Care Leaversrsquo Strategy recognises these issues found
in research past and present surrounding housing
lsquoCare leavers are a vulnerable group of young adults who have
particular needs in relation to housing and homelessness Around a
quarter of those living on the streets have a background in care The
majority of care leavers leave care by the age of 18 and rising demands
on social housing and other accommodation is making it increasingly
difficult for young people to find suitable accommodation as they enter
adulthoodrsquo (2013 14)
These findings suggest a significant risk of homelessness for these
participants In actual fact without the charity Gisda (Appendix 4) the
options for young people in Gwynedd would be seriously limited
It has already been noted that nationally care leavers are overly
represented within the homeless and inadequately housed with 30 of
homeless people formerly being in care (Who Cares Trust 2014)
When considering choice Bed and Breakfast (BampB) accommodation
was not always used but choice did appear limited Geographical
consideration and suitable match for the young person does not always
seem possible
23
ldquoWell there was a bit of choice but it was mainly Caernarfon I
had shared housing with Gisda not BampB and then I got my flat
with Gisdardquo (Care leaver A)
Once again this is echoed by foster carers
ldquoHe moved into shared housing for two weekshelliphe was
terrified he slit his mattress to hide his laptop in it There wasnrsquot
much choice had he had the choice to stay in Penygroes he
would have He has been trying to get back here ever since He
is afraid in Caernarfon He has two brothers living there which
he has had problems with and his brotherrsquos friend He is quite a
fearful child and finds living in Caernarfon stressful When he
gets home to his flat from here he doesnrsquot go outrdquo
This does not seem to be reserved to just this LA either
ldquoI was in a hostel but I kicked off so was in a BampB for a couple
of days They said I was smoking in the room so I got kicked out
of therehellipdidnrsquot even get all my stuff Then my social worker
said I could stay with my mum for the weekend cause my sister
wasnrsquot there But then she came backhellipshe winds me uphellipI
kicked off but hit the window hellipI wanted to hit her So my mum
called the police helliprdquo (Care leaver D)
There appears to be insecurity surrounding housing Care leaver D
went on to lsquosofa surfrsquo and then went back to his motherrsquos even though
that episode left him with a criminal damage conviction [brought on by
his mother] His support seemed to end there
Care leaver A was asked if the flat with Gisda was permanent
ldquoNo itrsquos two years temporary I have three months leftrdquo
When asked what happens then
ldquoI think Irsquom on the top the list with housing so Irsquove gotta hope
something comes up or I will probably end up in BampB The thing
is once you have had the flat and you get to 18 you sort of go in
circles so you can be put in BampB Itrsquos a worry being three months
awayhelliphellipI keep phoning themrdquo
This was reiterated by the foster carers
ldquoI canrsquot see Gisda putting him out on the street but they have to
give him notice of eviction in order for the council to do
something about it Sometimes he stays with his cousin or his
24
dad if there is any room But he will probably have to lsquosofa
surfrsquohellip thatrsquos what his brother had to do That will put him on
the list he has to be homeless to get helprdquo
The question of supported living was raised for this particular
participant the foster carer replied
ldquoThere doesnrsquot seem to be any here But for him it wouldnrsquot
work he would worry about the other people there He is afraid
of people that do drugs there is a family history with drugsrdquo
However a neighbouring LA had positive experiences with supported
living Their providers of supported living and BampB accommodation
had been the same for over ten years which would indicate some
consistency The manager for the leaving care team for this LA
commented that the staff at the BampBrsquos offered a sympathetic approach
with more of a lsquofamily feelrsquo to the service Furthermore this LA had
long term relationships with landlords who specifically offered
tenancies to care leavers This demonstrates the importance of
consistency Although BampB may not seem ideal if there are good long
term relationships with service providers this can offer a positive short
term solution
Likewise care leaver B had the right experience with their
accommodation
ldquoI went from the childrenrsquos home to supported lodgings and after
that had my own flat The supported lodgings really helped me
learn how to look after myself I did go off the rails a bit when I
was about 23 but because of my support I sorted myself outrdquo
Though care leaver C will be moving once again in the near future It
seems his ADHD leaves the LA at a loss as to where this young person
should live The condition necessitates extra support to enable him to
manage independence
ldquoI like where I am But the funding for here runs out soon They
(social services) have said there is a new place in Abergele I
think itrsquos a shared house If I turn that down though I will make
myself intentionally homeless so there is no choicerdquo
25
This young personrsquos worries where resonated by his mother too He
entered care under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989 (Appendix 5)
as his mother was unable to manage his behaviour Her understanding
was that he would be care for until he reached 21 It may be argued he
is being cared for and is continuing to be Yet as stated earlier a mental
health facility may not be seen as ideal equally shared housing may
not offer the level of support required for an eventual and positive
departure from care
Regrettably national statistics have shown a rise of 108 per cent in the
number of young people in unsuitable accommodation from 1660 in
2014 to 1840 in 2015 This is reiterated by Carrie Wilson young
peoplersquos project co-ordinator at The Care Leaversrsquo Association
ldquoOn a basic level [BampBs] are seen as a ldquosaferdquo place but those young
people do not feel safe regardless of the interventions put into place to
support a young person if they do not feel like they have personal
safety at the end of the day their coping mechanisms start to break
downrdquo (Puffett and Orfford 2016)
The experiences of these participants suggests a chaotic existence in
line with the research undertaken by Barnardorsquos (2) (2014)
This does not present an improvement of services Government
statistics from 2011 suggested only 17 local authorities were housing
100 per cent of care leavers in suitable accommodation (Higgs 2011)
These are dismal statistics as research conducted by Stein (201280)
found from 2004 to 2009 the numbers of care leavers in suitable
accommodation had risen from 77 to 90 The statistics from 2011
could correlate with the age of austerity and social service budget cuts
(Stein 2012 24)
In Gwynedd since 2013 there has been the lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
available and similar to Englandrsquos lsquoStaying Putrsquo scheme (Appendix 6
amp 7) These schemes are now available throughout Wales and offer the
26
young person an opportunity to stay within their foster care placement
until the age of 21 or beyond if they are engaged in education or
training which started before their twenty first birthday This extended
stay may last until completion of the education or training on the
condition it is set out in the young personrsquos pathway plan The
opportunity offers a more gradual transition similar to young people in
the general population (Gwynedd Council 2014)
However there was no evidence of this scheme to have been offered to
care leaver A Care leavers C and D appear to have merely been
managed until the LA no longer had the duty of care
c) Pathway Plans Personal Advisors and Social
Workers
ldquoI donrsquot remember how many social workers I had hellipmaybe 14
or 15 by the time I left care They kept changingrdquo (Care leaver
D)
The participants were asked about their experiences with personal
advisors social workers the creation and implementation of their
pathway plans (Appendix 8) and whether they felt they were listened
to
It would seem having several social workers is commonplace
ldquoThe 16+ team didnrsquot seem to support him They changed social
worker but he didnrsquot seem to know what was going on Then they
changed again to one from the 16+ team Thatrsquos when his
behaviour changed One of his previous social workers was
fantastic and he worshipped herhellip If only they had kept that
social worker it would have made such a differencerdquo (Foster
carer)
For care leaver A this seems to have happened with the personal
advisor too When asked about their personal advisor
27
ldquoThere was a foster meeting the lady what was her namehellip Jan
she was really good She was with social services and Gisda
But then when they thought I was ok they transferred me to
someone elserdquo
Though for some there was more consistency Care leaver C suggested
a good relationship with their personal advisor They indicated regular
visits phone calls and planning meetings In turn this young person felt
they were being listened to when the pathway plan was produced
The manager for this LAs leaving care team confirms his perspective
on personal advisors
ldquoWe have a team of four personal advisors They have about 40
cases each but they do a great job All of their cases have a
mobile phone number for them and they are all very dedicated
and approachable [from the young personrsquos point of view] They
offer a vital link from care to independencerdquo
However once again this service appears inconsistent depending on
the LA
Added to this frequent changes of case worker suggest a difficulty in
completion and implementation of pathway plans and causes the
young person to feel they are not being listened to
ldquoI was kind of listened to but then my social worker changed so
I had to start againhellipthere was no relationship there cause they
kept changing We would do one pathway plan then the social
worker changed and we would have to do another onerdquo (Care
leaver A)
When the foster carers were asked about the pathway plan and whether
they thought their young person was listened to
ldquoHe didnrsquot have a proper pathway plan for leaving it was rushed
There was no proper structure He was listened to but without
question or consideration of the consequences They ticked their
boxes and he was off their handsrdquo
These experiences were evident in the earlier research by Munro et al
(2011) whereby young people felt their voices were not heard and the
meetings surrounding their exit from care caused anxiety and stress
28
The foster carers then suggested their current placement who had just
turned 16 may suffer the same
ldquoShe is just about to change to the 16+ team they canrsquot wait to
get her on thathellipit will be her third social worker in two years
She is adamant she doesnrsquot want to leave at 16 but if they dangle
the carrot of her own flat in front of her it might be differentrdquo
Furthermore for the foster carers support appears to be inconsistent
One set had just been assigned a new social worker the third in two
years
ldquoWe have a new social worker and she just ticks the boxes She
seems terrified to use her initiative One social worker I was
dealing with said there were five people who were either off or
had left and not been replaced in his office alonerdquo
It is well documented that retention of staff within social work is
increasingly difficult Added to which there a national shortage of
approximately 3500 social workers both hindering continuity for the
people they provide services to (Community Care 2014) This and
aforementioned cuts to funding within leaving care services may
explain how the inconsistency and a lack of relationship with social
workers described within this data can infringe on the process of
leaving care
With this in mind it is imperative to consider the legal implications at
this point It would appear within the legal framework there are lsquogrey
areasrsquo which can allow the experiences of care leaverrsquos A C and D to
occur The Children (Leaving Care) Act (2000) states that an
assessment of needs must be carried out by the LA for the said child
(a)while they are still looking after him and
(b)after they cease to look after him (19B 4)
The proviso for this is the child has been looked after for a period of
time and that they are aged 16 or 17 (19B 2 a amp b)
However the Care Act (2014) has a section dedicated to the needs of a
child in the transition to adulthood including the requirement for a
29
needs assessment but in relation to the childrsquos needs after the age of
18 Furthermore section 58 (4) insists the assessment should be carried
out whether the child consents or not if there is a risk of or experiencing
abuse or neglect Bearing in mind the vulnerability of these young
people the causes for them to have been placed in care in the first place
it would be fair to consider this group eligible for this assessment and
extended care Added to which one would expect a more thorough and
consistent assessment to be carried out Clearly with several changes to
case workers [as experienced by care leavers A and D] this legal
standard is not being met
Perhaps government and policy makers should consider case worker
retention and better working environments as fundamental aspects of
policy in turn offering better outcomes for the young people
(Appendix 9)
d) Financial aspects
ldquoThey told him to choose what he needed for the flat but only
some of it turned up There is something I heard of might be
from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation where some money is put
into an ISA which can be accessed once they are 18 This is
because they have been in care But I feel the danger of that is it
could all be blown on something else or used as a carrot to
encourage leaving care As far as I have seen they just go and
spend it all then itrsquos gone ndash they would be better giving them a
furnished flatrdquo (Foster carer)
The Care Leavers Strategy states it encourages LArsquos to offer at least
pound2000 as a lsquoSetting Up Home Allowancersquo (leaving care grant)
although as this is not a legal requirement the amount varies from LA
to LA Care leaver A received in the region of pound400 (Gwynedd LA)
However the manager for Conwy laving care team indicated the
amount their care leavers receive is dependent on what they need This
is also stated on the LArsquos web site (Appendix 8) It may be suggested
that young people within less affluent LArsquos will fare worse financially
30
The Strategy maintains care leavers are entitled to a pound1200 bursary if
they are attending further education and a pound2000 bursary for higher
education This is financed by the Department for Education (2013
10) Extra funding of this kind would appear significant for these young
people however if the earlier literature is considered the statistics for
this grouprsquos educational achievements did not present well (See
chapter one) As this funding is reliant on the young person being in
education there will be a significant proportion unable to access this
extra help
Conwy LA did suggest promising outcomes for employment for their
care leavers with many undertaking apprenticeships within the
councilrsquos departments
ldquoWe have a number of our young people working and training in
the council (Conwy) with a selection of apprenticeships
specifically for them Some do go on to stay with us being
offered permanent contractsrdquo (Leaving care team manager)
Unfortunately a comparison cannot be made with other LArsquos or
voluntary organisations in this area as there was no response to the
research
Care leaver A did have temporary employment with a local leisure
centre although when a permanent contract was offered it was of a zero
hourrsquos nature
ldquoI wasnrsquot worth me taking ithellipI would lose my benefit and have
no guarantee of workrdquo
Care leaver C started a college course and managed a couple of shifts
in a restaurant kitchen however his chaotic accommodation provision
and a lack of support for his ADHD hampered his continuation
Care leaver D is NEET (Appendix 11) and has been since his exit from
care It would seem this has not been assisted by his family [to which
he returned] who have also never been in employment and his
reluctance to receive any more services It may be suggested his high
31
level of case worker turnover contributed to his reluctance Equally his
chaotic existence before entering care disrupted his education added
the rushed transition from care has not facilitated good employment
prospects
e) Evaluation and Reflection
When evaluating this research one must acknowledge the limitations
when assessing the size of the sample
Despite persistence there was a reluctance by professionals particularly
to participate Out of four LAs contacted only one responded and
agreed to be interviewed One LA received the research pack three
times follow up calls were made several times to no avail The same
may be said for the voluntary sector in spite of positive telephone
conversations and receipt of the research pack Barnardorsquos and Gisda
did not consent to be interviewed Therefore the findings were
somewhat one sided and the professional perspective limited
However even with the limited sample the original hypothesis of the
leaving care system failing the young people has a degree of truth
Equally the findings are reflective of earlier research identified in
chapter 2
There is certainly scope for further and more considerable research
within this field Although for future studies it may be beneficial to use
focus group methodology to encourage professional participation This
would possibly generate an improved response rate in comparison to
the online questionnaire used for the initial stages of this project The
face to face follow up interviews proved difficult to organise although
it was difficult to decipher whether this was due to a reluctance to
engage in the research or a lack of available time
32
Chapter 5
Conclusion
In conclusion the data collected for this study shows a system that sadly
does fail its young people Certainly in Gwynedd the leaving care
process is seemingly rushed and centred around a personrsquos age rather
than their readiness for independence Of course it may be argued there
has to be a lsquocut off pointrsquo and young people have to become
independent at some time for legal purposes that lsquopointrsquo is dictated by
their age It would seem this is the case regardless of the harm it may
cause Furthermore it could be argued this hasty process is a breach of
the young personrsquos human rights however despite searching no cases
were found
In 2006 research conducted by Mendes and Moselhuddin concluded
the leaving care process should be a gradual process based on levels of
maturity and ability to manage independence rather than simply age
The same recommendation is echoed in the majority of research both
past and present It would seem that ten years on we are no closer to an
ideal solution
For care leaver A C and D the outcome was poor Certainly they did
not feel supported through the transition although care leaver C had
significantly better support from their personal advisor post 18
However despite this support care leaver C was still living in less than
ideal circumstances and about to be moved once again
In line with the literature this study although with the limited sample
found immense inconsistencies within the system and in every area
from support to financial assistance
Evidently for some the system works against an already disadvantaged
group abandoning when needed the most so to speak
33
It would seem the introduction of legislation and the Transitions
Guidance to strengthen practice and policy has failed to make a
significant improvement especially surrounding the lsquolevelling uprsquo of
services Attributed by the cost cutting imposed on LArsquos by central
government this is hardly surprising
There are some encouraging outcomes such as care leaver B receiving
immense support from their LA beyond policy and legal requirement
This is in line with some of Steinrsquos (2012 81) research and positive
outcomes are underpinned by the level of good consistent and accurate
support received by the individual Yet as this study has found this is
not consistent or universal
It is clear inconsistencies lack of support young and rushed transitions
all contribute to poorer outcomes for this group of young people A
group which are already disadvantaged and at a much higher risk of
social exclusion
As a society we should consider these young people as just that ndash young
people Often with the same dreams and aspirations as any other young
person On the contrary perhaps we should consider these young
people further as many will have already been let down by society
Either way they are entitled to as much support guidance and
opportunity as any other Regrettably this does not seem to be the case
as despite advances in research policy and legislation the same
inconsistencies and failures appear to occur time and time again
The study has shown the importance of understanding the young
peoplersquos history Of understanding former problems or areas of
concern This aids the transition to independence as it identifies where
the support is needed and individualizes the young person There
cannot be a lsquoone size fits allrsquo approach to the leaving care system as
one can see these young people are individual It has identified how
fundamental it is to include a young personrsquos foster carers when
considering independence to recognise the relationship they may have
34
with the young person and the key role they play after leaving care (as
with care lever A)
With this in mind one must acknowledge the leaving care system has
indeed improved over the last 30 years however it needs to continue to
progress if there is any hope of achieving a consistent service with more
even and positive outcomes for these young people
35
Bibliography
Action for Children (2014) [Online]
Available at httpwwwactionforchildrenorgukour-
servicesadoption-fostering-and-children-in-carechildren-in-
careleaving-care
Barnardorsquos (2014)[1] [Online] Someone to Care Experiences of
leaving care Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorguksomeone_to_care_final_feb2014pdf
(Accessed 07 October 2015)
Barnardorsquos (2014)[2] [Online] The costs of not caring supporting
English care leavers into independence Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf (Accessed 07
October 2015)
Biehal N Clayden J Stein M and Wade J (1995) Moving On
Young people and leaving care schemes London HMSO
Broad B (2005) Improving the Health and Well-Being of Young
People Leaving Care Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing
Burgess C (1981) In Care and Into Work London Tavistock
Care Leaverrsquos Foundation (with Children and Young People Now)
(2009) [Online] Setting Up A place to call home Bala Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation Available at
httpwwwthecareleaversfoundationorgsitedatafilesSetting_Up_A
_Place_to_Callpdf (Accessed 06 April 2015)
Care Leavers Strategy (2013) [Online] Available at
httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachment_
datafile266484Care_Leaver_Strategypdf (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Care Act (2014) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga201423part1crossheadingtra
nsition-for-children-to-adult-care-and-support-etcenacted (Accessed
01 March 2016)
Children and Families Act 2014 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga20146section98enacted
(Accessed 02 October 2015)
36
Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200035pdfsukpga_20000035_
enpdf (Accessed 19 March 2015)
Children and Young Persons Act (2008) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200823contents (Accessed 02
October 2015)
Community Care (2014) [Online] Councils struggling to retain social
workers in face of high caseloads and competition over pay
Available at httpwwwcommunitycarecouk20140130councils-
struggling-retain-social-workers-face-high-caseloads-competition-
pay (Accessed 22 February 2016)
Courtney M Terrao S and Bost N (2004) Midwest evaluation of
the adult functioning of former foster youth Conditions of youth
preparing to leave state care Outcomes at age 19 Chicago Chapin
Hall Centre for Children at University of Chicago
Daly F (2012) lsquoMy voice has to be heardrsquo Research on outcomes
for young people leaving care in North Dublin Dublin EPIC
Dixon J and Baker C (2012) lsquoThe Housing Experience of Young
People Leaving Care in England What helpsrsquo Developing Practice
The Child Youth and Family Work Journal Issue 32 National Care
Advisory Service (NCAS)
wwweducationgovuk [Online]
Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20130123124929httpw
wweducationgovukresearchandstatisticsstatisticsa00195573
Family Rights Group (2014) [Online] Support for Young People
Leaving the Care System Available at
httpwwwfrgorgukimagesAdvice_Sheets16-support-for-young-
people-leaving-carepdf (Accessed 29 September 2015)
The Fostering Network (2014) [Online] Staying Put Available at
httpswwwfosteringnetall-about-fosteringprovidersstaying-put-
updateVg5D-PRdX1Y (Accessed 02 October 2015)
Godek S (1976) Leaving Care Barkingside Barnardorsquos
Gwynedd Council (2014) [Online] lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
Available at
httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrutin
y20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20When
37
20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf (Accessed
22 February 2016)
Harris R J (1982) Institutionalized Ambivalence Social Work and
the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 British Journal of Social
Work Vol12 pp 247-263
Higgs L (2011) [Online] Housing crisis around the corner for care
leavers experts warn Children and Young People Now Available
at httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1050066housing-crisis-
corner-care-leavers-experts-warn (Accessed 17 February 2016)
Hiles D Moss D Thorne L Wright J and Dallos R (2014) ldquoSo
what am Irdquo ndash Multiple perspectives on young peoplersquos experience of
leaving care Children and Youth Services Review Vol 41 pp 1-15
House of Commons (1968) Report of the Committee on Local
Authority and Allied Personal Social Services London HMSO
Hutchinson D (2013) [Online] Catch 22 National Care Advisory
Service (NCAS) Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads9b7793d8be6ffc05a501df3df
4a1ef5fpdf
Jackson S and Cameron C (2012) lsquoLeaving Care Looking ahead
and aiming higherrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 34 (6)
pp 1107-1114
Mendes P and Moslehuddin B (2006) lsquoFrom Dependence to
Interdependence Towards Better Outcomes for Young People
Leaving State Carersquo Child Abuse Review Vol15 pp 110-166
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2006) Young peoplersquos views on leaving
care Newcastle Commission for Social Care Inspection
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2012) Young peoplersquos views on care
and aftercare Office of the Childrenrsquos Rights Director London
Ofsted
Mulvey T (1977) lsquoAfter-care ndash who caresrsquo Concern No 26
London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Munro E Lushey C and Ward H (2011) Evaluation of the
Right2BCared4 Pilots Final report (NCAS) London Department
for Education
38
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2011) Making the Cut
Planning Transitions for Care Levers in an Age of Austerity London
NCAS
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2012) [Online] Statistical
Briefing Looked after children and care leavers 2012 Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads0e9a6e4f266b8e96ad7c8e25
7bd53982pdf (Accessed 30 March 2015)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2013)
[Online] The NICE quality standard on the health and wellbeing of
looked after children and young people Available at
httpwwwniceorgukguidanceQS31chapterQuality-statement-8-
Support-to-move-to-independence (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Office for National Statistics (2014) [Online] Large increase in 20 to
34-year-olds living with parents since 1996 Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20160105160709httpw
wwonsgovukonsrelfamily-demographyyoung-adults-living-with-
parents2013sty-young-adultshtml (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board (2016) [Online] Child J ndash
Domestic Homicide Review and Serious Case Review (combined)
Available at httpwwwoscborgukwp-contentuploadsChild-J-
OSCB-Overview-Reportpdf (Accessed 25 February 2016)
Page R and Clark G (eds) (1977) Who Cares Young People in
Care Speak Out London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Puffett N and Orfford A (2016) [Online] Increasing numbers of
care leavers in unsuitable accommodation Children and Young
People Now Available at
httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1155917increasing-numbers-of-
care-leavers-in-unsuitable-accommodation (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Samuels G M and Pryce J M (2008) ldquoWhat doesnrsquot kill you
makes you strongerrdquo Survivalist self-reliance as resilience and risk
among young adults aging out of foster care Children and Youth
Services Review Vol 30 (10) pp 1198-1210
Stein M (2002) Young People Leaving Care A Research
Perspective In A Wheal ed The RHP Companion to Leaving Care
Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing pp 28-33
39
Stein M (2004) What works for young people leaving care
Barkingside Barnardos
Stein M (2006) lsquoYoung people aging out of care The poverty of
theoryrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 28 (4) pp 422-434
Stein M (2012) Young People Leaving Care Supporting Pathways
to Adulthood London Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Stein M and Carey K (1986) Leaving Care Oxford Blackwell
Stein M and Ellis S (1983) Gizza Say Reviews and Young People
in Care London NAYPIC
Stein M and Maynard C (1985) Irsquove Never Been So Lonely
London NAYPIC
Stone M (1990) Young People Leaving Care A study of
management systems service delivery and user evaluation UK The
Royal Philanthropic Society
The Who Carersquos Trust (2014) [Online] Leaving Care Available at
httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpagesleaving-care-what-
happens-post-16html
Wade J (2011) lsquoPreparation and transition planning for
unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee young people A review
of evidence in Englandrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol
33 pp 2424-2430
Wade J and Dixon J (2006) lsquoMaking a home finding a job
investing early housing and employment outcomes for young people
leaving carersquo Child and Family Social Work Vol 11 (3) pp 199-208
Wade J Mitchel F and Baylis G (2005) Unaccompanied asylum
seeking children The response of social services London BAAF
40
Appendix
1) httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf page 25
Karenrsquos story
2) httpwwwnhsukConditionsAttention-deficit-hyperactivity-
disorderPagesIntroductionaspx
3) Email received in response to a request for Mr Timpson (Minister
of State for Children and Families) to answer three questions
regarding care leavers
Dear MsthinspThompsonthinsp
I am writing on behalf of the Minister of State for Children and
Families to thank you for your email of 9 February about your
dissertation
I am sorry but the department receives so many requests like yours
that we are unable to respond to them other than to point you to
sources of information I would therefore suggest that you look at the
departmentrsquos website
at httpswwwgovuksearchq=care+leavers+strategy
I hope you find this link helpful and that you are able to find the
information you need
Your correspondence has been allocated reference number 2016-
0008179 If you need to respond to us please
visit httpswwweducationgovukcontactus and quote your
reference number
As part of our commitment to improving the service we provide to
our customers we are interested in hearing your views and would
welcome your comments via our website
at httpswwweducationgovukpcusurvey
Yours sincerely
Kelly Walkerthinsp
Ministerial and Public Communications Division
Web
[httpswwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovuk]https
wwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovukgt
Twitter httpswwwtwittercomeducationgovuk
Facebook httpswwwfacebookcomeducationgovuk
41
[httpswwweducationgovukimages2irisdfepng]
4) httpwwwgisdaorgengamdanom-nihtml
5) httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga198941section20
6)httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrut
iny20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20Whe
n20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf
7)httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachme
nt_datafile201015Staying_Put_Guidancepdf
8) httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpageswhats-a-pathway-
planhtml
9) httpjobscommunitycarecoukarticlecoventry-tops-london-in-
the-best-place-to-live-league-tablescmpid=EMP|JOBS|SCJOB-
2016-0224-CH|READMORE-COVampcmpid
10) httpwwwconwygovukdocaspcat=4800ampdoc=19742
11)httpresearchbriefingsparliamentukResearchBriefingSummary
SN06705
42
i) Interview Guide
Generic areas of question
Age upon leaving care
Staying put scheme
Financial help
Choice of housing
Suitability of accommodation
Geographical position of accommodation
Further education
Access to support eg Personal Advisor social worker
Input with Pathway plan
Being listened to
Transition
Keeping in touch
Difference with peers
43
17
Whether the young person feels supported
Whether the resources are accessible and the young person is made
aware of everything available
Whether the duties of the LA are being met from both points of view
(professional and young person)
The view of the use of BampB accommodation
Whether the leaving care process helps or hinders their future
How universal are the services provided
Is there enough financial assistance available resources and financial
advice
Are the young peoplersquos voices heard
Has policy and practice improved over the last couple of decades
The interviews were voice recorded with consent and a diary was kept
for all fieldwork undertaken The study adopted a grounded
theoretical approach and the data subjected to content analysis
a) Ethical Consideration
The sample where given thorough information regarding the study in
order for them to make an informed choice whether to participate or
not Confidentiality was adhered to and any disclosures were handled
appropriately and with ethical consideration in mind The researcher
was aware of the vulnerability of the young people and the sensitive
nature of the study
Due to the sensitivity of the research the data gathered was securely
kept in a locked filing cabinet (paper) and secure password protected
file (electronic) and destroyed on completion of the study
Permission to undertake this study was granted after a thorough and
detailed ethics application
18
Chapter 4
Findings
a) Transition
ldquoYou wouldnrsquot dream of kicking your own kids out so young
They give these kids to much artificial support to encourage
them to leaverdquo (Foster carer)
This is clearly reverberated in the literature particularly in the
Barnardorsquos report Someone to Care Experiences of leaving care
(2014) which highlights the plight of young care leavers and the lack
of parental support contributing to difficult transitions In addition it
has already been identified in the literature review that for children not
in care the leaving home age ranges from 20- 34 (ONS 2014)
Communication for this specific young person appeared to be lacking
ldquoWell my social worker didnrsquot really talk about what
would happenhelliphellipthey were like lsquooh yeah you will get
your own placersquo hellipbut not what will happen afterhellipso I
rushed into it thinking it was a good idea I think they
said it too soon to me if they wouldnrsquot have said it I
would still be here (foster care) for a while So I rushed
into it I had just left school maybe it would be
better at 17 or 18rdquo (Care leaver A currently aged 18 LA
Gwynedd)
This statement by a young care leaver is echoed by a set of foster carers
It was found that by giving the young person an offer of their own flat
complete with some furnishings of their choice seemed to sway their
decision whether or not to leave This was especially the case for 16
year olds
These foster carers stated that their young person had indicated they
wanted to stay in care at least until 18 years old however with a change
of social worker came a change of heart
19
ldquoYou see we had talked about when he would leave but he said
lsquono I wouldnrsquot like to be in a house on my ownrsquo He wanted to
stay when he first came to us he was having nightmares hellip he is
still having problems now He wonrsquot sleep in his bedroom now
he sleeps in the living room with the TV on They (Social
Services team) didnrsquot take any of this into account When his
social worker changed to the 16+ one he was like lsquooh well I
might move outrsquordquo
This particular interview found the process of leaving care very hasty
with very little preparation The young person in question was
identified by the LA as vulnerable however according to the foster
carers the process continued regardless
ldquoHe suddenly was kicking against us The social worker said he
was a troubled child he just said he had issues We know about
confidentiality but we were part of the care package but they (16
+ team) would not involve us There was no communication
between the 16+ team and us It was like he is an adult and thatrsquos
thatrdquo
The foster carers suggested the young person was being coached to
leave There was a sudden decision made and the young person went
lsquooff the railsrsquo It seemed a place was offered to enable them to move
out and that was when reality hit
ldquohelliphe drank a bottle of vodka and was talking about suicide He
suffers from low self- esteem There was no help for that I think
this was brought on by them (16+ team) telling him there was a
space somewhere He kept saying lsquoIrsquom so sorryrsquo It was reality
he had been going through the motions before thisrdquo
This illustrates a terrible indictment of a rushed transition Added to
the trauma which led the young person to being in care this does not
present a positive outcome
The findings for this report support the previous literature Steinrsquos
(2012) extensive research in this area continually reveals hasty
transitions from care to independence
Legislation relating to young people leaving care states
20
lsquoIt is the duty of the local authority looking after a child to advise assist
and befriend him with a view to promoting his welfare when they have
ceased to look after himrsquo (19A Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000)
Indicating a rushed transition should not be promoted rather that it
should be a much slower process with time being given to prepare fully
for independence
In contrast one participant going through the leaving care system in
2004 and within a different LA (Telford and Wrekin) had a much more
positive experience
ldquoI left care at 18 I was in a childrenrsquos homehellipfoster care didnrsquot
suit me I was always running away I had brilliant support all
the way until I was 25 I went to supported living and I had help
to learn to cook and manage money and bills Then I had help to
find a flat and become independent I even still see some of the
people who supported me when I go back to Telfordrdquo (Care
leaver B aged 30)
This indicates a far more gradual transition to independence
Unfortunately the majority of the data within this study points more
often to the former rushed transition
ldquoI turned 18 and it was like hellipyoursquore an adult now I was in a
hostel then a homeless place that was scary there were all sorts
there I liked the place in Bala it was good there But when I
turned 18 I couldnrsquot stay It was like one minute I had everything
done for me then nothingrdquo (Care leaver C currently aged 19
LA Conwy)
This young person moved into private care and currently resides in a
mixed home for people with mental health problems He has Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (Appendix 2)
The research suggests past history is not always taken into account
when assessing the suitability of independent living for these young
people
ldquoHis issues should have been recognised then he would not have
been offered to leave at 16 The social worker had not made the
effort to look at his historyrdquo (Foster carer)
21
Taking the young peoplersquos history and circumstances into account
could offer a more positive outcome than simply their age
ldquoThey had eight files on me from when I was little My foster
carer nagged them until she was able to have them to read
Then she knew what had happenedrdquo (Care leaver D currently
aged 19 LA Caerphilly)
It is recognised in policy that the system still does not seem to perform
as it should The Care Leaversrsquo Strategy (2013) identifies the abrupt
transition experienced by these young people in its opening paragraphs
However the report fails to include lsquotransitionrsquo as a fundamental area
of concern Instead usual sections such as education employment
housing and so on are highlighted as lsquobroad areas of concernrsquo It would
seem the young peoplersquos emotional well- being which is clearly
affected by the hasty exit from care does not hold the same
governmental importance
Additionally it may be prudent to add at this point that Edward
Timpson Minister of State for Children and Families was contacted
for the purpose of this research Mr Timpson was involved in the
development of the Care Leaversrsquo Strategy and in addition to this grew
up with looked after children as his parents were foster carers There
was no response to the research (Appendix 3)
A fundamental issue surrounding rushed transitions is the view these
young people are now adults although they are still virtually as
vulnerable as children The serious case review into the murder of
Jayden Parkinson highlights this Jayden was 17 and considered an
adult by services and practitioners The review stated
lsquoToo often [Parkinson] was viewed as a difficult young person and not
recognised as a child in need of safeguarding Professionals and
agencies did not always fully understand the serious nature of the risks
to [her] or were too quick to be reassured that she would be able to
protect herself from those risksrsquo (Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children
Board 2016 62)
22
It would seem important for policy to start considering the young
personrsquos position in life rather than their age as an indicator of their
readiness for independence
b) Housing and Accommodation
The participants were asked about their experiences with housing when
leaving care Questions about choice suitability and geographic area
where considered Consistent with past research and previous literature
(Barnardorsquos [2] 2014) issues where found in all these areas
Once again the Care Leaversrsquo Strategy recognises these issues found
in research past and present surrounding housing
lsquoCare leavers are a vulnerable group of young adults who have
particular needs in relation to housing and homelessness Around a
quarter of those living on the streets have a background in care The
majority of care leavers leave care by the age of 18 and rising demands
on social housing and other accommodation is making it increasingly
difficult for young people to find suitable accommodation as they enter
adulthoodrsquo (2013 14)
These findings suggest a significant risk of homelessness for these
participants In actual fact without the charity Gisda (Appendix 4) the
options for young people in Gwynedd would be seriously limited
It has already been noted that nationally care leavers are overly
represented within the homeless and inadequately housed with 30 of
homeless people formerly being in care (Who Cares Trust 2014)
When considering choice Bed and Breakfast (BampB) accommodation
was not always used but choice did appear limited Geographical
consideration and suitable match for the young person does not always
seem possible
23
ldquoWell there was a bit of choice but it was mainly Caernarfon I
had shared housing with Gisda not BampB and then I got my flat
with Gisdardquo (Care leaver A)
Once again this is echoed by foster carers
ldquoHe moved into shared housing for two weekshelliphe was
terrified he slit his mattress to hide his laptop in it There wasnrsquot
much choice had he had the choice to stay in Penygroes he
would have He has been trying to get back here ever since He
is afraid in Caernarfon He has two brothers living there which
he has had problems with and his brotherrsquos friend He is quite a
fearful child and finds living in Caernarfon stressful When he
gets home to his flat from here he doesnrsquot go outrdquo
This does not seem to be reserved to just this LA either
ldquoI was in a hostel but I kicked off so was in a BampB for a couple
of days They said I was smoking in the room so I got kicked out
of therehellipdidnrsquot even get all my stuff Then my social worker
said I could stay with my mum for the weekend cause my sister
wasnrsquot there But then she came backhellipshe winds me uphellipI
kicked off but hit the window hellipI wanted to hit her So my mum
called the police helliprdquo (Care leaver D)
There appears to be insecurity surrounding housing Care leaver D
went on to lsquosofa surfrsquo and then went back to his motherrsquos even though
that episode left him with a criminal damage conviction [brought on by
his mother] His support seemed to end there
Care leaver A was asked if the flat with Gisda was permanent
ldquoNo itrsquos two years temporary I have three months leftrdquo
When asked what happens then
ldquoI think Irsquom on the top the list with housing so Irsquove gotta hope
something comes up or I will probably end up in BampB The thing
is once you have had the flat and you get to 18 you sort of go in
circles so you can be put in BampB Itrsquos a worry being three months
awayhelliphellipI keep phoning themrdquo
This was reiterated by the foster carers
ldquoI canrsquot see Gisda putting him out on the street but they have to
give him notice of eviction in order for the council to do
something about it Sometimes he stays with his cousin or his
24
dad if there is any room But he will probably have to lsquosofa
surfrsquohellip thatrsquos what his brother had to do That will put him on
the list he has to be homeless to get helprdquo
The question of supported living was raised for this particular
participant the foster carer replied
ldquoThere doesnrsquot seem to be any here But for him it wouldnrsquot
work he would worry about the other people there He is afraid
of people that do drugs there is a family history with drugsrdquo
However a neighbouring LA had positive experiences with supported
living Their providers of supported living and BampB accommodation
had been the same for over ten years which would indicate some
consistency The manager for the leaving care team for this LA
commented that the staff at the BampBrsquos offered a sympathetic approach
with more of a lsquofamily feelrsquo to the service Furthermore this LA had
long term relationships with landlords who specifically offered
tenancies to care leavers This demonstrates the importance of
consistency Although BampB may not seem ideal if there are good long
term relationships with service providers this can offer a positive short
term solution
Likewise care leaver B had the right experience with their
accommodation
ldquoI went from the childrenrsquos home to supported lodgings and after
that had my own flat The supported lodgings really helped me
learn how to look after myself I did go off the rails a bit when I
was about 23 but because of my support I sorted myself outrdquo
Though care leaver C will be moving once again in the near future It
seems his ADHD leaves the LA at a loss as to where this young person
should live The condition necessitates extra support to enable him to
manage independence
ldquoI like where I am But the funding for here runs out soon They
(social services) have said there is a new place in Abergele I
think itrsquos a shared house If I turn that down though I will make
myself intentionally homeless so there is no choicerdquo
25
This young personrsquos worries where resonated by his mother too He
entered care under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989 (Appendix 5)
as his mother was unable to manage his behaviour Her understanding
was that he would be care for until he reached 21 It may be argued he
is being cared for and is continuing to be Yet as stated earlier a mental
health facility may not be seen as ideal equally shared housing may
not offer the level of support required for an eventual and positive
departure from care
Regrettably national statistics have shown a rise of 108 per cent in the
number of young people in unsuitable accommodation from 1660 in
2014 to 1840 in 2015 This is reiterated by Carrie Wilson young
peoplersquos project co-ordinator at The Care Leaversrsquo Association
ldquoOn a basic level [BampBs] are seen as a ldquosaferdquo place but those young
people do not feel safe regardless of the interventions put into place to
support a young person if they do not feel like they have personal
safety at the end of the day their coping mechanisms start to break
downrdquo (Puffett and Orfford 2016)
The experiences of these participants suggests a chaotic existence in
line with the research undertaken by Barnardorsquos (2) (2014)
This does not present an improvement of services Government
statistics from 2011 suggested only 17 local authorities were housing
100 per cent of care leavers in suitable accommodation (Higgs 2011)
These are dismal statistics as research conducted by Stein (201280)
found from 2004 to 2009 the numbers of care leavers in suitable
accommodation had risen from 77 to 90 The statistics from 2011
could correlate with the age of austerity and social service budget cuts
(Stein 2012 24)
In Gwynedd since 2013 there has been the lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
available and similar to Englandrsquos lsquoStaying Putrsquo scheme (Appendix 6
amp 7) These schemes are now available throughout Wales and offer the
26
young person an opportunity to stay within their foster care placement
until the age of 21 or beyond if they are engaged in education or
training which started before their twenty first birthday This extended
stay may last until completion of the education or training on the
condition it is set out in the young personrsquos pathway plan The
opportunity offers a more gradual transition similar to young people in
the general population (Gwynedd Council 2014)
However there was no evidence of this scheme to have been offered to
care leaver A Care leavers C and D appear to have merely been
managed until the LA no longer had the duty of care
c) Pathway Plans Personal Advisors and Social
Workers
ldquoI donrsquot remember how many social workers I had hellipmaybe 14
or 15 by the time I left care They kept changingrdquo (Care leaver
D)
The participants were asked about their experiences with personal
advisors social workers the creation and implementation of their
pathway plans (Appendix 8) and whether they felt they were listened
to
It would seem having several social workers is commonplace
ldquoThe 16+ team didnrsquot seem to support him They changed social
worker but he didnrsquot seem to know what was going on Then they
changed again to one from the 16+ team Thatrsquos when his
behaviour changed One of his previous social workers was
fantastic and he worshipped herhellip If only they had kept that
social worker it would have made such a differencerdquo (Foster
carer)
For care leaver A this seems to have happened with the personal
advisor too When asked about their personal advisor
27
ldquoThere was a foster meeting the lady what was her namehellip Jan
she was really good She was with social services and Gisda
But then when they thought I was ok they transferred me to
someone elserdquo
Though for some there was more consistency Care leaver C suggested
a good relationship with their personal advisor They indicated regular
visits phone calls and planning meetings In turn this young person felt
they were being listened to when the pathway plan was produced
The manager for this LAs leaving care team confirms his perspective
on personal advisors
ldquoWe have a team of four personal advisors They have about 40
cases each but they do a great job All of their cases have a
mobile phone number for them and they are all very dedicated
and approachable [from the young personrsquos point of view] They
offer a vital link from care to independencerdquo
However once again this service appears inconsistent depending on
the LA
Added to this frequent changes of case worker suggest a difficulty in
completion and implementation of pathway plans and causes the
young person to feel they are not being listened to
ldquoI was kind of listened to but then my social worker changed so
I had to start againhellipthere was no relationship there cause they
kept changing We would do one pathway plan then the social
worker changed and we would have to do another onerdquo (Care
leaver A)
When the foster carers were asked about the pathway plan and whether
they thought their young person was listened to
ldquoHe didnrsquot have a proper pathway plan for leaving it was rushed
There was no proper structure He was listened to but without
question or consideration of the consequences They ticked their
boxes and he was off their handsrdquo
These experiences were evident in the earlier research by Munro et al
(2011) whereby young people felt their voices were not heard and the
meetings surrounding their exit from care caused anxiety and stress
28
The foster carers then suggested their current placement who had just
turned 16 may suffer the same
ldquoShe is just about to change to the 16+ team they canrsquot wait to
get her on thathellipit will be her third social worker in two years
She is adamant she doesnrsquot want to leave at 16 but if they dangle
the carrot of her own flat in front of her it might be differentrdquo
Furthermore for the foster carers support appears to be inconsistent
One set had just been assigned a new social worker the third in two
years
ldquoWe have a new social worker and she just ticks the boxes She
seems terrified to use her initiative One social worker I was
dealing with said there were five people who were either off or
had left and not been replaced in his office alonerdquo
It is well documented that retention of staff within social work is
increasingly difficult Added to which there a national shortage of
approximately 3500 social workers both hindering continuity for the
people they provide services to (Community Care 2014) This and
aforementioned cuts to funding within leaving care services may
explain how the inconsistency and a lack of relationship with social
workers described within this data can infringe on the process of
leaving care
With this in mind it is imperative to consider the legal implications at
this point It would appear within the legal framework there are lsquogrey
areasrsquo which can allow the experiences of care leaverrsquos A C and D to
occur The Children (Leaving Care) Act (2000) states that an
assessment of needs must be carried out by the LA for the said child
(a)while they are still looking after him and
(b)after they cease to look after him (19B 4)
The proviso for this is the child has been looked after for a period of
time and that they are aged 16 or 17 (19B 2 a amp b)
However the Care Act (2014) has a section dedicated to the needs of a
child in the transition to adulthood including the requirement for a
29
needs assessment but in relation to the childrsquos needs after the age of
18 Furthermore section 58 (4) insists the assessment should be carried
out whether the child consents or not if there is a risk of or experiencing
abuse or neglect Bearing in mind the vulnerability of these young
people the causes for them to have been placed in care in the first place
it would be fair to consider this group eligible for this assessment and
extended care Added to which one would expect a more thorough and
consistent assessment to be carried out Clearly with several changes to
case workers [as experienced by care leavers A and D] this legal
standard is not being met
Perhaps government and policy makers should consider case worker
retention and better working environments as fundamental aspects of
policy in turn offering better outcomes for the young people
(Appendix 9)
d) Financial aspects
ldquoThey told him to choose what he needed for the flat but only
some of it turned up There is something I heard of might be
from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation where some money is put
into an ISA which can be accessed once they are 18 This is
because they have been in care But I feel the danger of that is it
could all be blown on something else or used as a carrot to
encourage leaving care As far as I have seen they just go and
spend it all then itrsquos gone ndash they would be better giving them a
furnished flatrdquo (Foster carer)
The Care Leavers Strategy states it encourages LArsquos to offer at least
pound2000 as a lsquoSetting Up Home Allowancersquo (leaving care grant)
although as this is not a legal requirement the amount varies from LA
to LA Care leaver A received in the region of pound400 (Gwynedd LA)
However the manager for Conwy laving care team indicated the
amount their care leavers receive is dependent on what they need This
is also stated on the LArsquos web site (Appendix 8) It may be suggested
that young people within less affluent LArsquos will fare worse financially
30
The Strategy maintains care leavers are entitled to a pound1200 bursary if
they are attending further education and a pound2000 bursary for higher
education This is financed by the Department for Education (2013
10) Extra funding of this kind would appear significant for these young
people however if the earlier literature is considered the statistics for
this grouprsquos educational achievements did not present well (See
chapter one) As this funding is reliant on the young person being in
education there will be a significant proportion unable to access this
extra help
Conwy LA did suggest promising outcomes for employment for their
care leavers with many undertaking apprenticeships within the
councilrsquos departments
ldquoWe have a number of our young people working and training in
the council (Conwy) with a selection of apprenticeships
specifically for them Some do go on to stay with us being
offered permanent contractsrdquo (Leaving care team manager)
Unfortunately a comparison cannot be made with other LArsquos or
voluntary organisations in this area as there was no response to the
research
Care leaver A did have temporary employment with a local leisure
centre although when a permanent contract was offered it was of a zero
hourrsquos nature
ldquoI wasnrsquot worth me taking ithellipI would lose my benefit and have
no guarantee of workrdquo
Care leaver C started a college course and managed a couple of shifts
in a restaurant kitchen however his chaotic accommodation provision
and a lack of support for his ADHD hampered his continuation
Care leaver D is NEET (Appendix 11) and has been since his exit from
care It would seem this has not been assisted by his family [to which
he returned] who have also never been in employment and his
reluctance to receive any more services It may be suggested his high
31
level of case worker turnover contributed to his reluctance Equally his
chaotic existence before entering care disrupted his education added
the rushed transition from care has not facilitated good employment
prospects
e) Evaluation and Reflection
When evaluating this research one must acknowledge the limitations
when assessing the size of the sample
Despite persistence there was a reluctance by professionals particularly
to participate Out of four LAs contacted only one responded and
agreed to be interviewed One LA received the research pack three
times follow up calls were made several times to no avail The same
may be said for the voluntary sector in spite of positive telephone
conversations and receipt of the research pack Barnardorsquos and Gisda
did not consent to be interviewed Therefore the findings were
somewhat one sided and the professional perspective limited
However even with the limited sample the original hypothesis of the
leaving care system failing the young people has a degree of truth
Equally the findings are reflective of earlier research identified in
chapter 2
There is certainly scope for further and more considerable research
within this field Although for future studies it may be beneficial to use
focus group methodology to encourage professional participation This
would possibly generate an improved response rate in comparison to
the online questionnaire used for the initial stages of this project The
face to face follow up interviews proved difficult to organise although
it was difficult to decipher whether this was due to a reluctance to
engage in the research or a lack of available time
32
Chapter 5
Conclusion
In conclusion the data collected for this study shows a system that sadly
does fail its young people Certainly in Gwynedd the leaving care
process is seemingly rushed and centred around a personrsquos age rather
than their readiness for independence Of course it may be argued there
has to be a lsquocut off pointrsquo and young people have to become
independent at some time for legal purposes that lsquopointrsquo is dictated by
their age It would seem this is the case regardless of the harm it may
cause Furthermore it could be argued this hasty process is a breach of
the young personrsquos human rights however despite searching no cases
were found
In 2006 research conducted by Mendes and Moselhuddin concluded
the leaving care process should be a gradual process based on levels of
maturity and ability to manage independence rather than simply age
The same recommendation is echoed in the majority of research both
past and present It would seem that ten years on we are no closer to an
ideal solution
For care leaver A C and D the outcome was poor Certainly they did
not feel supported through the transition although care leaver C had
significantly better support from their personal advisor post 18
However despite this support care leaver C was still living in less than
ideal circumstances and about to be moved once again
In line with the literature this study although with the limited sample
found immense inconsistencies within the system and in every area
from support to financial assistance
Evidently for some the system works against an already disadvantaged
group abandoning when needed the most so to speak
33
It would seem the introduction of legislation and the Transitions
Guidance to strengthen practice and policy has failed to make a
significant improvement especially surrounding the lsquolevelling uprsquo of
services Attributed by the cost cutting imposed on LArsquos by central
government this is hardly surprising
There are some encouraging outcomes such as care leaver B receiving
immense support from their LA beyond policy and legal requirement
This is in line with some of Steinrsquos (2012 81) research and positive
outcomes are underpinned by the level of good consistent and accurate
support received by the individual Yet as this study has found this is
not consistent or universal
It is clear inconsistencies lack of support young and rushed transitions
all contribute to poorer outcomes for this group of young people A
group which are already disadvantaged and at a much higher risk of
social exclusion
As a society we should consider these young people as just that ndash young
people Often with the same dreams and aspirations as any other young
person On the contrary perhaps we should consider these young
people further as many will have already been let down by society
Either way they are entitled to as much support guidance and
opportunity as any other Regrettably this does not seem to be the case
as despite advances in research policy and legislation the same
inconsistencies and failures appear to occur time and time again
The study has shown the importance of understanding the young
peoplersquos history Of understanding former problems or areas of
concern This aids the transition to independence as it identifies where
the support is needed and individualizes the young person There
cannot be a lsquoone size fits allrsquo approach to the leaving care system as
one can see these young people are individual It has identified how
fundamental it is to include a young personrsquos foster carers when
considering independence to recognise the relationship they may have
34
with the young person and the key role they play after leaving care (as
with care lever A)
With this in mind one must acknowledge the leaving care system has
indeed improved over the last 30 years however it needs to continue to
progress if there is any hope of achieving a consistent service with more
even and positive outcomes for these young people
35
Bibliography
Action for Children (2014) [Online]
Available at httpwwwactionforchildrenorgukour-
servicesadoption-fostering-and-children-in-carechildren-in-
careleaving-care
Barnardorsquos (2014)[1] [Online] Someone to Care Experiences of
leaving care Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorguksomeone_to_care_final_feb2014pdf
(Accessed 07 October 2015)
Barnardorsquos (2014)[2] [Online] The costs of not caring supporting
English care leavers into independence Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf (Accessed 07
October 2015)
Biehal N Clayden J Stein M and Wade J (1995) Moving On
Young people and leaving care schemes London HMSO
Broad B (2005) Improving the Health and Well-Being of Young
People Leaving Care Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing
Burgess C (1981) In Care and Into Work London Tavistock
Care Leaverrsquos Foundation (with Children and Young People Now)
(2009) [Online] Setting Up A place to call home Bala Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation Available at
httpwwwthecareleaversfoundationorgsitedatafilesSetting_Up_A
_Place_to_Callpdf (Accessed 06 April 2015)
Care Leavers Strategy (2013) [Online] Available at
httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachment_
datafile266484Care_Leaver_Strategypdf (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Care Act (2014) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga201423part1crossheadingtra
nsition-for-children-to-adult-care-and-support-etcenacted (Accessed
01 March 2016)
Children and Families Act 2014 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga20146section98enacted
(Accessed 02 October 2015)
36
Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200035pdfsukpga_20000035_
enpdf (Accessed 19 March 2015)
Children and Young Persons Act (2008) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200823contents (Accessed 02
October 2015)
Community Care (2014) [Online] Councils struggling to retain social
workers in face of high caseloads and competition over pay
Available at httpwwwcommunitycarecouk20140130councils-
struggling-retain-social-workers-face-high-caseloads-competition-
pay (Accessed 22 February 2016)
Courtney M Terrao S and Bost N (2004) Midwest evaluation of
the adult functioning of former foster youth Conditions of youth
preparing to leave state care Outcomes at age 19 Chicago Chapin
Hall Centre for Children at University of Chicago
Daly F (2012) lsquoMy voice has to be heardrsquo Research on outcomes
for young people leaving care in North Dublin Dublin EPIC
Dixon J and Baker C (2012) lsquoThe Housing Experience of Young
People Leaving Care in England What helpsrsquo Developing Practice
The Child Youth and Family Work Journal Issue 32 National Care
Advisory Service (NCAS)
wwweducationgovuk [Online]
Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20130123124929httpw
wweducationgovukresearchandstatisticsstatisticsa00195573
Family Rights Group (2014) [Online] Support for Young People
Leaving the Care System Available at
httpwwwfrgorgukimagesAdvice_Sheets16-support-for-young-
people-leaving-carepdf (Accessed 29 September 2015)
The Fostering Network (2014) [Online] Staying Put Available at
httpswwwfosteringnetall-about-fosteringprovidersstaying-put-
updateVg5D-PRdX1Y (Accessed 02 October 2015)
Godek S (1976) Leaving Care Barkingside Barnardorsquos
Gwynedd Council (2014) [Online] lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
Available at
httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrutin
y20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20When
37
20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf (Accessed
22 February 2016)
Harris R J (1982) Institutionalized Ambivalence Social Work and
the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 British Journal of Social
Work Vol12 pp 247-263
Higgs L (2011) [Online] Housing crisis around the corner for care
leavers experts warn Children and Young People Now Available
at httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1050066housing-crisis-
corner-care-leavers-experts-warn (Accessed 17 February 2016)
Hiles D Moss D Thorne L Wright J and Dallos R (2014) ldquoSo
what am Irdquo ndash Multiple perspectives on young peoplersquos experience of
leaving care Children and Youth Services Review Vol 41 pp 1-15
House of Commons (1968) Report of the Committee on Local
Authority and Allied Personal Social Services London HMSO
Hutchinson D (2013) [Online] Catch 22 National Care Advisory
Service (NCAS) Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads9b7793d8be6ffc05a501df3df
4a1ef5fpdf
Jackson S and Cameron C (2012) lsquoLeaving Care Looking ahead
and aiming higherrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 34 (6)
pp 1107-1114
Mendes P and Moslehuddin B (2006) lsquoFrom Dependence to
Interdependence Towards Better Outcomes for Young People
Leaving State Carersquo Child Abuse Review Vol15 pp 110-166
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2006) Young peoplersquos views on leaving
care Newcastle Commission for Social Care Inspection
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2012) Young peoplersquos views on care
and aftercare Office of the Childrenrsquos Rights Director London
Ofsted
Mulvey T (1977) lsquoAfter-care ndash who caresrsquo Concern No 26
London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Munro E Lushey C and Ward H (2011) Evaluation of the
Right2BCared4 Pilots Final report (NCAS) London Department
for Education
38
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2011) Making the Cut
Planning Transitions for Care Levers in an Age of Austerity London
NCAS
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2012) [Online] Statistical
Briefing Looked after children and care leavers 2012 Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads0e9a6e4f266b8e96ad7c8e25
7bd53982pdf (Accessed 30 March 2015)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2013)
[Online] The NICE quality standard on the health and wellbeing of
looked after children and young people Available at
httpwwwniceorgukguidanceQS31chapterQuality-statement-8-
Support-to-move-to-independence (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Office for National Statistics (2014) [Online] Large increase in 20 to
34-year-olds living with parents since 1996 Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20160105160709httpw
wwonsgovukonsrelfamily-demographyyoung-adults-living-with-
parents2013sty-young-adultshtml (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board (2016) [Online] Child J ndash
Domestic Homicide Review and Serious Case Review (combined)
Available at httpwwwoscborgukwp-contentuploadsChild-J-
OSCB-Overview-Reportpdf (Accessed 25 February 2016)
Page R and Clark G (eds) (1977) Who Cares Young People in
Care Speak Out London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Puffett N and Orfford A (2016) [Online] Increasing numbers of
care leavers in unsuitable accommodation Children and Young
People Now Available at
httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1155917increasing-numbers-of-
care-leavers-in-unsuitable-accommodation (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Samuels G M and Pryce J M (2008) ldquoWhat doesnrsquot kill you
makes you strongerrdquo Survivalist self-reliance as resilience and risk
among young adults aging out of foster care Children and Youth
Services Review Vol 30 (10) pp 1198-1210
Stein M (2002) Young People Leaving Care A Research
Perspective In A Wheal ed The RHP Companion to Leaving Care
Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing pp 28-33
39
Stein M (2004) What works for young people leaving care
Barkingside Barnardos
Stein M (2006) lsquoYoung people aging out of care The poverty of
theoryrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 28 (4) pp 422-434
Stein M (2012) Young People Leaving Care Supporting Pathways
to Adulthood London Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Stein M and Carey K (1986) Leaving Care Oxford Blackwell
Stein M and Ellis S (1983) Gizza Say Reviews and Young People
in Care London NAYPIC
Stein M and Maynard C (1985) Irsquove Never Been So Lonely
London NAYPIC
Stone M (1990) Young People Leaving Care A study of
management systems service delivery and user evaluation UK The
Royal Philanthropic Society
The Who Carersquos Trust (2014) [Online] Leaving Care Available at
httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpagesleaving-care-what-
happens-post-16html
Wade J (2011) lsquoPreparation and transition planning for
unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee young people A review
of evidence in Englandrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol
33 pp 2424-2430
Wade J and Dixon J (2006) lsquoMaking a home finding a job
investing early housing and employment outcomes for young people
leaving carersquo Child and Family Social Work Vol 11 (3) pp 199-208
Wade J Mitchel F and Baylis G (2005) Unaccompanied asylum
seeking children The response of social services London BAAF
40
Appendix
1) httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf page 25
Karenrsquos story
2) httpwwwnhsukConditionsAttention-deficit-hyperactivity-
disorderPagesIntroductionaspx
3) Email received in response to a request for Mr Timpson (Minister
of State for Children and Families) to answer three questions
regarding care leavers
Dear MsthinspThompsonthinsp
I am writing on behalf of the Minister of State for Children and
Families to thank you for your email of 9 February about your
dissertation
I am sorry but the department receives so many requests like yours
that we are unable to respond to them other than to point you to
sources of information I would therefore suggest that you look at the
departmentrsquos website
at httpswwwgovuksearchq=care+leavers+strategy
I hope you find this link helpful and that you are able to find the
information you need
Your correspondence has been allocated reference number 2016-
0008179 If you need to respond to us please
visit httpswwweducationgovukcontactus and quote your
reference number
As part of our commitment to improving the service we provide to
our customers we are interested in hearing your views and would
welcome your comments via our website
at httpswwweducationgovukpcusurvey
Yours sincerely
Kelly Walkerthinsp
Ministerial and Public Communications Division
Web
[httpswwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovuk]https
wwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovukgt
Twitter httpswwwtwittercomeducationgovuk
Facebook httpswwwfacebookcomeducationgovuk
41
[httpswwweducationgovukimages2irisdfepng]
4) httpwwwgisdaorgengamdanom-nihtml
5) httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga198941section20
6)httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrut
iny20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20Whe
n20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf
7)httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachme
nt_datafile201015Staying_Put_Guidancepdf
8) httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpageswhats-a-pathway-
planhtml
9) httpjobscommunitycarecoukarticlecoventry-tops-london-in-
the-best-place-to-live-league-tablescmpid=EMP|JOBS|SCJOB-
2016-0224-CH|READMORE-COVampcmpid
10) httpwwwconwygovukdocaspcat=4800ampdoc=19742
11)httpresearchbriefingsparliamentukResearchBriefingSummary
SN06705
42
i) Interview Guide
Generic areas of question
Age upon leaving care
Staying put scheme
Financial help
Choice of housing
Suitability of accommodation
Geographical position of accommodation
Further education
Access to support eg Personal Advisor social worker
Input with Pathway plan
Being listened to
Transition
Keeping in touch
Difference with peers
43
18
Chapter 4
Findings
a) Transition
ldquoYou wouldnrsquot dream of kicking your own kids out so young
They give these kids to much artificial support to encourage
them to leaverdquo (Foster carer)
This is clearly reverberated in the literature particularly in the
Barnardorsquos report Someone to Care Experiences of leaving care
(2014) which highlights the plight of young care leavers and the lack
of parental support contributing to difficult transitions In addition it
has already been identified in the literature review that for children not
in care the leaving home age ranges from 20- 34 (ONS 2014)
Communication for this specific young person appeared to be lacking
ldquoWell my social worker didnrsquot really talk about what
would happenhelliphellipthey were like lsquooh yeah you will get
your own placersquo hellipbut not what will happen afterhellipso I
rushed into it thinking it was a good idea I think they
said it too soon to me if they wouldnrsquot have said it I
would still be here (foster care) for a while So I rushed
into it I had just left school maybe it would be
better at 17 or 18rdquo (Care leaver A currently aged 18 LA
Gwynedd)
This statement by a young care leaver is echoed by a set of foster carers
It was found that by giving the young person an offer of their own flat
complete with some furnishings of their choice seemed to sway their
decision whether or not to leave This was especially the case for 16
year olds
These foster carers stated that their young person had indicated they
wanted to stay in care at least until 18 years old however with a change
of social worker came a change of heart
19
ldquoYou see we had talked about when he would leave but he said
lsquono I wouldnrsquot like to be in a house on my ownrsquo He wanted to
stay when he first came to us he was having nightmares hellip he is
still having problems now He wonrsquot sleep in his bedroom now
he sleeps in the living room with the TV on They (Social
Services team) didnrsquot take any of this into account When his
social worker changed to the 16+ one he was like lsquooh well I
might move outrsquordquo
This particular interview found the process of leaving care very hasty
with very little preparation The young person in question was
identified by the LA as vulnerable however according to the foster
carers the process continued regardless
ldquoHe suddenly was kicking against us The social worker said he
was a troubled child he just said he had issues We know about
confidentiality but we were part of the care package but they (16
+ team) would not involve us There was no communication
between the 16+ team and us It was like he is an adult and thatrsquos
thatrdquo
The foster carers suggested the young person was being coached to
leave There was a sudden decision made and the young person went
lsquooff the railsrsquo It seemed a place was offered to enable them to move
out and that was when reality hit
ldquohelliphe drank a bottle of vodka and was talking about suicide He
suffers from low self- esteem There was no help for that I think
this was brought on by them (16+ team) telling him there was a
space somewhere He kept saying lsquoIrsquom so sorryrsquo It was reality
he had been going through the motions before thisrdquo
This illustrates a terrible indictment of a rushed transition Added to
the trauma which led the young person to being in care this does not
present a positive outcome
The findings for this report support the previous literature Steinrsquos
(2012) extensive research in this area continually reveals hasty
transitions from care to independence
Legislation relating to young people leaving care states
20
lsquoIt is the duty of the local authority looking after a child to advise assist
and befriend him with a view to promoting his welfare when they have
ceased to look after himrsquo (19A Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000)
Indicating a rushed transition should not be promoted rather that it
should be a much slower process with time being given to prepare fully
for independence
In contrast one participant going through the leaving care system in
2004 and within a different LA (Telford and Wrekin) had a much more
positive experience
ldquoI left care at 18 I was in a childrenrsquos homehellipfoster care didnrsquot
suit me I was always running away I had brilliant support all
the way until I was 25 I went to supported living and I had help
to learn to cook and manage money and bills Then I had help to
find a flat and become independent I even still see some of the
people who supported me when I go back to Telfordrdquo (Care
leaver B aged 30)
This indicates a far more gradual transition to independence
Unfortunately the majority of the data within this study points more
often to the former rushed transition
ldquoI turned 18 and it was like hellipyoursquore an adult now I was in a
hostel then a homeless place that was scary there were all sorts
there I liked the place in Bala it was good there But when I
turned 18 I couldnrsquot stay It was like one minute I had everything
done for me then nothingrdquo (Care leaver C currently aged 19
LA Conwy)
This young person moved into private care and currently resides in a
mixed home for people with mental health problems He has Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (Appendix 2)
The research suggests past history is not always taken into account
when assessing the suitability of independent living for these young
people
ldquoHis issues should have been recognised then he would not have
been offered to leave at 16 The social worker had not made the
effort to look at his historyrdquo (Foster carer)
21
Taking the young peoplersquos history and circumstances into account
could offer a more positive outcome than simply their age
ldquoThey had eight files on me from when I was little My foster
carer nagged them until she was able to have them to read
Then she knew what had happenedrdquo (Care leaver D currently
aged 19 LA Caerphilly)
It is recognised in policy that the system still does not seem to perform
as it should The Care Leaversrsquo Strategy (2013) identifies the abrupt
transition experienced by these young people in its opening paragraphs
However the report fails to include lsquotransitionrsquo as a fundamental area
of concern Instead usual sections such as education employment
housing and so on are highlighted as lsquobroad areas of concernrsquo It would
seem the young peoplersquos emotional well- being which is clearly
affected by the hasty exit from care does not hold the same
governmental importance
Additionally it may be prudent to add at this point that Edward
Timpson Minister of State for Children and Families was contacted
for the purpose of this research Mr Timpson was involved in the
development of the Care Leaversrsquo Strategy and in addition to this grew
up with looked after children as his parents were foster carers There
was no response to the research (Appendix 3)
A fundamental issue surrounding rushed transitions is the view these
young people are now adults although they are still virtually as
vulnerable as children The serious case review into the murder of
Jayden Parkinson highlights this Jayden was 17 and considered an
adult by services and practitioners The review stated
lsquoToo often [Parkinson] was viewed as a difficult young person and not
recognised as a child in need of safeguarding Professionals and
agencies did not always fully understand the serious nature of the risks
to [her] or were too quick to be reassured that she would be able to
protect herself from those risksrsquo (Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children
Board 2016 62)
22
It would seem important for policy to start considering the young
personrsquos position in life rather than their age as an indicator of their
readiness for independence
b) Housing and Accommodation
The participants were asked about their experiences with housing when
leaving care Questions about choice suitability and geographic area
where considered Consistent with past research and previous literature
(Barnardorsquos [2] 2014) issues where found in all these areas
Once again the Care Leaversrsquo Strategy recognises these issues found
in research past and present surrounding housing
lsquoCare leavers are a vulnerable group of young adults who have
particular needs in relation to housing and homelessness Around a
quarter of those living on the streets have a background in care The
majority of care leavers leave care by the age of 18 and rising demands
on social housing and other accommodation is making it increasingly
difficult for young people to find suitable accommodation as they enter
adulthoodrsquo (2013 14)
These findings suggest a significant risk of homelessness for these
participants In actual fact without the charity Gisda (Appendix 4) the
options for young people in Gwynedd would be seriously limited
It has already been noted that nationally care leavers are overly
represented within the homeless and inadequately housed with 30 of
homeless people formerly being in care (Who Cares Trust 2014)
When considering choice Bed and Breakfast (BampB) accommodation
was not always used but choice did appear limited Geographical
consideration and suitable match for the young person does not always
seem possible
23
ldquoWell there was a bit of choice but it was mainly Caernarfon I
had shared housing with Gisda not BampB and then I got my flat
with Gisdardquo (Care leaver A)
Once again this is echoed by foster carers
ldquoHe moved into shared housing for two weekshelliphe was
terrified he slit his mattress to hide his laptop in it There wasnrsquot
much choice had he had the choice to stay in Penygroes he
would have He has been trying to get back here ever since He
is afraid in Caernarfon He has two brothers living there which
he has had problems with and his brotherrsquos friend He is quite a
fearful child and finds living in Caernarfon stressful When he
gets home to his flat from here he doesnrsquot go outrdquo
This does not seem to be reserved to just this LA either
ldquoI was in a hostel but I kicked off so was in a BampB for a couple
of days They said I was smoking in the room so I got kicked out
of therehellipdidnrsquot even get all my stuff Then my social worker
said I could stay with my mum for the weekend cause my sister
wasnrsquot there But then she came backhellipshe winds me uphellipI
kicked off but hit the window hellipI wanted to hit her So my mum
called the police helliprdquo (Care leaver D)
There appears to be insecurity surrounding housing Care leaver D
went on to lsquosofa surfrsquo and then went back to his motherrsquos even though
that episode left him with a criminal damage conviction [brought on by
his mother] His support seemed to end there
Care leaver A was asked if the flat with Gisda was permanent
ldquoNo itrsquos two years temporary I have three months leftrdquo
When asked what happens then
ldquoI think Irsquom on the top the list with housing so Irsquove gotta hope
something comes up or I will probably end up in BampB The thing
is once you have had the flat and you get to 18 you sort of go in
circles so you can be put in BampB Itrsquos a worry being three months
awayhelliphellipI keep phoning themrdquo
This was reiterated by the foster carers
ldquoI canrsquot see Gisda putting him out on the street but they have to
give him notice of eviction in order for the council to do
something about it Sometimes he stays with his cousin or his
24
dad if there is any room But he will probably have to lsquosofa
surfrsquohellip thatrsquos what his brother had to do That will put him on
the list he has to be homeless to get helprdquo
The question of supported living was raised for this particular
participant the foster carer replied
ldquoThere doesnrsquot seem to be any here But for him it wouldnrsquot
work he would worry about the other people there He is afraid
of people that do drugs there is a family history with drugsrdquo
However a neighbouring LA had positive experiences with supported
living Their providers of supported living and BampB accommodation
had been the same for over ten years which would indicate some
consistency The manager for the leaving care team for this LA
commented that the staff at the BampBrsquos offered a sympathetic approach
with more of a lsquofamily feelrsquo to the service Furthermore this LA had
long term relationships with landlords who specifically offered
tenancies to care leavers This demonstrates the importance of
consistency Although BampB may not seem ideal if there are good long
term relationships with service providers this can offer a positive short
term solution
Likewise care leaver B had the right experience with their
accommodation
ldquoI went from the childrenrsquos home to supported lodgings and after
that had my own flat The supported lodgings really helped me
learn how to look after myself I did go off the rails a bit when I
was about 23 but because of my support I sorted myself outrdquo
Though care leaver C will be moving once again in the near future It
seems his ADHD leaves the LA at a loss as to where this young person
should live The condition necessitates extra support to enable him to
manage independence
ldquoI like where I am But the funding for here runs out soon They
(social services) have said there is a new place in Abergele I
think itrsquos a shared house If I turn that down though I will make
myself intentionally homeless so there is no choicerdquo
25
This young personrsquos worries where resonated by his mother too He
entered care under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989 (Appendix 5)
as his mother was unable to manage his behaviour Her understanding
was that he would be care for until he reached 21 It may be argued he
is being cared for and is continuing to be Yet as stated earlier a mental
health facility may not be seen as ideal equally shared housing may
not offer the level of support required for an eventual and positive
departure from care
Regrettably national statistics have shown a rise of 108 per cent in the
number of young people in unsuitable accommodation from 1660 in
2014 to 1840 in 2015 This is reiterated by Carrie Wilson young
peoplersquos project co-ordinator at The Care Leaversrsquo Association
ldquoOn a basic level [BampBs] are seen as a ldquosaferdquo place but those young
people do not feel safe regardless of the interventions put into place to
support a young person if they do not feel like they have personal
safety at the end of the day their coping mechanisms start to break
downrdquo (Puffett and Orfford 2016)
The experiences of these participants suggests a chaotic existence in
line with the research undertaken by Barnardorsquos (2) (2014)
This does not present an improvement of services Government
statistics from 2011 suggested only 17 local authorities were housing
100 per cent of care leavers in suitable accommodation (Higgs 2011)
These are dismal statistics as research conducted by Stein (201280)
found from 2004 to 2009 the numbers of care leavers in suitable
accommodation had risen from 77 to 90 The statistics from 2011
could correlate with the age of austerity and social service budget cuts
(Stein 2012 24)
In Gwynedd since 2013 there has been the lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
available and similar to Englandrsquos lsquoStaying Putrsquo scheme (Appendix 6
amp 7) These schemes are now available throughout Wales and offer the
26
young person an opportunity to stay within their foster care placement
until the age of 21 or beyond if they are engaged in education or
training which started before their twenty first birthday This extended
stay may last until completion of the education or training on the
condition it is set out in the young personrsquos pathway plan The
opportunity offers a more gradual transition similar to young people in
the general population (Gwynedd Council 2014)
However there was no evidence of this scheme to have been offered to
care leaver A Care leavers C and D appear to have merely been
managed until the LA no longer had the duty of care
c) Pathway Plans Personal Advisors and Social
Workers
ldquoI donrsquot remember how many social workers I had hellipmaybe 14
or 15 by the time I left care They kept changingrdquo (Care leaver
D)
The participants were asked about their experiences with personal
advisors social workers the creation and implementation of their
pathway plans (Appendix 8) and whether they felt they were listened
to
It would seem having several social workers is commonplace
ldquoThe 16+ team didnrsquot seem to support him They changed social
worker but he didnrsquot seem to know what was going on Then they
changed again to one from the 16+ team Thatrsquos when his
behaviour changed One of his previous social workers was
fantastic and he worshipped herhellip If only they had kept that
social worker it would have made such a differencerdquo (Foster
carer)
For care leaver A this seems to have happened with the personal
advisor too When asked about their personal advisor
27
ldquoThere was a foster meeting the lady what was her namehellip Jan
she was really good She was with social services and Gisda
But then when they thought I was ok they transferred me to
someone elserdquo
Though for some there was more consistency Care leaver C suggested
a good relationship with their personal advisor They indicated regular
visits phone calls and planning meetings In turn this young person felt
they were being listened to when the pathway plan was produced
The manager for this LAs leaving care team confirms his perspective
on personal advisors
ldquoWe have a team of four personal advisors They have about 40
cases each but they do a great job All of their cases have a
mobile phone number for them and they are all very dedicated
and approachable [from the young personrsquos point of view] They
offer a vital link from care to independencerdquo
However once again this service appears inconsistent depending on
the LA
Added to this frequent changes of case worker suggest a difficulty in
completion and implementation of pathway plans and causes the
young person to feel they are not being listened to
ldquoI was kind of listened to but then my social worker changed so
I had to start againhellipthere was no relationship there cause they
kept changing We would do one pathway plan then the social
worker changed and we would have to do another onerdquo (Care
leaver A)
When the foster carers were asked about the pathway plan and whether
they thought their young person was listened to
ldquoHe didnrsquot have a proper pathway plan for leaving it was rushed
There was no proper structure He was listened to but without
question or consideration of the consequences They ticked their
boxes and he was off their handsrdquo
These experiences were evident in the earlier research by Munro et al
(2011) whereby young people felt their voices were not heard and the
meetings surrounding their exit from care caused anxiety and stress
28
The foster carers then suggested their current placement who had just
turned 16 may suffer the same
ldquoShe is just about to change to the 16+ team they canrsquot wait to
get her on thathellipit will be her third social worker in two years
She is adamant she doesnrsquot want to leave at 16 but if they dangle
the carrot of her own flat in front of her it might be differentrdquo
Furthermore for the foster carers support appears to be inconsistent
One set had just been assigned a new social worker the third in two
years
ldquoWe have a new social worker and she just ticks the boxes She
seems terrified to use her initiative One social worker I was
dealing with said there were five people who were either off or
had left and not been replaced in his office alonerdquo
It is well documented that retention of staff within social work is
increasingly difficult Added to which there a national shortage of
approximately 3500 social workers both hindering continuity for the
people they provide services to (Community Care 2014) This and
aforementioned cuts to funding within leaving care services may
explain how the inconsistency and a lack of relationship with social
workers described within this data can infringe on the process of
leaving care
With this in mind it is imperative to consider the legal implications at
this point It would appear within the legal framework there are lsquogrey
areasrsquo which can allow the experiences of care leaverrsquos A C and D to
occur The Children (Leaving Care) Act (2000) states that an
assessment of needs must be carried out by the LA for the said child
(a)while they are still looking after him and
(b)after they cease to look after him (19B 4)
The proviso for this is the child has been looked after for a period of
time and that they are aged 16 or 17 (19B 2 a amp b)
However the Care Act (2014) has a section dedicated to the needs of a
child in the transition to adulthood including the requirement for a
29
needs assessment but in relation to the childrsquos needs after the age of
18 Furthermore section 58 (4) insists the assessment should be carried
out whether the child consents or not if there is a risk of or experiencing
abuse or neglect Bearing in mind the vulnerability of these young
people the causes for them to have been placed in care in the first place
it would be fair to consider this group eligible for this assessment and
extended care Added to which one would expect a more thorough and
consistent assessment to be carried out Clearly with several changes to
case workers [as experienced by care leavers A and D] this legal
standard is not being met
Perhaps government and policy makers should consider case worker
retention and better working environments as fundamental aspects of
policy in turn offering better outcomes for the young people
(Appendix 9)
d) Financial aspects
ldquoThey told him to choose what he needed for the flat but only
some of it turned up There is something I heard of might be
from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation where some money is put
into an ISA which can be accessed once they are 18 This is
because they have been in care But I feel the danger of that is it
could all be blown on something else or used as a carrot to
encourage leaving care As far as I have seen they just go and
spend it all then itrsquos gone ndash they would be better giving them a
furnished flatrdquo (Foster carer)
The Care Leavers Strategy states it encourages LArsquos to offer at least
pound2000 as a lsquoSetting Up Home Allowancersquo (leaving care grant)
although as this is not a legal requirement the amount varies from LA
to LA Care leaver A received in the region of pound400 (Gwynedd LA)
However the manager for Conwy laving care team indicated the
amount their care leavers receive is dependent on what they need This
is also stated on the LArsquos web site (Appendix 8) It may be suggested
that young people within less affluent LArsquos will fare worse financially
30
The Strategy maintains care leavers are entitled to a pound1200 bursary if
they are attending further education and a pound2000 bursary for higher
education This is financed by the Department for Education (2013
10) Extra funding of this kind would appear significant for these young
people however if the earlier literature is considered the statistics for
this grouprsquos educational achievements did not present well (See
chapter one) As this funding is reliant on the young person being in
education there will be a significant proportion unable to access this
extra help
Conwy LA did suggest promising outcomes for employment for their
care leavers with many undertaking apprenticeships within the
councilrsquos departments
ldquoWe have a number of our young people working and training in
the council (Conwy) with a selection of apprenticeships
specifically for them Some do go on to stay with us being
offered permanent contractsrdquo (Leaving care team manager)
Unfortunately a comparison cannot be made with other LArsquos or
voluntary organisations in this area as there was no response to the
research
Care leaver A did have temporary employment with a local leisure
centre although when a permanent contract was offered it was of a zero
hourrsquos nature
ldquoI wasnrsquot worth me taking ithellipI would lose my benefit and have
no guarantee of workrdquo
Care leaver C started a college course and managed a couple of shifts
in a restaurant kitchen however his chaotic accommodation provision
and a lack of support for his ADHD hampered his continuation
Care leaver D is NEET (Appendix 11) and has been since his exit from
care It would seem this has not been assisted by his family [to which
he returned] who have also never been in employment and his
reluctance to receive any more services It may be suggested his high
31
level of case worker turnover contributed to his reluctance Equally his
chaotic existence before entering care disrupted his education added
the rushed transition from care has not facilitated good employment
prospects
e) Evaluation and Reflection
When evaluating this research one must acknowledge the limitations
when assessing the size of the sample
Despite persistence there was a reluctance by professionals particularly
to participate Out of four LAs contacted only one responded and
agreed to be interviewed One LA received the research pack three
times follow up calls were made several times to no avail The same
may be said for the voluntary sector in spite of positive telephone
conversations and receipt of the research pack Barnardorsquos and Gisda
did not consent to be interviewed Therefore the findings were
somewhat one sided and the professional perspective limited
However even with the limited sample the original hypothesis of the
leaving care system failing the young people has a degree of truth
Equally the findings are reflective of earlier research identified in
chapter 2
There is certainly scope for further and more considerable research
within this field Although for future studies it may be beneficial to use
focus group methodology to encourage professional participation This
would possibly generate an improved response rate in comparison to
the online questionnaire used for the initial stages of this project The
face to face follow up interviews proved difficult to organise although
it was difficult to decipher whether this was due to a reluctance to
engage in the research or a lack of available time
32
Chapter 5
Conclusion
In conclusion the data collected for this study shows a system that sadly
does fail its young people Certainly in Gwynedd the leaving care
process is seemingly rushed and centred around a personrsquos age rather
than their readiness for independence Of course it may be argued there
has to be a lsquocut off pointrsquo and young people have to become
independent at some time for legal purposes that lsquopointrsquo is dictated by
their age It would seem this is the case regardless of the harm it may
cause Furthermore it could be argued this hasty process is a breach of
the young personrsquos human rights however despite searching no cases
were found
In 2006 research conducted by Mendes and Moselhuddin concluded
the leaving care process should be a gradual process based on levels of
maturity and ability to manage independence rather than simply age
The same recommendation is echoed in the majority of research both
past and present It would seem that ten years on we are no closer to an
ideal solution
For care leaver A C and D the outcome was poor Certainly they did
not feel supported through the transition although care leaver C had
significantly better support from their personal advisor post 18
However despite this support care leaver C was still living in less than
ideal circumstances and about to be moved once again
In line with the literature this study although with the limited sample
found immense inconsistencies within the system and in every area
from support to financial assistance
Evidently for some the system works against an already disadvantaged
group abandoning when needed the most so to speak
33
It would seem the introduction of legislation and the Transitions
Guidance to strengthen practice and policy has failed to make a
significant improvement especially surrounding the lsquolevelling uprsquo of
services Attributed by the cost cutting imposed on LArsquos by central
government this is hardly surprising
There are some encouraging outcomes such as care leaver B receiving
immense support from their LA beyond policy and legal requirement
This is in line with some of Steinrsquos (2012 81) research and positive
outcomes are underpinned by the level of good consistent and accurate
support received by the individual Yet as this study has found this is
not consistent or universal
It is clear inconsistencies lack of support young and rushed transitions
all contribute to poorer outcomes for this group of young people A
group which are already disadvantaged and at a much higher risk of
social exclusion
As a society we should consider these young people as just that ndash young
people Often with the same dreams and aspirations as any other young
person On the contrary perhaps we should consider these young
people further as many will have already been let down by society
Either way they are entitled to as much support guidance and
opportunity as any other Regrettably this does not seem to be the case
as despite advances in research policy and legislation the same
inconsistencies and failures appear to occur time and time again
The study has shown the importance of understanding the young
peoplersquos history Of understanding former problems or areas of
concern This aids the transition to independence as it identifies where
the support is needed and individualizes the young person There
cannot be a lsquoone size fits allrsquo approach to the leaving care system as
one can see these young people are individual It has identified how
fundamental it is to include a young personrsquos foster carers when
considering independence to recognise the relationship they may have
34
with the young person and the key role they play after leaving care (as
with care lever A)
With this in mind one must acknowledge the leaving care system has
indeed improved over the last 30 years however it needs to continue to
progress if there is any hope of achieving a consistent service with more
even and positive outcomes for these young people
35
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Available at httpwwwactionforchildrenorgukour-
servicesadoption-fostering-and-children-in-carechildren-in-
careleaving-care
Barnardorsquos (2014)[1] [Online] Someone to Care Experiences of
leaving care Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorguksomeone_to_care_final_feb2014pdf
(Accessed 07 October 2015)
Barnardorsquos (2014)[2] [Online] The costs of not caring supporting
English care leavers into independence Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf (Accessed 07
October 2015)
Biehal N Clayden J Stein M and Wade J (1995) Moving On
Young people and leaving care schemes London HMSO
Broad B (2005) Improving the Health and Well-Being of Young
People Leaving Care Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing
Burgess C (1981) In Care and Into Work London Tavistock
Care Leaverrsquos Foundation (with Children and Young People Now)
(2009) [Online] Setting Up A place to call home Bala Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation Available at
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_Place_to_Callpdf (Accessed 06 April 2015)
Care Leavers Strategy (2013) [Online] Available at
httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachment_
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2016)
Care Act (2014) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga201423part1crossheadingtra
nsition-for-children-to-adult-care-and-support-etcenacted (Accessed
01 March 2016)
Children and Families Act 2014 [Online] Available at
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(Accessed 02 October 2015)
36
Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 [Online] Available at
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enpdf (Accessed 19 March 2015)
Children and Young Persons Act (2008) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200823contents (Accessed 02
October 2015)
Community Care (2014) [Online] Councils struggling to retain social
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Available at httpwwwcommunitycarecouk20140130councils-
struggling-retain-social-workers-face-high-caseloads-competition-
pay (Accessed 22 February 2016)
Courtney M Terrao S and Bost N (2004) Midwest evaluation of
the adult functioning of former foster youth Conditions of youth
preparing to leave state care Outcomes at age 19 Chicago Chapin
Hall Centre for Children at University of Chicago
Daly F (2012) lsquoMy voice has to be heardrsquo Research on outcomes
for young people leaving care in North Dublin Dublin EPIC
Dixon J and Baker C (2012) lsquoThe Housing Experience of Young
People Leaving Care in England What helpsrsquo Developing Practice
The Child Youth and Family Work Journal Issue 32 National Care
Advisory Service (NCAS)
wwweducationgovuk [Online]
Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20130123124929httpw
wweducationgovukresearchandstatisticsstatisticsa00195573
Family Rights Group (2014) [Online] Support for Young People
Leaving the Care System Available at
httpwwwfrgorgukimagesAdvice_Sheets16-support-for-young-
people-leaving-carepdf (Accessed 29 September 2015)
The Fostering Network (2014) [Online] Staying Put Available at
httpswwwfosteringnetall-about-fosteringprovidersstaying-put-
updateVg5D-PRdX1Y (Accessed 02 October 2015)
Godek S (1976) Leaving Care Barkingside Barnardorsquos
Gwynedd Council (2014) [Online] lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
Available at
httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrutin
y20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20When
37
20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf (Accessed
22 February 2016)
Harris R J (1982) Institutionalized Ambivalence Social Work and
the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 British Journal of Social
Work Vol12 pp 247-263
Higgs L (2011) [Online] Housing crisis around the corner for care
leavers experts warn Children and Young People Now Available
at httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1050066housing-crisis-
corner-care-leavers-experts-warn (Accessed 17 February 2016)
Hiles D Moss D Thorne L Wright J and Dallos R (2014) ldquoSo
what am Irdquo ndash Multiple perspectives on young peoplersquos experience of
leaving care Children and Youth Services Review Vol 41 pp 1-15
House of Commons (1968) Report of the Committee on Local
Authority and Allied Personal Social Services London HMSO
Hutchinson D (2013) [Online] Catch 22 National Care Advisory
Service (NCAS) Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads9b7793d8be6ffc05a501df3df
4a1ef5fpdf
Jackson S and Cameron C (2012) lsquoLeaving Care Looking ahead
and aiming higherrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 34 (6)
pp 1107-1114
Mendes P and Moslehuddin B (2006) lsquoFrom Dependence to
Interdependence Towards Better Outcomes for Young People
Leaving State Carersquo Child Abuse Review Vol15 pp 110-166
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2006) Young peoplersquos views on leaving
care Newcastle Commission for Social Care Inspection
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2012) Young peoplersquos views on care
and aftercare Office of the Childrenrsquos Rights Director London
Ofsted
Mulvey T (1977) lsquoAfter-care ndash who caresrsquo Concern No 26
London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Munro E Lushey C and Ward H (2011) Evaluation of the
Right2BCared4 Pilots Final report (NCAS) London Department
for Education
38
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2011) Making the Cut
Planning Transitions for Care Levers in an Age of Austerity London
NCAS
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2012) [Online] Statistical
Briefing Looked after children and care leavers 2012 Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads0e9a6e4f266b8e96ad7c8e25
7bd53982pdf (Accessed 30 March 2015)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2013)
[Online] The NICE quality standard on the health and wellbeing of
looked after children and young people Available at
httpwwwniceorgukguidanceQS31chapterQuality-statement-8-
Support-to-move-to-independence (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Office for National Statistics (2014) [Online] Large increase in 20 to
34-year-olds living with parents since 1996 Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20160105160709httpw
wwonsgovukonsrelfamily-demographyyoung-adults-living-with-
parents2013sty-young-adultshtml (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board (2016) [Online] Child J ndash
Domestic Homicide Review and Serious Case Review (combined)
Available at httpwwwoscborgukwp-contentuploadsChild-J-
OSCB-Overview-Reportpdf (Accessed 25 February 2016)
Page R and Clark G (eds) (1977) Who Cares Young People in
Care Speak Out London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Puffett N and Orfford A (2016) [Online] Increasing numbers of
care leavers in unsuitable accommodation Children and Young
People Now Available at
httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1155917increasing-numbers-of-
care-leavers-in-unsuitable-accommodation (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Samuels G M and Pryce J M (2008) ldquoWhat doesnrsquot kill you
makes you strongerrdquo Survivalist self-reliance as resilience and risk
among young adults aging out of foster care Children and Youth
Services Review Vol 30 (10) pp 1198-1210
Stein M (2002) Young People Leaving Care A Research
Perspective In A Wheal ed The RHP Companion to Leaving Care
Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing pp 28-33
39
Stein M (2004) What works for young people leaving care
Barkingside Barnardos
Stein M (2006) lsquoYoung people aging out of care The poverty of
theoryrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 28 (4) pp 422-434
Stein M (2012) Young People Leaving Care Supporting Pathways
to Adulthood London Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Stein M and Carey K (1986) Leaving Care Oxford Blackwell
Stein M and Ellis S (1983) Gizza Say Reviews and Young People
in Care London NAYPIC
Stein M and Maynard C (1985) Irsquove Never Been So Lonely
London NAYPIC
Stone M (1990) Young People Leaving Care A study of
management systems service delivery and user evaluation UK The
Royal Philanthropic Society
The Who Carersquos Trust (2014) [Online] Leaving Care Available at
httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpagesleaving-care-what-
happens-post-16html
Wade J (2011) lsquoPreparation and transition planning for
unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee young people A review
of evidence in Englandrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol
33 pp 2424-2430
Wade J and Dixon J (2006) lsquoMaking a home finding a job
investing early housing and employment outcomes for young people
leaving carersquo Child and Family Social Work Vol 11 (3) pp 199-208
Wade J Mitchel F and Baylis G (2005) Unaccompanied asylum
seeking children The response of social services London BAAF
40
Appendix
1) httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf page 25
Karenrsquos story
2) httpwwwnhsukConditionsAttention-deficit-hyperactivity-
disorderPagesIntroductionaspx
3) Email received in response to a request for Mr Timpson (Minister
of State for Children and Families) to answer three questions
regarding care leavers
Dear MsthinspThompsonthinsp
I am writing on behalf of the Minister of State for Children and
Families to thank you for your email of 9 February about your
dissertation
I am sorry but the department receives so many requests like yours
that we are unable to respond to them other than to point you to
sources of information I would therefore suggest that you look at the
departmentrsquos website
at httpswwwgovuksearchq=care+leavers+strategy
I hope you find this link helpful and that you are able to find the
information you need
Your correspondence has been allocated reference number 2016-
0008179 If you need to respond to us please
visit httpswwweducationgovukcontactus and quote your
reference number
As part of our commitment to improving the service we provide to
our customers we are interested in hearing your views and would
welcome your comments via our website
at httpswwweducationgovukpcusurvey
Yours sincerely
Kelly Walkerthinsp
Ministerial and Public Communications Division
Web
[httpswwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovuk]https
wwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovukgt
Twitter httpswwwtwittercomeducationgovuk
Facebook httpswwwfacebookcomeducationgovuk
41
[httpswwweducationgovukimages2irisdfepng]
4) httpwwwgisdaorgengamdanom-nihtml
5) httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga198941section20
6)httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrut
iny20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20Whe
n20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf
7)httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachme
nt_datafile201015Staying_Put_Guidancepdf
8) httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpageswhats-a-pathway-
planhtml
9) httpjobscommunitycarecoukarticlecoventry-tops-london-in-
the-best-place-to-live-league-tablescmpid=EMP|JOBS|SCJOB-
2016-0224-CH|READMORE-COVampcmpid
10) httpwwwconwygovukdocaspcat=4800ampdoc=19742
11)httpresearchbriefingsparliamentukResearchBriefingSummary
SN06705
42
i) Interview Guide
Generic areas of question
Age upon leaving care
Staying put scheme
Financial help
Choice of housing
Suitability of accommodation
Geographical position of accommodation
Further education
Access to support eg Personal Advisor social worker
Input with Pathway plan
Being listened to
Transition
Keeping in touch
Difference with peers
43
19
ldquoYou see we had talked about when he would leave but he said
lsquono I wouldnrsquot like to be in a house on my ownrsquo He wanted to
stay when he first came to us he was having nightmares hellip he is
still having problems now He wonrsquot sleep in his bedroom now
he sleeps in the living room with the TV on They (Social
Services team) didnrsquot take any of this into account When his
social worker changed to the 16+ one he was like lsquooh well I
might move outrsquordquo
This particular interview found the process of leaving care very hasty
with very little preparation The young person in question was
identified by the LA as vulnerable however according to the foster
carers the process continued regardless
ldquoHe suddenly was kicking against us The social worker said he
was a troubled child he just said he had issues We know about
confidentiality but we were part of the care package but they (16
+ team) would not involve us There was no communication
between the 16+ team and us It was like he is an adult and thatrsquos
thatrdquo
The foster carers suggested the young person was being coached to
leave There was a sudden decision made and the young person went
lsquooff the railsrsquo It seemed a place was offered to enable them to move
out and that was when reality hit
ldquohelliphe drank a bottle of vodka and was talking about suicide He
suffers from low self- esteem There was no help for that I think
this was brought on by them (16+ team) telling him there was a
space somewhere He kept saying lsquoIrsquom so sorryrsquo It was reality
he had been going through the motions before thisrdquo
This illustrates a terrible indictment of a rushed transition Added to
the trauma which led the young person to being in care this does not
present a positive outcome
The findings for this report support the previous literature Steinrsquos
(2012) extensive research in this area continually reveals hasty
transitions from care to independence
Legislation relating to young people leaving care states
20
lsquoIt is the duty of the local authority looking after a child to advise assist
and befriend him with a view to promoting his welfare when they have
ceased to look after himrsquo (19A Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000)
Indicating a rushed transition should not be promoted rather that it
should be a much slower process with time being given to prepare fully
for independence
In contrast one participant going through the leaving care system in
2004 and within a different LA (Telford and Wrekin) had a much more
positive experience
ldquoI left care at 18 I was in a childrenrsquos homehellipfoster care didnrsquot
suit me I was always running away I had brilliant support all
the way until I was 25 I went to supported living and I had help
to learn to cook and manage money and bills Then I had help to
find a flat and become independent I even still see some of the
people who supported me when I go back to Telfordrdquo (Care
leaver B aged 30)
This indicates a far more gradual transition to independence
Unfortunately the majority of the data within this study points more
often to the former rushed transition
ldquoI turned 18 and it was like hellipyoursquore an adult now I was in a
hostel then a homeless place that was scary there were all sorts
there I liked the place in Bala it was good there But when I
turned 18 I couldnrsquot stay It was like one minute I had everything
done for me then nothingrdquo (Care leaver C currently aged 19
LA Conwy)
This young person moved into private care and currently resides in a
mixed home for people with mental health problems He has Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (Appendix 2)
The research suggests past history is not always taken into account
when assessing the suitability of independent living for these young
people
ldquoHis issues should have been recognised then he would not have
been offered to leave at 16 The social worker had not made the
effort to look at his historyrdquo (Foster carer)
21
Taking the young peoplersquos history and circumstances into account
could offer a more positive outcome than simply their age
ldquoThey had eight files on me from when I was little My foster
carer nagged them until she was able to have them to read
Then she knew what had happenedrdquo (Care leaver D currently
aged 19 LA Caerphilly)
It is recognised in policy that the system still does not seem to perform
as it should The Care Leaversrsquo Strategy (2013) identifies the abrupt
transition experienced by these young people in its opening paragraphs
However the report fails to include lsquotransitionrsquo as a fundamental area
of concern Instead usual sections such as education employment
housing and so on are highlighted as lsquobroad areas of concernrsquo It would
seem the young peoplersquos emotional well- being which is clearly
affected by the hasty exit from care does not hold the same
governmental importance
Additionally it may be prudent to add at this point that Edward
Timpson Minister of State for Children and Families was contacted
for the purpose of this research Mr Timpson was involved in the
development of the Care Leaversrsquo Strategy and in addition to this grew
up with looked after children as his parents were foster carers There
was no response to the research (Appendix 3)
A fundamental issue surrounding rushed transitions is the view these
young people are now adults although they are still virtually as
vulnerable as children The serious case review into the murder of
Jayden Parkinson highlights this Jayden was 17 and considered an
adult by services and practitioners The review stated
lsquoToo often [Parkinson] was viewed as a difficult young person and not
recognised as a child in need of safeguarding Professionals and
agencies did not always fully understand the serious nature of the risks
to [her] or were too quick to be reassured that she would be able to
protect herself from those risksrsquo (Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children
Board 2016 62)
22
It would seem important for policy to start considering the young
personrsquos position in life rather than their age as an indicator of their
readiness for independence
b) Housing and Accommodation
The participants were asked about their experiences with housing when
leaving care Questions about choice suitability and geographic area
where considered Consistent with past research and previous literature
(Barnardorsquos [2] 2014) issues where found in all these areas
Once again the Care Leaversrsquo Strategy recognises these issues found
in research past and present surrounding housing
lsquoCare leavers are a vulnerable group of young adults who have
particular needs in relation to housing and homelessness Around a
quarter of those living on the streets have a background in care The
majority of care leavers leave care by the age of 18 and rising demands
on social housing and other accommodation is making it increasingly
difficult for young people to find suitable accommodation as they enter
adulthoodrsquo (2013 14)
These findings suggest a significant risk of homelessness for these
participants In actual fact without the charity Gisda (Appendix 4) the
options for young people in Gwynedd would be seriously limited
It has already been noted that nationally care leavers are overly
represented within the homeless and inadequately housed with 30 of
homeless people formerly being in care (Who Cares Trust 2014)
When considering choice Bed and Breakfast (BampB) accommodation
was not always used but choice did appear limited Geographical
consideration and suitable match for the young person does not always
seem possible
23
ldquoWell there was a bit of choice but it was mainly Caernarfon I
had shared housing with Gisda not BampB and then I got my flat
with Gisdardquo (Care leaver A)
Once again this is echoed by foster carers
ldquoHe moved into shared housing for two weekshelliphe was
terrified he slit his mattress to hide his laptop in it There wasnrsquot
much choice had he had the choice to stay in Penygroes he
would have He has been trying to get back here ever since He
is afraid in Caernarfon He has two brothers living there which
he has had problems with and his brotherrsquos friend He is quite a
fearful child and finds living in Caernarfon stressful When he
gets home to his flat from here he doesnrsquot go outrdquo
This does not seem to be reserved to just this LA either
ldquoI was in a hostel but I kicked off so was in a BampB for a couple
of days They said I was smoking in the room so I got kicked out
of therehellipdidnrsquot even get all my stuff Then my social worker
said I could stay with my mum for the weekend cause my sister
wasnrsquot there But then she came backhellipshe winds me uphellipI
kicked off but hit the window hellipI wanted to hit her So my mum
called the police helliprdquo (Care leaver D)
There appears to be insecurity surrounding housing Care leaver D
went on to lsquosofa surfrsquo and then went back to his motherrsquos even though
that episode left him with a criminal damage conviction [brought on by
his mother] His support seemed to end there
Care leaver A was asked if the flat with Gisda was permanent
ldquoNo itrsquos two years temporary I have three months leftrdquo
When asked what happens then
ldquoI think Irsquom on the top the list with housing so Irsquove gotta hope
something comes up or I will probably end up in BampB The thing
is once you have had the flat and you get to 18 you sort of go in
circles so you can be put in BampB Itrsquos a worry being three months
awayhelliphellipI keep phoning themrdquo
This was reiterated by the foster carers
ldquoI canrsquot see Gisda putting him out on the street but they have to
give him notice of eviction in order for the council to do
something about it Sometimes he stays with his cousin or his
24
dad if there is any room But he will probably have to lsquosofa
surfrsquohellip thatrsquos what his brother had to do That will put him on
the list he has to be homeless to get helprdquo
The question of supported living was raised for this particular
participant the foster carer replied
ldquoThere doesnrsquot seem to be any here But for him it wouldnrsquot
work he would worry about the other people there He is afraid
of people that do drugs there is a family history with drugsrdquo
However a neighbouring LA had positive experiences with supported
living Their providers of supported living and BampB accommodation
had been the same for over ten years which would indicate some
consistency The manager for the leaving care team for this LA
commented that the staff at the BampBrsquos offered a sympathetic approach
with more of a lsquofamily feelrsquo to the service Furthermore this LA had
long term relationships with landlords who specifically offered
tenancies to care leavers This demonstrates the importance of
consistency Although BampB may not seem ideal if there are good long
term relationships with service providers this can offer a positive short
term solution
Likewise care leaver B had the right experience with their
accommodation
ldquoI went from the childrenrsquos home to supported lodgings and after
that had my own flat The supported lodgings really helped me
learn how to look after myself I did go off the rails a bit when I
was about 23 but because of my support I sorted myself outrdquo
Though care leaver C will be moving once again in the near future It
seems his ADHD leaves the LA at a loss as to where this young person
should live The condition necessitates extra support to enable him to
manage independence
ldquoI like where I am But the funding for here runs out soon They
(social services) have said there is a new place in Abergele I
think itrsquos a shared house If I turn that down though I will make
myself intentionally homeless so there is no choicerdquo
25
This young personrsquos worries where resonated by his mother too He
entered care under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989 (Appendix 5)
as his mother was unable to manage his behaviour Her understanding
was that he would be care for until he reached 21 It may be argued he
is being cared for and is continuing to be Yet as stated earlier a mental
health facility may not be seen as ideal equally shared housing may
not offer the level of support required for an eventual and positive
departure from care
Regrettably national statistics have shown a rise of 108 per cent in the
number of young people in unsuitable accommodation from 1660 in
2014 to 1840 in 2015 This is reiterated by Carrie Wilson young
peoplersquos project co-ordinator at The Care Leaversrsquo Association
ldquoOn a basic level [BampBs] are seen as a ldquosaferdquo place but those young
people do not feel safe regardless of the interventions put into place to
support a young person if they do not feel like they have personal
safety at the end of the day their coping mechanisms start to break
downrdquo (Puffett and Orfford 2016)
The experiences of these participants suggests a chaotic existence in
line with the research undertaken by Barnardorsquos (2) (2014)
This does not present an improvement of services Government
statistics from 2011 suggested only 17 local authorities were housing
100 per cent of care leavers in suitable accommodation (Higgs 2011)
These are dismal statistics as research conducted by Stein (201280)
found from 2004 to 2009 the numbers of care leavers in suitable
accommodation had risen from 77 to 90 The statistics from 2011
could correlate with the age of austerity and social service budget cuts
(Stein 2012 24)
In Gwynedd since 2013 there has been the lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
available and similar to Englandrsquos lsquoStaying Putrsquo scheme (Appendix 6
amp 7) These schemes are now available throughout Wales and offer the
26
young person an opportunity to stay within their foster care placement
until the age of 21 or beyond if they are engaged in education or
training which started before their twenty first birthday This extended
stay may last until completion of the education or training on the
condition it is set out in the young personrsquos pathway plan The
opportunity offers a more gradual transition similar to young people in
the general population (Gwynedd Council 2014)
However there was no evidence of this scheme to have been offered to
care leaver A Care leavers C and D appear to have merely been
managed until the LA no longer had the duty of care
c) Pathway Plans Personal Advisors and Social
Workers
ldquoI donrsquot remember how many social workers I had hellipmaybe 14
or 15 by the time I left care They kept changingrdquo (Care leaver
D)
The participants were asked about their experiences with personal
advisors social workers the creation and implementation of their
pathway plans (Appendix 8) and whether they felt they were listened
to
It would seem having several social workers is commonplace
ldquoThe 16+ team didnrsquot seem to support him They changed social
worker but he didnrsquot seem to know what was going on Then they
changed again to one from the 16+ team Thatrsquos when his
behaviour changed One of his previous social workers was
fantastic and he worshipped herhellip If only they had kept that
social worker it would have made such a differencerdquo (Foster
carer)
For care leaver A this seems to have happened with the personal
advisor too When asked about their personal advisor
27
ldquoThere was a foster meeting the lady what was her namehellip Jan
she was really good She was with social services and Gisda
But then when they thought I was ok they transferred me to
someone elserdquo
Though for some there was more consistency Care leaver C suggested
a good relationship with their personal advisor They indicated regular
visits phone calls and planning meetings In turn this young person felt
they were being listened to when the pathway plan was produced
The manager for this LAs leaving care team confirms his perspective
on personal advisors
ldquoWe have a team of four personal advisors They have about 40
cases each but they do a great job All of their cases have a
mobile phone number for them and they are all very dedicated
and approachable [from the young personrsquos point of view] They
offer a vital link from care to independencerdquo
However once again this service appears inconsistent depending on
the LA
Added to this frequent changes of case worker suggest a difficulty in
completion and implementation of pathway plans and causes the
young person to feel they are not being listened to
ldquoI was kind of listened to but then my social worker changed so
I had to start againhellipthere was no relationship there cause they
kept changing We would do one pathway plan then the social
worker changed and we would have to do another onerdquo (Care
leaver A)
When the foster carers were asked about the pathway plan and whether
they thought their young person was listened to
ldquoHe didnrsquot have a proper pathway plan for leaving it was rushed
There was no proper structure He was listened to but without
question or consideration of the consequences They ticked their
boxes and he was off their handsrdquo
These experiences were evident in the earlier research by Munro et al
(2011) whereby young people felt their voices were not heard and the
meetings surrounding their exit from care caused anxiety and stress
28
The foster carers then suggested their current placement who had just
turned 16 may suffer the same
ldquoShe is just about to change to the 16+ team they canrsquot wait to
get her on thathellipit will be her third social worker in two years
She is adamant she doesnrsquot want to leave at 16 but if they dangle
the carrot of her own flat in front of her it might be differentrdquo
Furthermore for the foster carers support appears to be inconsistent
One set had just been assigned a new social worker the third in two
years
ldquoWe have a new social worker and she just ticks the boxes She
seems terrified to use her initiative One social worker I was
dealing with said there were five people who were either off or
had left and not been replaced in his office alonerdquo
It is well documented that retention of staff within social work is
increasingly difficult Added to which there a national shortage of
approximately 3500 social workers both hindering continuity for the
people they provide services to (Community Care 2014) This and
aforementioned cuts to funding within leaving care services may
explain how the inconsistency and a lack of relationship with social
workers described within this data can infringe on the process of
leaving care
With this in mind it is imperative to consider the legal implications at
this point It would appear within the legal framework there are lsquogrey
areasrsquo which can allow the experiences of care leaverrsquos A C and D to
occur The Children (Leaving Care) Act (2000) states that an
assessment of needs must be carried out by the LA for the said child
(a)while they are still looking after him and
(b)after they cease to look after him (19B 4)
The proviso for this is the child has been looked after for a period of
time and that they are aged 16 or 17 (19B 2 a amp b)
However the Care Act (2014) has a section dedicated to the needs of a
child in the transition to adulthood including the requirement for a
29
needs assessment but in relation to the childrsquos needs after the age of
18 Furthermore section 58 (4) insists the assessment should be carried
out whether the child consents or not if there is a risk of or experiencing
abuse or neglect Bearing in mind the vulnerability of these young
people the causes for them to have been placed in care in the first place
it would be fair to consider this group eligible for this assessment and
extended care Added to which one would expect a more thorough and
consistent assessment to be carried out Clearly with several changes to
case workers [as experienced by care leavers A and D] this legal
standard is not being met
Perhaps government and policy makers should consider case worker
retention and better working environments as fundamental aspects of
policy in turn offering better outcomes for the young people
(Appendix 9)
d) Financial aspects
ldquoThey told him to choose what he needed for the flat but only
some of it turned up There is something I heard of might be
from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation where some money is put
into an ISA which can be accessed once they are 18 This is
because they have been in care But I feel the danger of that is it
could all be blown on something else or used as a carrot to
encourage leaving care As far as I have seen they just go and
spend it all then itrsquos gone ndash they would be better giving them a
furnished flatrdquo (Foster carer)
The Care Leavers Strategy states it encourages LArsquos to offer at least
pound2000 as a lsquoSetting Up Home Allowancersquo (leaving care grant)
although as this is not a legal requirement the amount varies from LA
to LA Care leaver A received in the region of pound400 (Gwynedd LA)
However the manager for Conwy laving care team indicated the
amount their care leavers receive is dependent on what they need This
is also stated on the LArsquos web site (Appendix 8) It may be suggested
that young people within less affluent LArsquos will fare worse financially
30
The Strategy maintains care leavers are entitled to a pound1200 bursary if
they are attending further education and a pound2000 bursary for higher
education This is financed by the Department for Education (2013
10) Extra funding of this kind would appear significant for these young
people however if the earlier literature is considered the statistics for
this grouprsquos educational achievements did not present well (See
chapter one) As this funding is reliant on the young person being in
education there will be a significant proportion unable to access this
extra help
Conwy LA did suggest promising outcomes for employment for their
care leavers with many undertaking apprenticeships within the
councilrsquos departments
ldquoWe have a number of our young people working and training in
the council (Conwy) with a selection of apprenticeships
specifically for them Some do go on to stay with us being
offered permanent contractsrdquo (Leaving care team manager)
Unfortunately a comparison cannot be made with other LArsquos or
voluntary organisations in this area as there was no response to the
research
Care leaver A did have temporary employment with a local leisure
centre although when a permanent contract was offered it was of a zero
hourrsquos nature
ldquoI wasnrsquot worth me taking ithellipI would lose my benefit and have
no guarantee of workrdquo
Care leaver C started a college course and managed a couple of shifts
in a restaurant kitchen however his chaotic accommodation provision
and a lack of support for his ADHD hampered his continuation
Care leaver D is NEET (Appendix 11) and has been since his exit from
care It would seem this has not been assisted by his family [to which
he returned] who have also never been in employment and his
reluctance to receive any more services It may be suggested his high
31
level of case worker turnover contributed to his reluctance Equally his
chaotic existence before entering care disrupted his education added
the rushed transition from care has not facilitated good employment
prospects
e) Evaluation and Reflection
When evaluating this research one must acknowledge the limitations
when assessing the size of the sample
Despite persistence there was a reluctance by professionals particularly
to participate Out of four LAs contacted only one responded and
agreed to be interviewed One LA received the research pack three
times follow up calls were made several times to no avail The same
may be said for the voluntary sector in spite of positive telephone
conversations and receipt of the research pack Barnardorsquos and Gisda
did not consent to be interviewed Therefore the findings were
somewhat one sided and the professional perspective limited
However even with the limited sample the original hypothesis of the
leaving care system failing the young people has a degree of truth
Equally the findings are reflective of earlier research identified in
chapter 2
There is certainly scope for further and more considerable research
within this field Although for future studies it may be beneficial to use
focus group methodology to encourage professional participation This
would possibly generate an improved response rate in comparison to
the online questionnaire used for the initial stages of this project The
face to face follow up interviews proved difficult to organise although
it was difficult to decipher whether this was due to a reluctance to
engage in the research or a lack of available time
32
Chapter 5
Conclusion
In conclusion the data collected for this study shows a system that sadly
does fail its young people Certainly in Gwynedd the leaving care
process is seemingly rushed and centred around a personrsquos age rather
than their readiness for independence Of course it may be argued there
has to be a lsquocut off pointrsquo and young people have to become
independent at some time for legal purposes that lsquopointrsquo is dictated by
their age It would seem this is the case regardless of the harm it may
cause Furthermore it could be argued this hasty process is a breach of
the young personrsquos human rights however despite searching no cases
were found
In 2006 research conducted by Mendes and Moselhuddin concluded
the leaving care process should be a gradual process based on levels of
maturity and ability to manage independence rather than simply age
The same recommendation is echoed in the majority of research both
past and present It would seem that ten years on we are no closer to an
ideal solution
For care leaver A C and D the outcome was poor Certainly they did
not feel supported through the transition although care leaver C had
significantly better support from their personal advisor post 18
However despite this support care leaver C was still living in less than
ideal circumstances and about to be moved once again
In line with the literature this study although with the limited sample
found immense inconsistencies within the system and in every area
from support to financial assistance
Evidently for some the system works against an already disadvantaged
group abandoning when needed the most so to speak
33
It would seem the introduction of legislation and the Transitions
Guidance to strengthen practice and policy has failed to make a
significant improvement especially surrounding the lsquolevelling uprsquo of
services Attributed by the cost cutting imposed on LArsquos by central
government this is hardly surprising
There are some encouraging outcomes such as care leaver B receiving
immense support from their LA beyond policy and legal requirement
This is in line with some of Steinrsquos (2012 81) research and positive
outcomes are underpinned by the level of good consistent and accurate
support received by the individual Yet as this study has found this is
not consistent or universal
It is clear inconsistencies lack of support young and rushed transitions
all contribute to poorer outcomes for this group of young people A
group which are already disadvantaged and at a much higher risk of
social exclusion
As a society we should consider these young people as just that ndash young
people Often with the same dreams and aspirations as any other young
person On the contrary perhaps we should consider these young
people further as many will have already been let down by society
Either way they are entitled to as much support guidance and
opportunity as any other Regrettably this does not seem to be the case
as despite advances in research policy and legislation the same
inconsistencies and failures appear to occur time and time again
The study has shown the importance of understanding the young
peoplersquos history Of understanding former problems or areas of
concern This aids the transition to independence as it identifies where
the support is needed and individualizes the young person There
cannot be a lsquoone size fits allrsquo approach to the leaving care system as
one can see these young people are individual It has identified how
fundamental it is to include a young personrsquos foster carers when
considering independence to recognise the relationship they may have
34
with the young person and the key role they play after leaving care (as
with care lever A)
With this in mind one must acknowledge the leaving care system has
indeed improved over the last 30 years however it needs to continue to
progress if there is any hope of achieving a consistent service with more
even and positive outcomes for these young people
35
Bibliography
Action for Children (2014) [Online]
Available at httpwwwactionforchildrenorgukour-
servicesadoption-fostering-and-children-in-carechildren-in-
careleaving-care
Barnardorsquos (2014)[1] [Online] Someone to Care Experiences of
leaving care Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorguksomeone_to_care_final_feb2014pdf
(Accessed 07 October 2015)
Barnardorsquos (2014)[2] [Online] The costs of not caring supporting
English care leavers into independence Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf (Accessed 07
October 2015)
Biehal N Clayden J Stein M and Wade J (1995) Moving On
Young people and leaving care schemes London HMSO
Broad B (2005) Improving the Health and Well-Being of Young
People Leaving Care Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing
Burgess C (1981) In Care and Into Work London Tavistock
Care Leaverrsquos Foundation (with Children and Young People Now)
(2009) [Online] Setting Up A place to call home Bala Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation Available at
httpwwwthecareleaversfoundationorgsitedatafilesSetting_Up_A
_Place_to_Callpdf (Accessed 06 April 2015)
Care Leavers Strategy (2013) [Online] Available at
httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachment_
datafile266484Care_Leaver_Strategypdf (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Care Act (2014) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga201423part1crossheadingtra
nsition-for-children-to-adult-care-and-support-etcenacted (Accessed
01 March 2016)
Children and Families Act 2014 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga20146section98enacted
(Accessed 02 October 2015)
36
Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200035pdfsukpga_20000035_
enpdf (Accessed 19 March 2015)
Children and Young Persons Act (2008) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200823contents (Accessed 02
October 2015)
Community Care (2014) [Online] Councils struggling to retain social
workers in face of high caseloads and competition over pay
Available at httpwwwcommunitycarecouk20140130councils-
struggling-retain-social-workers-face-high-caseloads-competition-
pay (Accessed 22 February 2016)
Courtney M Terrao S and Bost N (2004) Midwest evaluation of
the adult functioning of former foster youth Conditions of youth
preparing to leave state care Outcomes at age 19 Chicago Chapin
Hall Centre for Children at University of Chicago
Daly F (2012) lsquoMy voice has to be heardrsquo Research on outcomes
for young people leaving care in North Dublin Dublin EPIC
Dixon J and Baker C (2012) lsquoThe Housing Experience of Young
People Leaving Care in England What helpsrsquo Developing Practice
The Child Youth and Family Work Journal Issue 32 National Care
Advisory Service (NCAS)
wwweducationgovuk [Online]
Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20130123124929httpw
wweducationgovukresearchandstatisticsstatisticsa00195573
Family Rights Group (2014) [Online] Support for Young People
Leaving the Care System Available at
httpwwwfrgorgukimagesAdvice_Sheets16-support-for-young-
people-leaving-carepdf (Accessed 29 September 2015)
The Fostering Network (2014) [Online] Staying Put Available at
httpswwwfosteringnetall-about-fosteringprovidersstaying-put-
updateVg5D-PRdX1Y (Accessed 02 October 2015)
Godek S (1976) Leaving Care Barkingside Barnardorsquos
Gwynedd Council (2014) [Online] lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
Available at
httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrutin
y20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20When
37
20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf (Accessed
22 February 2016)
Harris R J (1982) Institutionalized Ambivalence Social Work and
the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 British Journal of Social
Work Vol12 pp 247-263
Higgs L (2011) [Online] Housing crisis around the corner for care
leavers experts warn Children and Young People Now Available
at httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1050066housing-crisis-
corner-care-leavers-experts-warn (Accessed 17 February 2016)
Hiles D Moss D Thorne L Wright J and Dallos R (2014) ldquoSo
what am Irdquo ndash Multiple perspectives on young peoplersquos experience of
leaving care Children and Youth Services Review Vol 41 pp 1-15
House of Commons (1968) Report of the Committee on Local
Authority and Allied Personal Social Services London HMSO
Hutchinson D (2013) [Online] Catch 22 National Care Advisory
Service (NCAS) Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads9b7793d8be6ffc05a501df3df
4a1ef5fpdf
Jackson S and Cameron C (2012) lsquoLeaving Care Looking ahead
and aiming higherrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 34 (6)
pp 1107-1114
Mendes P and Moslehuddin B (2006) lsquoFrom Dependence to
Interdependence Towards Better Outcomes for Young People
Leaving State Carersquo Child Abuse Review Vol15 pp 110-166
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2006) Young peoplersquos views on leaving
care Newcastle Commission for Social Care Inspection
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2012) Young peoplersquos views on care
and aftercare Office of the Childrenrsquos Rights Director London
Ofsted
Mulvey T (1977) lsquoAfter-care ndash who caresrsquo Concern No 26
London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Munro E Lushey C and Ward H (2011) Evaluation of the
Right2BCared4 Pilots Final report (NCAS) London Department
for Education
38
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2011) Making the Cut
Planning Transitions for Care Levers in an Age of Austerity London
NCAS
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2012) [Online] Statistical
Briefing Looked after children and care leavers 2012 Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads0e9a6e4f266b8e96ad7c8e25
7bd53982pdf (Accessed 30 March 2015)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2013)
[Online] The NICE quality standard on the health and wellbeing of
looked after children and young people Available at
httpwwwniceorgukguidanceQS31chapterQuality-statement-8-
Support-to-move-to-independence (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Office for National Statistics (2014) [Online] Large increase in 20 to
34-year-olds living with parents since 1996 Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20160105160709httpw
wwonsgovukonsrelfamily-demographyyoung-adults-living-with-
parents2013sty-young-adultshtml (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board (2016) [Online] Child J ndash
Domestic Homicide Review and Serious Case Review (combined)
Available at httpwwwoscborgukwp-contentuploadsChild-J-
OSCB-Overview-Reportpdf (Accessed 25 February 2016)
Page R and Clark G (eds) (1977) Who Cares Young People in
Care Speak Out London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Puffett N and Orfford A (2016) [Online] Increasing numbers of
care leavers in unsuitable accommodation Children and Young
People Now Available at
httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1155917increasing-numbers-of-
care-leavers-in-unsuitable-accommodation (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Samuels G M and Pryce J M (2008) ldquoWhat doesnrsquot kill you
makes you strongerrdquo Survivalist self-reliance as resilience and risk
among young adults aging out of foster care Children and Youth
Services Review Vol 30 (10) pp 1198-1210
Stein M (2002) Young People Leaving Care A Research
Perspective In A Wheal ed The RHP Companion to Leaving Care
Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing pp 28-33
39
Stein M (2004) What works for young people leaving care
Barkingside Barnardos
Stein M (2006) lsquoYoung people aging out of care The poverty of
theoryrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 28 (4) pp 422-434
Stein M (2012) Young People Leaving Care Supporting Pathways
to Adulthood London Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Stein M and Carey K (1986) Leaving Care Oxford Blackwell
Stein M and Ellis S (1983) Gizza Say Reviews and Young People
in Care London NAYPIC
Stein M and Maynard C (1985) Irsquove Never Been So Lonely
London NAYPIC
Stone M (1990) Young People Leaving Care A study of
management systems service delivery and user evaluation UK The
Royal Philanthropic Society
The Who Carersquos Trust (2014) [Online] Leaving Care Available at
httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpagesleaving-care-what-
happens-post-16html
Wade J (2011) lsquoPreparation and transition planning for
unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee young people A review
of evidence in Englandrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol
33 pp 2424-2430
Wade J and Dixon J (2006) lsquoMaking a home finding a job
investing early housing and employment outcomes for young people
leaving carersquo Child and Family Social Work Vol 11 (3) pp 199-208
Wade J Mitchel F and Baylis G (2005) Unaccompanied asylum
seeking children The response of social services London BAAF
40
Appendix
1) httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf page 25
Karenrsquos story
2) httpwwwnhsukConditionsAttention-deficit-hyperactivity-
disorderPagesIntroductionaspx
3) Email received in response to a request for Mr Timpson (Minister
of State for Children and Families) to answer three questions
regarding care leavers
Dear MsthinspThompsonthinsp
I am writing on behalf of the Minister of State for Children and
Families to thank you for your email of 9 February about your
dissertation
I am sorry but the department receives so many requests like yours
that we are unable to respond to them other than to point you to
sources of information I would therefore suggest that you look at the
departmentrsquos website
at httpswwwgovuksearchq=care+leavers+strategy
I hope you find this link helpful and that you are able to find the
information you need
Your correspondence has been allocated reference number 2016-
0008179 If you need to respond to us please
visit httpswwweducationgovukcontactus and quote your
reference number
As part of our commitment to improving the service we provide to
our customers we are interested in hearing your views and would
welcome your comments via our website
at httpswwweducationgovukpcusurvey
Yours sincerely
Kelly Walkerthinsp
Ministerial and Public Communications Division
Web
[httpswwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovuk]https
wwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovukgt
Twitter httpswwwtwittercomeducationgovuk
Facebook httpswwwfacebookcomeducationgovuk
41
[httpswwweducationgovukimages2irisdfepng]
4) httpwwwgisdaorgengamdanom-nihtml
5) httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga198941section20
6)httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrut
iny20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20Whe
n20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf
7)httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachme
nt_datafile201015Staying_Put_Guidancepdf
8) httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpageswhats-a-pathway-
planhtml
9) httpjobscommunitycarecoukarticlecoventry-tops-london-in-
the-best-place-to-live-league-tablescmpid=EMP|JOBS|SCJOB-
2016-0224-CH|READMORE-COVampcmpid
10) httpwwwconwygovukdocaspcat=4800ampdoc=19742
11)httpresearchbriefingsparliamentukResearchBriefingSummary
SN06705
42
i) Interview Guide
Generic areas of question
Age upon leaving care
Staying put scheme
Financial help
Choice of housing
Suitability of accommodation
Geographical position of accommodation
Further education
Access to support eg Personal Advisor social worker
Input with Pathway plan
Being listened to
Transition
Keeping in touch
Difference with peers
43
20
lsquoIt is the duty of the local authority looking after a child to advise assist
and befriend him with a view to promoting his welfare when they have
ceased to look after himrsquo (19A Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000)
Indicating a rushed transition should not be promoted rather that it
should be a much slower process with time being given to prepare fully
for independence
In contrast one participant going through the leaving care system in
2004 and within a different LA (Telford and Wrekin) had a much more
positive experience
ldquoI left care at 18 I was in a childrenrsquos homehellipfoster care didnrsquot
suit me I was always running away I had brilliant support all
the way until I was 25 I went to supported living and I had help
to learn to cook and manage money and bills Then I had help to
find a flat and become independent I even still see some of the
people who supported me when I go back to Telfordrdquo (Care
leaver B aged 30)
This indicates a far more gradual transition to independence
Unfortunately the majority of the data within this study points more
often to the former rushed transition
ldquoI turned 18 and it was like hellipyoursquore an adult now I was in a
hostel then a homeless place that was scary there were all sorts
there I liked the place in Bala it was good there But when I
turned 18 I couldnrsquot stay It was like one minute I had everything
done for me then nothingrdquo (Care leaver C currently aged 19
LA Conwy)
This young person moved into private care and currently resides in a
mixed home for people with mental health problems He has Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (Appendix 2)
The research suggests past history is not always taken into account
when assessing the suitability of independent living for these young
people
ldquoHis issues should have been recognised then he would not have
been offered to leave at 16 The social worker had not made the
effort to look at his historyrdquo (Foster carer)
21
Taking the young peoplersquos history and circumstances into account
could offer a more positive outcome than simply their age
ldquoThey had eight files on me from when I was little My foster
carer nagged them until she was able to have them to read
Then she knew what had happenedrdquo (Care leaver D currently
aged 19 LA Caerphilly)
It is recognised in policy that the system still does not seem to perform
as it should The Care Leaversrsquo Strategy (2013) identifies the abrupt
transition experienced by these young people in its opening paragraphs
However the report fails to include lsquotransitionrsquo as a fundamental area
of concern Instead usual sections such as education employment
housing and so on are highlighted as lsquobroad areas of concernrsquo It would
seem the young peoplersquos emotional well- being which is clearly
affected by the hasty exit from care does not hold the same
governmental importance
Additionally it may be prudent to add at this point that Edward
Timpson Minister of State for Children and Families was contacted
for the purpose of this research Mr Timpson was involved in the
development of the Care Leaversrsquo Strategy and in addition to this grew
up with looked after children as his parents were foster carers There
was no response to the research (Appendix 3)
A fundamental issue surrounding rushed transitions is the view these
young people are now adults although they are still virtually as
vulnerable as children The serious case review into the murder of
Jayden Parkinson highlights this Jayden was 17 and considered an
adult by services and practitioners The review stated
lsquoToo often [Parkinson] was viewed as a difficult young person and not
recognised as a child in need of safeguarding Professionals and
agencies did not always fully understand the serious nature of the risks
to [her] or were too quick to be reassured that she would be able to
protect herself from those risksrsquo (Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children
Board 2016 62)
22
It would seem important for policy to start considering the young
personrsquos position in life rather than their age as an indicator of their
readiness for independence
b) Housing and Accommodation
The participants were asked about their experiences with housing when
leaving care Questions about choice suitability and geographic area
where considered Consistent with past research and previous literature
(Barnardorsquos [2] 2014) issues where found in all these areas
Once again the Care Leaversrsquo Strategy recognises these issues found
in research past and present surrounding housing
lsquoCare leavers are a vulnerable group of young adults who have
particular needs in relation to housing and homelessness Around a
quarter of those living on the streets have a background in care The
majority of care leavers leave care by the age of 18 and rising demands
on social housing and other accommodation is making it increasingly
difficult for young people to find suitable accommodation as they enter
adulthoodrsquo (2013 14)
These findings suggest a significant risk of homelessness for these
participants In actual fact without the charity Gisda (Appendix 4) the
options for young people in Gwynedd would be seriously limited
It has already been noted that nationally care leavers are overly
represented within the homeless and inadequately housed with 30 of
homeless people formerly being in care (Who Cares Trust 2014)
When considering choice Bed and Breakfast (BampB) accommodation
was not always used but choice did appear limited Geographical
consideration and suitable match for the young person does not always
seem possible
23
ldquoWell there was a bit of choice but it was mainly Caernarfon I
had shared housing with Gisda not BampB and then I got my flat
with Gisdardquo (Care leaver A)
Once again this is echoed by foster carers
ldquoHe moved into shared housing for two weekshelliphe was
terrified he slit his mattress to hide his laptop in it There wasnrsquot
much choice had he had the choice to stay in Penygroes he
would have He has been trying to get back here ever since He
is afraid in Caernarfon He has two brothers living there which
he has had problems with and his brotherrsquos friend He is quite a
fearful child and finds living in Caernarfon stressful When he
gets home to his flat from here he doesnrsquot go outrdquo
This does not seem to be reserved to just this LA either
ldquoI was in a hostel but I kicked off so was in a BampB for a couple
of days They said I was smoking in the room so I got kicked out
of therehellipdidnrsquot even get all my stuff Then my social worker
said I could stay with my mum for the weekend cause my sister
wasnrsquot there But then she came backhellipshe winds me uphellipI
kicked off but hit the window hellipI wanted to hit her So my mum
called the police helliprdquo (Care leaver D)
There appears to be insecurity surrounding housing Care leaver D
went on to lsquosofa surfrsquo and then went back to his motherrsquos even though
that episode left him with a criminal damage conviction [brought on by
his mother] His support seemed to end there
Care leaver A was asked if the flat with Gisda was permanent
ldquoNo itrsquos two years temporary I have three months leftrdquo
When asked what happens then
ldquoI think Irsquom on the top the list with housing so Irsquove gotta hope
something comes up or I will probably end up in BampB The thing
is once you have had the flat and you get to 18 you sort of go in
circles so you can be put in BampB Itrsquos a worry being three months
awayhelliphellipI keep phoning themrdquo
This was reiterated by the foster carers
ldquoI canrsquot see Gisda putting him out on the street but they have to
give him notice of eviction in order for the council to do
something about it Sometimes he stays with his cousin or his
24
dad if there is any room But he will probably have to lsquosofa
surfrsquohellip thatrsquos what his brother had to do That will put him on
the list he has to be homeless to get helprdquo
The question of supported living was raised for this particular
participant the foster carer replied
ldquoThere doesnrsquot seem to be any here But for him it wouldnrsquot
work he would worry about the other people there He is afraid
of people that do drugs there is a family history with drugsrdquo
However a neighbouring LA had positive experiences with supported
living Their providers of supported living and BampB accommodation
had been the same for over ten years which would indicate some
consistency The manager for the leaving care team for this LA
commented that the staff at the BampBrsquos offered a sympathetic approach
with more of a lsquofamily feelrsquo to the service Furthermore this LA had
long term relationships with landlords who specifically offered
tenancies to care leavers This demonstrates the importance of
consistency Although BampB may not seem ideal if there are good long
term relationships with service providers this can offer a positive short
term solution
Likewise care leaver B had the right experience with their
accommodation
ldquoI went from the childrenrsquos home to supported lodgings and after
that had my own flat The supported lodgings really helped me
learn how to look after myself I did go off the rails a bit when I
was about 23 but because of my support I sorted myself outrdquo
Though care leaver C will be moving once again in the near future It
seems his ADHD leaves the LA at a loss as to where this young person
should live The condition necessitates extra support to enable him to
manage independence
ldquoI like where I am But the funding for here runs out soon They
(social services) have said there is a new place in Abergele I
think itrsquos a shared house If I turn that down though I will make
myself intentionally homeless so there is no choicerdquo
25
This young personrsquos worries where resonated by his mother too He
entered care under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989 (Appendix 5)
as his mother was unable to manage his behaviour Her understanding
was that he would be care for until he reached 21 It may be argued he
is being cared for and is continuing to be Yet as stated earlier a mental
health facility may not be seen as ideal equally shared housing may
not offer the level of support required for an eventual and positive
departure from care
Regrettably national statistics have shown a rise of 108 per cent in the
number of young people in unsuitable accommodation from 1660 in
2014 to 1840 in 2015 This is reiterated by Carrie Wilson young
peoplersquos project co-ordinator at The Care Leaversrsquo Association
ldquoOn a basic level [BampBs] are seen as a ldquosaferdquo place but those young
people do not feel safe regardless of the interventions put into place to
support a young person if they do not feel like they have personal
safety at the end of the day their coping mechanisms start to break
downrdquo (Puffett and Orfford 2016)
The experiences of these participants suggests a chaotic existence in
line with the research undertaken by Barnardorsquos (2) (2014)
This does not present an improvement of services Government
statistics from 2011 suggested only 17 local authorities were housing
100 per cent of care leavers in suitable accommodation (Higgs 2011)
These are dismal statistics as research conducted by Stein (201280)
found from 2004 to 2009 the numbers of care leavers in suitable
accommodation had risen from 77 to 90 The statistics from 2011
could correlate with the age of austerity and social service budget cuts
(Stein 2012 24)
In Gwynedd since 2013 there has been the lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
available and similar to Englandrsquos lsquoStaying Putrsquo scheme (Appendix 6
amp 7) These schemes are now available throughout Wales and offer the
26
young person an opportunity to stay within their foster care placement
until the age of 21 or beyond if they are engaged in education or
training which started before their twenty first birthday This extended
stay may last until completion of the education or training on the
condition it is set out in the young personrsquos pathway plan The
opportunity offers a more gradual transition similar to young people in
the general population (Gwynedd Council 2014)
However there was no evidence of this scheme to have been offered to
care leaver A Care leavers C and D appear to have merely been
managed until the LA no longer had the duty of care
c) Pathway Plans Personal Advisors and Social
Workers
ldquoI donrsquot remember how many social workers I had hellipmaybe 14
or 15 by the time I left care They kept changingrdquo (Care leaver
D)
The participants were asked about their experiences with personal
advisors social workers the creation and implementation of their
pathway plans (Appendix 8) and whether they felt they were listened
to
It would seem having several social workers is commonplace
ldquoThe 16+ team didnrsquot seem to support him They changed social
worker but he didnrsquot seem to know what was going on Then they
changed again to one from the 16+ team Thatrsquos when his
behaviour changed One of his previous social workers was
fantastic and he worshipped herhellip If only they had kept that
social worker it would have made such a differencerdquo (Foster
carer)
For care leaver A this seems to have happened with the personal
advisor too When asked about their personal advisor
27
ldquoThere was a foster meeting the lady what was her namehellip Jan
she was really good She was with social services and Gisda
But then when they thought I was ok they transferred me to
someone elserdquo
Though for some there was more consistency Care leaver C suggested
a good relationship with their personal advisor They indicated regular
visits phone calls and planning meetings In turn this young person felt
they were being listened to when the pathway plan was produced
The manager for this LAs leaving care team confirms his perspective
on personal advisors
ldquoWe have a team of four personal advisors They have about 40
cases each but they do a great job All of their cases have a
mobile phone number for them and they are all very dedicated
and approachable [from the young personrsquos point of view] They
offer a vital link from care to independencerdquo
However once again this service appears inconsistent depending on
the LA
Added to this frequent changes of case worker suggest a difficulty in
completion and implementation of pathway plans and causes the
young person to feel they are not being listened to
ldquoI was kind of listened to but then my social worker changed so
I had to start againhellipthere was no relationship there cause they
kept changing We would do one pathway plan then the social
worker changed and we would have to do another onerdquo (Care
leaver A)
When the foster carers were asked about the pathway plan and whether
they thought their young person was listened to
ldquoHe didnrsquot have a proper pathway plan for leaving it was rushed
There was no proper structure He was listened to but without
question or consideration of the consequences They ticked their
boxes and he was off their handsrdquo
These experiences were evident in the earlier research by Munro et al
(2011) whereby young people felt their voices were not heard and the
meetings surrounding their exit from care caused anxiety and stress
28
The foster carers then suggested their current placement who had just
turned 16 may suffer the same
ldquoShe is just about to change to the 16+ team they canrsquot wait to
get her on thathellipit will be her third social worker in two years
She is adamant she doesnrsquot want to leave at 16 but if they dangle
the carrot of her own flat in front of her it might be differentrdquo
Furthermore for the foster carers support appears to be inconsistent
One set had just been assigned a new social worker the third in two
years
ldquoWe have a new social worker and she just ticks the boxes She
seems terrified to use her initiative One social worker I was
dealing with said there were five people who were either off or
had left and not been replaced in his office alonerdquo
It is well documented that retention of staff within social work is
increasingly difficult Added to which there a national shortage of
approximately 3500 social workers both hindering continuity for the
people they provide services to (Community Care 2014) This and
aforementioned cuts to funding within leaving care services may
explain how the inconsistency and a lack of relationship with social
workers described within this data can infringe on the process of
leaving care
With this in mind it is imperative to consider the legal implications at
this point It would appear within the legal framework there are lsquogrey
areasrsquo which can allow the experiences of care leaverrsquos A C and D to
occur The Children (Leaving Care) Act (2000) states that an
assessment of needs must be carried out by the LA for the said child
(a)while they are still looking after him and
(b)after they cease to look after him (19B 4)
The proviso for this is the child has been looked after for a period of
time and that they are aged 16 or 17 (19B 2 a amp b)
However the Care Act (2014) has a section dedicated to the needs of a
child in the transition to adulthood including the requirement for a
29
needs assessment but in relation to the childrsquos needs after the age of
18 Furthermore section 58 (4) insists the assessment should be carried
out whether the child consents or not if there is a risk of or experiencing
abuse or neglect Bearing in mind the vulnerability of these young
people the causes for them to have been placed in care in the first place
it would be fair to consider this group eligible for this assessment and
extended care Added to which one would expect a more thorough and
consistent assessment to be carried out Clearly with several changes to
case workers [as experienced by care leavers A and D] this legal
standard is not being met
Perhaps government and policy makers should consider case worker
retention and better working environments as fundamental aspects of
policy in turn offering better outcomes for the young people
(Appendix 9)
d) Financial aspects
ldquoThey told him to choose what he needed for the flat but only
some of it turned up There is something I heard of might be
from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation where some money is put
into an ISA which can be accessed once they are 18 This is
because they have been in care But I feel the danger of that is it
could all be blown on something else or used as a carrot to
encourage leaving care As far as I have seen they just go and
spend it all then itrsquos gone ndash they would be better giving them a
furnished flatrdquo (Foster carer)
The Care Leavers Strategy states it encourages LArsquos to offer at least
pound2000 as a lsquoSetting Up Home Allowancersquo (leaving care grant)
although as this is not a legal requirement the amount varies from LA
to LA Care leaver A received in the region of pound400 (Gwynedd LA)
However the manager for Conwy laving care team indicated the
amount their care leavers receive is dependent on what they need This
is also stated on the LArsquos web site (Appendix 8) It may be suggested
that young people within less affluent LArsquos will fare worse financially
30
The Strategy maintains care leavers are entitled to a pound1200 bursary if
they are attending further education and a pound2000 bursary for higher
education This is financed by the Department for Education (2013
10) Extra funding of this kind would appear significant for these young
people however if the earlier literature is considered the statistics for
this grouprsquos educational achievements did not present well (See
chapter one) As this funding is reliant on the young person being in
education there will be a significant proportion unable to access this
extra help
Conwy LA did suggest promising outcomes for employment for their
care leavers with many undertaking apprenticeships within the
councilrsquos departments
ldquoWe have a number of our young people working and training in
the council (Conwy) with a selection of apprenticeships
specifically for them Some do go on to stay with us being
offered permanent contractsrdquo (Leaving care team manager)
Unfortunately a comparison cannot be made with other LArsquos or
voluntary organisations in this area as there was no response to the
research
Care leaver A did have temporary employment with a local leisure
centre although when a permanent contract was offered it was of a zero
hourrsquos nature
ldquoI wasnrsquot worth me taking ithellipI would lose my benefit and have
no guarantee of workrdquo
Care leaver C started a college course and managed a couple of shifts
in a restaurant kitchen however his chaotic accommodation provision
and a lack of support for his ADHD hampered his continuation
Care leaver D is NEET (Appendix 11) and has been since his exit from
care It would seem this has not been assisted by his family [to which
he returned] who have also never been in employment and his
reluctance to receive any more services It may be suggested his high
31
level of case worker turnover contributed to his reluctance Equally his
chaotic existence before entering care disrupted his education added
the rushed transition from care has not facilitated good employment
prospects
e) Evaluation and Reflection
When evaluating this research one must acknowledge the limitations
when assessing the size of the sample
Despite persistence there was a reluctance by professionals particularly
to participate Out of four LAs contacted only one responded and
agreed to be interviewed One LA received the research pack three
times follow up calls were made several times to no avail The same
may be said for the voluntary sector in spite of positive telephone
conversations and receipt of the research pack Barnardorsquos and Gisda
did not consent to be interviewed Therefore the findings were
somewhat one sided and the professional perspective limited
However even with the limited sample the original hypothesis of the
leaving care system failing the young people has a degree of truth
Equally the findings are reflective of earlier research identified in
chapter 2
There is certainly scope for further and more considerable research
within this field Although for future studies it may be beneficial to use
focus group methodology to encourage professional participation This
would possibly generate an improved response rate in comparison to
the online questionnaire used for the initial stages of this project The
face to face follow up interviews proved difficult to organise although
it was difficult to decipher whether this was due to a reluctance to
engage in the research or a lack of available time
32
Chapter 5
Conclusion
In conclusion the data collected for this study shows a system that sadly
does fail its young people Certainly in Gwynedd the leaving care
process is seemingly rushed and centred around a personrsquos age rather
than their readiness for independence Of course it may be argued there
has to be a lsquocut off pointrsquo and young people have to become
independent at some time for legal purposes that lsquopointrsquo is dictated by
their age It would seem this is the case regardless of the harm it may
cause Furthermore it could be argued this hasty process is a breach of
the young personrsquos human rights however despite searching no cases
were found
In 2006 research conducted by Mendes and Moselhuddin concluded
the leaving care process should be a gradual process based on levels of
maturity and ability to manage independence rather than simply age
The same recommendation is echoed in the majority of research both
past and present It would seem that ten years on we are no closer to an
ideal solution
For care leaver A C and D the outcome was poor Certainly they did
not feel supported through the transition although care leaver C had
significantly better support from their personal advisor post 18
However despite this support care leaver C was still living in less than
ideal circumstances and about to be moved once again
In line with the literature this study although with the limited sample
found immense inconsistencies within the system and in every area
from support to financial assistance
Evidently for some the system works against an already disadvantaged
group abandoning when needed the most so to speak
33
It would seem the introduction of legislation and the Transitions
Guidance to strengthen practice and policy has failed to make a
significant improvement especially surrounding the lsquolevelling uprsquo of
services Attributed by the cost cutting imposed on LArsquos by central
government this is hardly surprising
There are some encouraging outcomes such as care leaver B receiving
immense support from their LA beyond policy and legal requirement
This is in line with some of Steinrsquos (2012 81) research and positive
outcomes are underpinned by the level of good consistent and accurate
support received by the individual Yet as this study has found this is
not consistent or universal
It is clear inconsistencies lack of support young and rushed transitions
all contribute to poorer outcomes for this group of young people A
group which are already disadvantaged and at a much higher risk of
social exclusion
As a society we should consider these young people as just that ndash young
people Often with the same dreams and aspirations as any other young
person On the contrary perhaps we should consider these young
people further as many will have already been let down by society
Either way they are entitled to as much support guidance and
opportunity as any other Regrettably this does not seem to be the case
as despite advances in research policy and legislation the same
inconsistencies and failures appear to occur time and time again
The study has shown the importance of understanding the young
peoplersquos history Of understanding former problems or areas of
concern This aids the transition to independence as it identifies where
the support is needed and individualizes the young person There
cannot be a lsquoone size fits allrsquo approach to the leaving care system as
one can see these young people are individual It has identified how
fundamental it is to include a young personrsquos foster carers when
considering independence to recognise the relationship they may have
34
with the young person and the key role they play after leaving care (as
with care lever A)
With this in mind one must acknowledge the leaving care system has
indeed improved over the last 30 years however it needs to continue to
progress if there is any hope of achieving a consistent service with more
even and positive outcomes for these young people
35
Bibliography
Action for Children (2014) [Online]
Available at httpwwwactionforchildrenorgukour-
servicesadoption-fostering-and-children-in-carechildren-in-
careleaving-care
Barnardorsquos (2014)[1] [Online] Someone to Care Experiences of
leaving care Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorguksomeone_to_care_final_feb2014pdf
(Accessed 07 October 2015)
Barnardorsquos (2014)[2] [Online] The costs of not caring supporting
English care leavers into independence Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf (Accessed 07
October 2015)
Biehal N Clayden J Stein M and Wade J (1995) Moving On
Young people and leaving care schemes London HMSO
Broad B (2005) Improving the Health and Well-Being of Young
People Leaving Care Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing
Burgess C (1981) In Care and Into Work London Tavistock
Care Leaverrsquos Foundation (with Children and Young People Now)
(2009) [Online] Setting Up A place to call home Bala Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation Available at
httpwwwthecareleaversfoundationorgsitedatafilesSetting_Up_A
_Place_to_Callpdf (Accessed 06 April 2015)
Care Leavers Strategy (2013) [Online] Available at
httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachment_
datafile266484Care_Leaver_Strategypdf (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Care Act (2014) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga201423part1crossheadingtra
nsition-for-children-to-adult-care-and-support-etcenacted (Accessed
01 March 2016)
Children and Families Act 2014 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga20146section98enacted
(Accessed 02 October 2015)
36
Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200035pdfsukpga_20000035_
enpdf (Accessed 19 March 2015)
Children and Young Persons Act (2008) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200823contents (Accessed 02
October 2015)
Community Care (2014) [Online] Councils struggling to retain social
workers in face of high caseloads and competition over pay
Available at httpwwwcommunitycarecouk20140130councils-
struggling-retain-social-workers-face-high-caseloads-competition-
pay (Accessed 22 February 2016)
Courtney M Terrao S and Bost N (2004) Midwest evaluation of
the adult functioning of former foster youth Conditions of youth
preparing to leave state care Outcomes at age 19 Chicago Chapin
Hall Centre for Children at University of Chicago
Daly F (2012) lsquoMy voice has to be heardrsquo Research on outcomes
for young people leaving care in North Dublin Dublin EPIC
Dixon J and Baker C (2012) lsquoThe Housing Experience of Young
People Leaving Care in England What helpsrsquo Developing Practice
The Child Youth and Family Work Journal Issue 32 National Care
Advisory Service (NCAS)
wwweducationgovuk [Online]
Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20130123124929httpw
wweducationgovukresearchandstatisticsstatisticsa00195573
Family Rights Group (2014) [Online] Support for Young People
Leaving the Care System Available at
httpwwwfrgorgukimagesAdvice_Sheets16-support-for-young-
people-leaving-carepdf (Accessed 29 September 2015)
The Fostering Network (2014) [Online] Staying Put Available at
httpswwwfosteringnetall-about-fosteringprovidersstaying-put-
updateVg5D-PRdX1Y (Accessed 02 October 2015)
Godek S (1976) Leaving Care Barkingside Barnardorsquos
Gwynedd Council (2014) [Online] lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
Available at
httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrutin
y20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20When
37
20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf (Accessed
22 February 2016)
Harris R J (1982) Institutionalized Ambivalence Social Work and
the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 British Journal of Social
Work Vol12 pp 247-263
Higgs L (2011) [Online] Housing crisis around the corner for care
leavers experts warn Children and Young People Now Available
at httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1050066housing-crisis-
corner-care-leavers-experts-warn (Accessed 17 February 2016)
Hiles D Moss D Thorne L Wright J and Dallos R (2014) ldquoSo
what am Irdquo ndash Multiple perspectives on young peoplersquos experience of
leaving care Children and Youth Services Review Vol 41 pp 1-15
House of Commons (1968) Report of the Committee on Local
Authority and Allied Personal Social Services London HMSO
Hutchinson D (2013) [Online] Catch 22 National Care Advisory
Service (NCAS) Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads9b7793d8be6ffc05a501df3df
4a1ef5fpdf
Jackson S and Cameron C (2012) lsquoLeaving Care Looking ahead
and aiming higherrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 34 (6)
pp 1107-1114
Mendes P and Moslehuddin B (2006) lsquoFrom Dependence to
Interdependence Towards Better Outcomes for Young People
Leaving State Carersquo Child Abuse Review Vol15 pp 110-166
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2006) Young peoplersquos views on leaving
care Newcastle Commission for Social Care Inspection
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2012) Young peoplersquos views on care
and aftercare Office of the Childrenrsquos Rights Director London
Ofsted
Mulvey T (1977) lsquoAfter-care ndash who caresrsquo Concern No 26
London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Munro E Lushey C and Ward H (2011) Evaluation of the
Right2BCared4 Pilots Final report (NCAS) London Department
for Education
38
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2011) Making the Cut
Planning Transitions for Care Levers in an Age of Austerity London
NCAS
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2012) [Online] Statistical
Briefing Looked after children and care leavers 2012 Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads0e9a6e4f266b8e96ad7c8e25
7bd53982pdf (Accessed 30 March 2015)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2013)
[Online] The NICE quality standard on the health and wellbeing of
looked after children and young people Available at
httpwwwniceorgukguidanceQS31chapterQuality-statement-8-
Support-to-move-to-independence (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Office for National Statistics (2014) [Online] Large increase in 20 to
34-year-olds living with parents since 1996 Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20160105160709httpw
wwonsgovukonsrelfamily-demographyyoung-adults-living-with-
parents2013sty-young-adultshtml (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board (2016) [Online] Child J ndash
Domestic Homicide Review and Serious Case Review (combined)
Available at httpwwwoscborgukwp-contentuploadsChild-J-
OSCB-Overview-Reportpdf (Accessed 25 February 2016)
Page R and Clark G (eds) (1977) Who Cares Young People in
Care Speak Out London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Puffett N and Orfford A (2016) [Online] Increasing numbers of
care leavers in unsuitable accommodation Children and Young
People Now Available at
httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1155917increasing-numbers-of-
care-leavers-in-unsuitable-accommodation (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Samuels G M and Pryce J M (2008) ldquoWhat doesnrsquot kill you
makes you strongerrdquo Survivalist self-reliance as resilience and risk
among young adults aging out of foster care Children and Youth
Services Review Vol 30 (10) pp 1198-1210
Stein M (2002) Young People Leaving Care A Research
Perspective In A Wheal ed The RHP Companion to Leaving Care
Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing pp 28-33
39
Stein M (2004) What works for young people leaving care
Barkingside Barnardos
Stein M (2006) lsquoYoung people aging out of care The poverty of
theoryrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 28 (4) pp 422-434
Stein M (2012) Young People Leaving Care Supporting Pathways
to Adulthood London Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Stein M and Carey K (1986) Leaving Care Oxford Blackwell
Stein M and Ellis S (1983) Gizza Say Reviews and Young People
in Care London NAYPIC
Stein M and Maynard C (1985) Irsquove Never Been So Lonely
London NAYPIC
Stone M (1990) Young People Leaving Care A study of
management systems service delivery and user evaluation UK The
Royal Philanthropic Society
The Who Carersquos Trust (2014) [Online] Leaving Care Available at
httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpagesleaving-care-what-
happens-post-16html
Wade J (2011) lsquoPreparation and transition planning for
unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee young people A review
of evidence in Englandrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol
33 pp 2424-2430
Wade J and Dixon J (2006) lsquoMaking a home finding a job
investing early housing and employment outcomes for young people
leaving carersquo Child and Family Social Work Vol 11 (3) pp 199-208
Wade J Mitchel F and Baylis G (2005) Unaccompanied asylum
seeking children The response of social services London BAAF
40
Appendix
1) httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf page 25
Karenrsquos story
2) httpwwwnhsukConditionsAttention-deficit-hyperactivity-
disorderPagesIntroductionaspx
3) Email received in response to a request for Mr Timpson (Minister
of State for Children and Families) to answer three questions
regarding care leavers
Dear MsthinspThompsonthinsp
I am writing on behalf of the Minister of State for Children and
Families to thank you for your email of 9 February about your
dissertation
I am sorry but the department receives so many requests like yours
that we are unable to respond to them other than to point you to
sources of information I would therefore suggest that you look at the
departmentrsquos website
at httpswwwgovuksearchq=care+leavers+strategy
I hope you find this link helpful and that you are able to find the
information you need
Your correspondence has been allocated reference number 2016-
0008179 If you need to respond to us please
visit httpswwweducationgovukcontactus and quote your
reference number
As part of our commitment to improving the service we provide to
our customers we are interested in hearing your views and would
welcome your comments via our website
at httpswwweducationgovukpcusurvey
Yours sincerely
Kelly Walkerthinsp
Ministerial and Public Communications Division
Web
[httpswwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovuk]https
wwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovukgt
Twitter httpswwwtwittercomeducationgovuk
Facebook httpswwwfacebookcomeducationgovuk
41
[httpswwweducationgovukimages2irisdfepng]
4) httpwwwgisdaorgengamdanom-nihtml
5) httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga198941section20
6)httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrut
iny20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20Whe
n20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf
7)httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachme
nt_datafile201015Staying_Put_Guidancepdf
8) httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpageswhats-a-pathway-
planhtml
9) httpjobscommunitycarecoukarticlecoventry-tops-london-in-
the-best-place-to-live-league-tablescmpid=EMP|JOBS|SCJOB-
2016-0224-CH|READMORE-COVampcmpid
10) httpwwwconwygovukdocaspcat=4800ampdoc=19742
11)httpresearchbriefingsparliamentukResearchBriefingSummary
SN06705
42
i) Interview Guide
Generic areas of question
Age upon leaving care
Staying put scheme
Financial help
Choice of housing
Suitability of accommodation
Geographical position of accommodation
Further education
Access to support eg Personal Advisor social worker
Input with Pathway plan
Being listened to
Transition
Keeping in touch
Difference with peers
43
21
Taking the young peoplersquos history and circumstances into account
could offer a more positive outcome than simply their age
ldquoThey had eight files on me from when I was little My foster
carer nagged them until she was able to have them to read
Then she knew what had happenedrdquo (Care leaver D currently
aged 19 LA Caerphilly)
It is recognised in policy that the system still does not seem to perform
as it should The Care Leaversrsquo Strategy (2013) identifies the abrupt
transition experienced by these young people in its opening paragraphs
However the report fails to include lsquotransitionrsquo as a fundamental area
of concern Instead usual sections such as education employment
housing and so on are highlighted as lsquobroad areas of concernrsquo It would
seem the young peoplersquos emotional well- being which is clearly
affected by the hasty exit from care does not hold the same
governmental importance
Additionally it may be prudent to add at this point that Edward
Timpson Minister of State for Children and Families was contacted
for the purpose of this research Mr Timpson was involved in the
development of the Care Leaversrsquo Strategy and in addition to this grew
up with looked after children as his parents were foster carers There
was no response to the research (Appendix 3)
A fundamental issue surrounding rushed transitions is the view these
young people are now adults although they are still virtually as
vulnerable as children The serious case review into the murder of
Jayden Parkinson highlights this Jayden was 17 and considered an
adult by services and practitioners The review stated
lsquoToo often [Parkinson] was viewed as a difficult young person and not
recognised as a child in need of safeguarding Professionals and
agencies did not always fully understand the serious nature of the risks
to [her] or were too quick to be reassured that she would be able to
protect herself from those risksrsquo (Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children
Board 2016 62)
22
It would seem important for policy to start considering the young
personrsquos position in life rather than their age as an indicator of their
readiness for independence
b) Housing and Accommodation
The participants were asked about their experiences with housing when
leaving care Questions about choice suitability and geographic area
where considered Consistent with past research and previous literature
(Barnardorsquos [2] 2014) issues where found in all these areas
Once again the Care Leaversrsquo Strategy recognises these issues found
in research past and present surrounding housing
lsquoCare leavers are a vulnerable group of young adults who have
particular needs in relation to housing and homelessness Around a
quarter of those living on the streets have a background in care The
majority of care leavers leave care by the age of 18 and rising demands
on social housing and other accommodation is making it increasingly
difficult for young people to find suitable accommodation as they enter
adulthoodrsquo (2013 14)
These findings suggest a significant risk of homelessness for these
participants In actual fact without the charity Gisda (Appendix 4) the
options for young people in Gwynedd would be seriously limited
It has already been noted that nationally care leavers are overly
represented within the homeless and inadequately housed with 30 of
homeless people formerly being in care (Who Cares Trust 2014)
When considering choice Bed and Breakfast (BampB) accommodation
was not always used but choice did appear limited Geographical
consideration and suitable match for the young person does not always
seem possible
23
ldquoWell there was a bit of choice but it was mainly Caernarfon I
had shared housing with Gisda not BampB and then I got my flat
with Gisdardquo (Care leaver A)
Once again this is echoed by foster carers
ldquoHe moved into shared housing for two weekshelliphe was
terrified he slit his mattress to hide his laptop in it There wasnrsquot
much choice had he had the choice to stay in Penygroes he
would have He has been trying to get back here ever since He
is afraid in Caernarfon He has two brothers living there which
he has had problems with and his brotherrsquos friend He is quite a
fearful child and finds living in Caernarfon stressful When he
gets home to his flat from here he doesnrsquot go outrdquo
This does not seem to be reserved to just this LA either
ldquoI was in a hostel but I kicked off so was in a BampB for a couple
of days They said I was smoking in the room so I got kicked out
of therehellipdidnrsquot even get all my stuff Then my social worker
said I could stay with my mum for the weekend cause my sister
wasnrsquot there But then she came backhellipshe winds me uphellipI
kicked off but hit the window hellipI wanted to hit her So my mum
called the police helliprdquo (Care leaver D)
There appears to be insecurity surrounding housing Care leaver D
went on to lsquosofa surfrsquo and then went back to his motherrsquos even though
that episode left him with a criminal damage conviction [brought on by
his mother] His support seemed to end there
Care leaver A was asked if the flat with Gisda was permanent
ldquoNo itrsquos two years temporary I have three months leftrdquo
When asked what happens then
ldquoI think Irsquom on the top the list with housing so Irsquove gotta hope
something comes up or I will probably end up in BampB The thing
is once you have had the flat and you get to 18 you sort of go in
circles so you can be put in BampB Itrsquos a worry being three months
awayhelliphellipI keep phoning themrdquo
This was reiterated by the foster carers
ldquoI canrsquot see Gisda putting him out on the street but they have to
give him notice of eviction in order for the council to do
something about it Sometimes he stays with his cousin or his
24
dad if there is any room But he will probably have to lsquosofa
surfrsquohellip thatrsquos what his brother had to do That will put him on
the list he has to be homeless to get helprdquo
The question of supported living was raised for this particular
participant the foster carer replied
ldquoThere doesnrsquot seem to be any here But for him it wouldnrsquot
work he would worry about the other people there He is afraid
of people that do drugs there is a family history with drugsrdquo
However a neighbouring LA had positive experiences with supported
living Their providers of supported living and BampB accommodation
had been the same for over ten years which would indicate some
consistency The manager for the leaving care team for this LA
commented that the staff at the BampBrsquos offered a sympathetic approach
with more of a lsquofamily feelrsquo to the service Furthermore this LA had
long term relationships with landlords who specifically offered
tenancies to care leavers This demonstrates the importance of
consistency Although BampB may not seem ideal if there are good long
term relationships with service providers this can offer a positive short
term solution
Likewise care leaver B had the right experience with their
accommodation
ldquoI went from the childrenrsquos home to supported lodgings and after
that had my own flat The supported lodgings really helped me
learn how to look after myself I did go off the rails a bit when I
was about 23 but because of my support I sorted myself outrdquo
Though care leaver C will be moving once again in the near future It
seems his ADHD leaves the LA at a loss as to where this young person
should live The condition necessitates extra support to enable him to
manage independence
ldquoI like where I am But the funding for here runs out soon They
(social services) have said there is a new place in Abergele I
think itrsquos a shared house If I turn that down though I will make
myself intentionally homeless so there is no choicerdquo
25
This young personrsquos worries where resonated by his mother too He
entered care under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989 (Appendix 5)
as his mother was unable to manage his behaviour Her understanding
was that he would be care for until he reached 21 It may be argued he
is being cared for and is continuing to be Yet as stated earlier a mental
health facility may not be seen as ideal equally shared housing may
not offer the level of support required for an eventual and positive
departure from care
Regrettably national statistics have shown a rise of 108 per cent in the
number of young people in unsuitable accommodation from 1660 in
2014 to 1840 in 2015 This is reiterated by Carrie Wilson young
peoplersquos project co-ordinator at The Care Leaversrsquo Association
ldquoOn a basic level [BampBs] are seen as a ldquosaferdquo place but those young
people do not feel safe regardless of the interventions put into place to
support a young person if they do not feel like they have personal
safety at the end of the day their coping mechanisms start to break
downrdquo (Puffett and Orfford 2016)
The experiences of these participants suggests a chaotic existence in
line with the research undertaken by Barnardorsquos (2) (2014)
This does not present an improvement of services Government
statistics from 2011 suggested only 17 local authorities were housing
100 per cent of care leavers in suitable accommodation (Higgs 2011)
These are dismal statistics as research conducted by Stein (201280)
found from 2004 to 2009 the numbers of care leavers in suitable
accommodation had risen from 77 to 90 The statistics from 2011
could correlate with the age of austerity and social service budget cuts
(Stein 2012 24)
In Gwynedd since 2013 there has been the lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
available and similar to Englandrsquos lsquoStaying Putrsquo scheme (Appendix 6
amp 7) These schemes are now available throughout Wales and offer the
26
young person an opportunity to stay within their foster care placement
until the age of 21 or beyond if they are engaged in education or
training which started before their twenty first birthday This extended
stay may last until completion of the education or training on the
condition it is set out in the young personrsquos pathway plan The
opportunity offers a more gradual transition similar to young people in
the general population (Gwynedd Council 2014)
However there was no evidence of this scheme to have been offered to
care leaver A Care leavers C and D appear to have merely been
managed until the LA no longer had the duty of care
c) Pathway Plans Personal Advisors and Social
Workers
ldquoI donrsquot remember how many social workers I had hellipmaybe 14
or 15 by the time I left care They kept changingrdquo (Care leaver
D)
The participants were asked about their experiences with personal
advisors social workers the creation and implementation of their
pathway plans (Appendix 8) and whether they felt they were listened
to
It would seem having several social workers is commonplace
ldquoThe 16+ team didnrsquot seem to support him They changed social
worker but he didnrsquot seem to know what was going on Then they
changed again to one from the 16+ team Thatrsquos when his
behaviour changed One of his previous social workers was
fantastic and he worshipped herhellip If only they had kept that
social worker it would have made such a differencerdquo (Foster
carer)
For care leaver A this seems to have happened with the personal
advisor too When asked about their personal advisor
27
ldquoThere was a foster meeting the lady what was her namehellip Jan
she was really good She was with social services and Gisda
But then when they thought I was ok they transferred me to
someone elserdquo
Though for some there was more consistency Care leaver C suggested
a good relationship with their personal advisor They indicated regular
visits phone calls and planning meetings In turn this young person felt
they were being listened to when the pathway plan was produced
The manager for this LAs leaving care team confirms his perspective
on personal advisors
ldquoWe have a team of four personal advisors They have about 40
cases each but they do a great job All of their cases have a
mobile phone number for them and they are all very dedicated
and approachable [from the young personrsquos point of view] They
offer a vital link from care to independencerdquo
However once again this service appears inconsistent depending on
the LA
Added to this frequent changes of case worker suggest a difficulty in
completion and implementation of pathway plans and causes the
young person to feel they are not being listened to
ldquoI was kind of listened to but then my social worker changed so
I had to start againhellipthere was no relationship there cause they
kept changing We would do one pathway plan then the social
worker changed and we would have to do another onerdquo (Care
leaver A)
When the foster carers were asked about the pathway plan and whether
they thought their young person was listened to
ldquoHe didnrsquot have a proper pathway plan for leaving it was rushed
There was no proper structure He was listened to but without
question or consideration of the consequences They ticked their
boxes and he was off their handsrdquo
These experiences were evident in the earlier research by Munro et al
(2011) whereby young people felt their voices were not heard and the
meetings surrounding their exit from care caused anxiety and stress
28
The foster carers then suggested their current placement who had just
turned 16 may suffer the same
ldquoShe is just about to change to the 16+ team they canrsquot wait to
get her on thathellipit will be her third social worker in two years
She is adamant she doesnrsquot want to leave at 16 but if they dangle
the carrot of her own flat in front of her it might be differentrdquo
Furthermore for the foster carers support appears to be inconsistent
One set had just been assigned a new social worker the third in two
years
ldquoWe have a new social worker and she just ticks the boxes She
seems terrified to use her initiative One social worker I was
dealing with said there were five people who were either off or
had left and not been replaced in his office alonerdquo
It is well documented that retention of staff within social work is
increasingly difficult Added to which there a national shortage of
approximately 3500 social workers both hindering continuity for the
people they provide services to (Community Care 2014) This and
aforementioned cuts to funding within leaving care services may
explain how the inconsistency and a lack of relationship with social
workers described within this data can infringe on the process of
leaving care
With this in mind it is imperative to consider the legal implications at
this point It would appear within the legal framework there are lsquogrey
areasrsquo which can allow the experiences of care leaverrsquos A C and D to
occur The Children (Leaving Care) Act (2000) states that an
assessment of needs must be carried out by the LA for the said child
(a)while they are still looking after him and
(b)after they cease to look after him (19B 4)
The proviso for this is the child has been looked after for a period of
time and that they are aged 16 or 17 (19B 2 a amp b)
However the Care Act (2014) has a section dedicated to the needs of a
child in the transition to adulthood including the requirement for a
29
needs assessment but in relation to the childrsquos needs after the age of
18 Furthermore section 58 (4) insists the assessment should be carried
out whether the child consents or not if there is a risk of or experiencing
abuse or neglect Bearing in mind the vulnerability of these young
people the causes for them to have been placed in care in the first place
it would be fair to consider this group eligible for this assessment and
extended care Added to which one would expect a more thorough and
consistent assessment to be carried out Clearly with several changes to
case workers [as experienced by care leavers A and D] this legal
standard is not being met
Perhaps government and policy makers should consider case worker
retention and better working environments as fundamental aspects of
policy in turn offering better outcomes for the young people
(Appendix 9)
d) Financial aspects
ldquoThey told him to choose what he needed for the flat but only
some of it turned up There is something I heard of might be
from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation where some money is put
into an ISA which can be accessed once they are 18 This is
because they have been in care But I feel the danger of that is it
could all be blown on something else or used as a carrot to
encourage leaving care As far as I have seen they just go and
spend it all then itrsquos gone ndash they would be better giving them a
furnished flatrdquo (Foster carer)
The Care Leavers Strategy states it encourages LArsquos to offer at least
pound2000 as a lsquoSetting Up Home Allowancersquo (leaving care grant)
although as this is not a legal requirement the amount varies from LA
to LA Care leaver A received in the region of pound400 (Gwynedd LA)
However the manager for Conwy laving care team indicated the
amount their care leavers receive is dependent on what they need This
is also stated on the LArsquos web site (Appendix 8) It may be suggested
that young people within less affluent LArsquos will fare worse financially
30
The Strategy maintains care leavers are entitled to a pound1200 bursary if
they are attending further education and a pound2000 bursary for higher
education This is financed by the Department for Education (2013
10) Extra funding of this kind would appear significant for these young
people however if the earlier literature is considered the statistics for
this grouprsquos educational achievements did not present well (See
chapter one) As this funding is reliant on the young person being in
education there will be a significant proportion unable to access this
extra help
Conwy LA did suggest promising outcomes for employment for their
care leavers with many undertaking apprenticeships within the
councilrsquos departments
ldquoWe have a number of our young people working and training in
the council (Conwy) with a selection of apprenticeships
specifically for them Some do go on to stay with us being
offered permanent contractsrdquo (Leaving care team manager)
Unfortunately a comparison cannot be made with other LArsquos or
voluntary organisations in this area as there was no response to the
research
Care leaver A did have temporary employment with a local leisure
centre although when a permanent contract was offered it was of a zero
hourrsquos nature
ldquoI wasnrsquot worth me taking ithellipI would lose my benefit and have
no guarantee of workrdquo
Care leaver C started a college course and managed a couple of shifts
in a restaurant kitchen however his chaotic accommodation provision
and a lack of support for his ADHD hampered his continuation
Care leaver D is NEET (Appendix 11) and has been since his exit from
care It would seem this has not been assisted by his family [to which
he returned] who have also never been in employment and his
reluctance to receive any more services It may be suggested his high
31
level of case worker turnover contributed to his reluctance Equally his
chaotic existence before entering care disrupted his education added
the rushed transition from care has not facilitated good employment
prospects
e) Evaluation and Reflection
When evaluating this research one must acknowledge the limitations
when assessing the size of the sample
Despite persistence there was a reluctance by professionals particularly
to participate Out of four LAs contacted only one responded and
agreed to be interviewed One LA received the research pack three
times follow up calls were made several times to no avail The same
may be said for the voluntary sector in spite of positive telephone
conversations and receipt of the research pack Barnardorsquos and Gisda
did not consent to be interviewed Therefore the findings were
somewhat one sided and the professional perspective limited
However even with the limited sample the original hypothesis of the
leaving care system failing the young people has a degree of truth
Equally the findings are reflective of earlier research identified in
chapter 2
There is certainly scope for further and more considerable research
within this field Although for future studies it may be beneficial to use
focus group methodology to encourage professional participation This
would possibly generate an improved response rate in comparison to
the online questionnaire used for the initial stages of this project The
face to face follow up interviews proved difficult to organise although
it was difficult to decipher whether this was due to a reluctance to
engage in the research or a lack of available time
32
Chapter 5
Conclusion
In conclusion the data collected for this study shows a system that sadly
does fail its young people Certainly in Gwynedd the leaving care
process is seemingly rushed and centred around a personrsquos age rather
than their readiness for independence Of course it may be argued there
has to be a lsquocut off pointrsquo and young people have to become
independent at some time for legal purposes that lsquopointrsquo is dictated by
their age It would seem this is the case regardless of the harm it may
cause Furthermore it could be argued this hasty process is a breach of
the young personrsquos human rights however despite searching no cases
were found
In 2006 research conducted by Mendes and Moselhuddin concluded
the leaving care process should be a gradual process based on levels of
maturity and ability to manage independence rather than simply age
The same recommendation is echoed in the majority of research both
past and present It would seem that ten years on we are no closer to an
ideal solution
For care leaver A C and D the outcome was poor Certainly they did
not feel supported through the transition although care leaver C had
significantly better support from their personal advisor post 18
However despite this support care leaver C was still living in less than
ideal circumstances and about to be moved once again
In line with the literature this study although with the limited sample
found immense inconsistencies within the system and in every area
from support to financial assistance
Evidently for some the system works against an already disadvantaged
group abandoning when needed the most so to speak
33
It would seem the introduction of legislation and the Transitions
Guidance to strengthen practice and policy has failed to make a
significant improvement especially surrounding the lsquolevelling uprsquo of
services Attributed by the cost cutting imposed on LArsquos by central
government this is hardly surprising
There are some encouraging outcomes such as care leaver B receiving
immense support from their LA beyond policy and legal requirement
This is in line with some of Steinrsquos (2012 81) research and positive
outcomes are underpinned by the level of good consistent and accurate
support received by the individual Yet as this study has found this is
not consistent or universal
It is clear inconsistencies lack of support young and rushed transitions
all contribute to poorer outcomes for this group of young people A
group which are already disadvantaged and at a much higher risk of
social exclusion
As a society we should consider these young people as just that ndash young
people Often with the same dreams and aspirations as any other young
person On the contrary perhaps we should consider these young
people further as many will have already been let down by society
Either way they are entitled to as much support guidance and
opportunity as any other Regrettably this does not seem to be the case
as despite advances in research policy and legislation the same
inconsistencies and failures appear to occur time and time again
The study has shown the importance of understanding the young
peoplersquos history Of understanding former problems or areas of
concern This aids the transition to independence as it identifies where
the support is needed and individualizes the young person There
cannot be a lsquoone size fits allrsquo approach to the leaving care system as
one can see these young people are individual It has identified how
fundamental it is to include a young personrsquos foster carers when
considering independence to recognise the relationship they may have
34
with the young person and the key role they play after leaving care (as
with care lever A)
With this in mind one must acknowledge the leaving care system has
indeed improved over the last 30 years however it needs to continue to
progress if there is any hope of achieving a consistent service with more
even and positive outcomes for these young people
35
Bibliography
Action for Children (2014) [Online]
Available at httpwwwactionforchildrenorgukour-
servicesadoption-fostering-and-children-in-carechildren-in-
careleaving-care
Barnardorsquos (2014)[1] [Online] Someone to Care Experiences of
leaving care Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorguksomeone_to_care_final_feb2014pdf
(Accessed 07 October 2015)
Barnardorsquos (2014)[2] [Online] The costs of not caring supporting
English care leavers into independence Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf (Accessed 07
October 2015)
Biehal N Clayden J Stein M and Wade J (1995) Moving On
Young people and leaving care schemes London HMSO
Broad B (2005) Improving the Health and Well-Being of Young
People Leaving Care Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing
Burgess C (1981) In Care and Into Work London Tavistock
Care Leaverrsquos Foundation (with Children and Young People Now)
(2009) [Online] Setting Up A place to call home Bala Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation Available at
httpwwwthecareleaversfoundationorgsitedatafilesSetting_Up_A
_Place_to_Callpdf (Accessed 06 April 2015)
Care Leavers Strategy (2013) [Online] Available at
httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachment_
datafile266484Care_Leaver_Strategypdf (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Care Act (2014) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga201423part1crossheadingtra
nsition-for-children-to-adult-care-and-support-etcenacted (Accessed
01 March 2016)
Children and Families Act 2014 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga20146section98enacted
(Accessed 02 October 2015)
36
Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200035pdfsukpga_20000035_
enpdf (Accessed 19 March 2015)
Children and Young Persons Act (2008) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200823contents (Accessed 02
October 2015)
Community Care (2014) [Online] Councils struggling to retain social
workers in face of high caseloads and competition over pay
Available at httpwwwcommunitycarecouk20140130councils-
struggling-retain-social-workers-face-high-caseloads-competition-
pay (Accessed 22 February 2016)
Courtney M Terrao S and Bost N (2004) Midwest evaluation of
the adult functioning of former foster youth Conditions of youth
preparing to leave state care Outcomes at age 19 Chicago Chapin
Hall Centre for Children at University of Chicago
Daly F (2012) lsquoMy voice has to be heardrsquo Research on outcomes
for young people leaving care in North Dublin Dublin EPIC
Dixon J and Baker C (2012) lsquoThe Housing Experience of Young
People Leaving Care in England What helpsrsquo Developing Practice
The Child Youth and Family Work Journal Issue 32 National Care
Advisory Service (NCAS)
wwweducationgovuk [Online]
Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20130123124929httpw
wweducationgovukresearchandstatisticsstatisticsa00195573
Family Rights Group (2014) [Online] Support for Young People
Leaving the Care System Available at
httpwwwfrgorgukimagesAdvice_Sheets16-support-for-young-
people-leaving-carepdf (Accessed 29 September 2015)
The Fostering Network (2014) [Online] Staying Put Available at
httpswwwfosteringnetall-about-fosteringprovidersstaying-put-
updateVg5D-PRdX1Y (Accessed 02 October 2015)
Godek S (1976) Leaving Care Barkingside Barnardorsquos
Gwynedd Council (2014) [Online] lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
Available at
httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrutin
y20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20When
37
20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf (Accessed
22 February 2016)
Harris R J (1982) Institutionalized Ambivalence Social Work and
the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 British Journal of Social
Work Vol12 pp 247-263
Higgs L (2011) [Online] Housing crisis around the corner for care
leavers experts warn Children and Young People Now Available
at httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1050066housing-crisis-
corner-care-leavers-experts-warn (Accessed 17 February 2016)
Hiles D Moss D Thorne L Wright J and Dallos R (2014) ldquoSo
what am Irdquo ndash Multiple perspectives on young peoplersquos experience of
leaving care Children and Youth Services Review Vol 41 pp 1-15
House of Commons (1968) Report of the Committee on Local
Authority and Allied Personal Social Services London HMSO
Hutchinson D (2013) [Online] Catch 22 National Care Advisory
Service (NCAS) Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads9b7793d8be6ffc05a501df3df
4a1ef5fpdf
Jackson S and Cameron C (2012) lsquoLeaving Care Looking ahead
and aiming higherrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 34 (6)
pp 1107-1114
Mendes P and Moslehuddin B (2006) lsquoFrom Dependence to
Interdependence Towards Better Outcomes for Young People
Leaving State Carersquo Child Abuse Review Vol15 pp 110-166
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2006) Young peoplersquos views on leaving
care Newcastle Commission for Social Care Inspection
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2012) Young peoplersquos views on care
and aftercare Office of the Childrenrsquos Rights Director London
Ofsted
Mulvey T (1977) lsquoAfter-care ndash who caresrsquo Concern No 26
London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Munro E Lushey C and Ward H (2011) Evaluation of the
Right2BCared4 Pilots Final report (NCAS) London Department
for Education
38
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2011) Making the Cut
Planning Transitions for Care Levers in an Age of Austerity London
NCAS
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2012) [Online] Statistical
Briefing Looked after children and care leavers 2012 Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads0e9a6e4f266b8e96ad7c8e25
7bd53982pdf (Accessed 30 March 2015)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2013)
[Online] The NICE quality standard on the health and wellbeing of
looked after children and young people Available at
httpwwwniceorgukguidanceQS31chapterQuality-statement-8-
Support-to-move-to-independence (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Office for National Statistics (2014) [Online] Large increase in 20 to
34-year-olds living with parents since 1996 Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20160105160709httpw
wwonsgovukonsrelfamily-demographyyoung-adults-living-with-
parents2013sty-young-adultshtml (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board (2016) [Online] Child J ndash
Domestic Homicide Review and Serious Case Review (combined)
Available at httpwwwoscborgukwp-contentuploadsChild-J-
OSCB-Overview-Reportpdf (Accessed 25 February 2016)
Page R and Clark G (eds) (1977) Who Cares Young People in
Care Speak Out London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Puffett N and Orfford A (2016) [Online] Increasing numbers of
care leavers in unsuitable accommodation Children and Young
People Now Available at
httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1155917increasing-numbers-of-
care-leavers-in-unsuitable-accommodation (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Samuels G M and Pryce J M (2008) ldquoWhat doesnrsquot kill you
makes you strongerrdquo Survivalist self-reliance as resilience and risk
among young adults aging out of foster care Children and Youth
Services Review Vol 30 (10) pp 1198-1210
Stein M (2002) Young People Leaving Care A Research
Perspective In A Wheal ed The RHP Companion to Leaving Care
Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing pp 28-33
39
Stein M (2004) What works for young people leaving care
Barkingside Barnardos
Stein M (2006) lsquoYoung people aging out of care The poverty of
theoryrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 28 (4) pp 422-434
Stein M (2012) Young People Leaving Care Supporting Pathways
to Adulthood London Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Stein M and Carey K (1986) Leaving Care Oxford Blackwell
Stein M and Ellis S (1983) Gizza Say Reviews and Young People
in Care London NAYPIC
Stein M and Maynard C (1985) Irsquove Never Been So Lonely
London NAYPIC
Stone M (1990) Young People Leaving Care A study of
management systems service delivery and user evaluation UK The
Royal Philanthropic Society
The Who Carersquos Trust (2014) [Online] Leaving Care Available at
httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpagesleaving-care-what-
happens-post-16html
Wade J (2011) lsquoPreparation and transition planning for
unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee young people A review
of evidence in Englandrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol
33 pp 2424-2430
Wade J and Dixon J (2006) lsquoMaking a home finding a job
investing early housing and employment outcomes for young people
leaving carersquo Child and Family Social Work Vol 11 (3) pp 199-208
Wade J Mitchel F and Baylis G (2005) Unaccompanied asylum
seeking children The response of social services London BAAF
40
Appendix
1) httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf page 25
Karenrsquos story
2) httpwwwnhsukConditionsAttention-deficit-hyperactivity-
disorderPagesIntroductionaspx
3) Email received in response to a request for Mr Timpson (Minister
of State for Children and Families) to answer three questions
regarding care leavers
Dear MsthinspThompsonthinsp
I am writing on behalf of the Minister of State for Children and
Families to thank you for your email of 9 February about your
dissertation
I am sorry but the department receives so many requests like yours
that we are unable to respond to them other than to point you to
sources of information I would therefore suggest that you look at the
departmentrsquos website
at httpswwwgovuksearchq=care+leavers+strategy
I hope you find this link helpful and that you are able to find the
information you need
Your correspondence has been allocated reference number 2016-
0008179 If you need to respond to us please
visit httpswwweducationgovukcontactus and quote your
reference number
As part of our commitment to improving the service we provide to
our customers we are interested in hearing your views and would
welcome your comments via our website
at httpswwweducationgovukpcusurvey
Yours sincerely
Kelly Walkerthinsp
Ministerial and Public Communications Division
Web
[httpswwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovuk]https
wwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovukgt
Twitter httpswwwtwittercomeducationgovuk
Facebook httpswwwfacebookcomeducationgovuk
41
[httpswwweducationgovukimages2irisdfepng]
4) httpwwwgisdaorgengamdanom-nihtml
5) httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga198941section20
6)httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrut
iny20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20Whe
n20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf
7)httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachme
nt_datafile201015Staying_Put_Guidancepdf
8) httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpageswhats-a-pathway-
planhtml
9) httpjobscommunitycarecoukarticlecoventry-tops-london-in-
the-best-place-to-live-league-tablescmpid=EMP|JOBS|SCJOB-
2016-0224-CH|READMORE-COVampcmpid
10) httpwwwconwygovukdocaspcat=4800ampdoc=19742
11)httpresearchbriefingsparliamentukResearchBriefingSummary
SN06705
42
i) Interview Guide
Generic areas of question
Age upon leaving care
Staying put scheme
Financial help
Choice of housing
Suitability of accommodation
Geographical position of accommodation
Further education
Access to support eg Personal Advisor social worker
Input with Pathway plan
Being listened to
Transition
Keeping in touch
Difference with peers
43
22
It would seem important for policy to start considering the young
personrsquos position in life rather than their age as an indicator of their
readiness for independence
b) Housing and Accommodation
The participants were asked about their experiences with housing when
leaving care Questions about choice suitability and geographic area
where considered Consistent with past research and previous literature
(Barnardorsquos [2] 2014) issues where found in all these areas
Once again the Care Leaversrsquo Strategy recognises these issues found
in research past and present surrounding housing
lsquoCare leavers are a vulnerable group of young adults who have
particular needs in relation to housing and homelessness Around a
quarter of those living on the streets have a background in care The
majority of care leavers leave care by the age of 18 and rising demands
on social housing and other accommodation is making it increasingly
difficult for young people to find suitable accommodation as they enter
adulthoodrsquo (2013 14)
These findings suggest a significant risk of homelessness for these
participants In actual fact without the charity Gisda (Appendix 4) the
options for young people in Gwynedd would be seriously limited
It has already been noted that nationally care leavers are overly
represented within the homeless and inadequately housed with 30 of
homeless people formerly being in care (Who Cares Trust 2014)
When considering choice Bed and Breakfast (BampB) accommodation
was not always used but choice did appear limited Geographical
consideration and suitable match for the young person does not always
seem possible
23
ldquoWell there was a bit of choice but it was mainly Caernarfon I
had shared housing with Gisda not BampB and then I got my flat
with Gisdardquo (Care leaver A)
Once again this is echoed by foster carers
ldquoHe moved into shared housing for two weekshelliphe was
terrified he slit his mattress to hide his laptop in it There wasnrsquot
much choice had he had the choice to stay in Penygroes he
would have He has been trying to get back here ever since He
is afraid in Caernarfon He has two brothers living there which
he has had problems with and his brotherrsquos friend He is quite a
fearful child and finds living in Caernarfon stressful When he
gets home to his flat from here he doesnrsquot go outrdquo
This does not seem to be reserved to just this LA either
ldquoI was in a hostel but I kicked off so was in a BampB for a couple
of days They said I was smoking in the room so I got kicked out
of therehellipdidnrsquot even get all my stuff Then my social worker
said I could stay with my mum for the weekend cause my sister
wasnrsquot there But then she came backhellipshe winds me uphellipI
kicked off but hit the window hellipI wanted to hit her So my mum
called the police helliprdquo (Care leaver D)
There appears to be insecurity surrounding housing Care leaver D
went on to lsquosofa surfrsquo and then went back to his motherrsquos even though
that episode left him with a criminal damage conviction [brought on by
his mother] His support seemed to end there
Care leaver A was asked if the flat with Gisda was permanent
ldquoNo itrsquos two years temporary I have three months leftrdquo
When asked what happens then
ldquoI think Irsquom on the top the list with housing so Irsquove gotta hope
something comes up or I will probably end up in BampB The thing
is once you have had the flat and you get to 18 you sort of go in
circles so you can be put in BampB Itrsquos a worry being three months
awayhelliphellipI keep phoning themrdquo
This was reiterated by the foster carers
ldquoI canrsquot see Gisda putting him out on the street but they have to
give him notice of eviction in order for the council to do
something about it Sometimes he stays with his cousin or his
24
dad if there is any room But he will probably have to lsquosofa
surfrsquohellip thatrsquos what his brother had to do That will put him on
the list he has to be homeless to get helprdquo
The question of supported living was raised for this particular
participant the foster carer replied
ldquoThere doesnrsquot seem to be any here But for him it wouldnrsquot
work he would worry about the other people there He is afraid
of people that do drugs there is a family history with drugsrdquo
However a neighbouring LA had positive experiences with supported
living Their providers of supported living and BampB accommodation
had been the same for over ten years which would indicate some
consistency The manager for the leaving care team for this LA
commented that the staff at the BampBrsquos offered a sympathetic approach
with more of a lsquofamily feelrsquo to the service Furthermore this LA had
long term relationships with landlords who specifically offered
tenancies to care leavers This demonstrates the importance of
consistency Although BampB may not seem ideal if there are good long
term relationships with service providers this can offer a positive short
term solution
Likewise care leaver B had the right experience with their
accommodation
ldquoI went from the childrenrsquos home to supported lodgings and after
that had my own flat The supported lodgings really helped me
learn how to look after myself I did go off the rails a bit when I
was about 23 but because of my support I sorted myself outrdquo
Though care leaver C will be moving once again in the near future It
seems his ADHD leaves the LA at a loss as to where this young person
should live The condition necessitates extra support to enable him to
manage independence
ldquoI like where I am But the funding for here runs out soon They
(social services) have said there is a new place in Abergele I
think itrsquos a shared house If I turn that down though I will make
myself intentionally homeless so there is no choicerdquo
25
This young personrsquos worries where resonated by his mother too He
entered care under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989 (Appendix 5)
as his mother was unable to manage his behaviour Her understanding
was that he would be care for until he reached 21 It may be argued he
is being cared for and is continuing to be Yet as stated earlier a mental
health facility may not be seen as ideal equally shared housing may
not offer the level of support required for an eventual and positive
departure from care
Regrettably national statistics have shown a rise of 108 per cent in the
number of young people in unsuitable accommodation from 1660 in
2014 to 1840 in 2015 This is reiterated by Carrie Wilson young
peoplersquos project co-ordinator at The Care Leaversrsquo Association
ldquoOn a basic level [BampBs] are seen as a ldquosaferdquo place but those young
people do not feel safe regardless of the interventions put into place to
support a young person if they do not feel like they have personal
safety at the end of the day their coping mechanisms start to break
downrdquo (Puffett and Orfford 2016)
The experiences of these participants suggests a chaotic existence in
line with the research undertaken by Barnardorsquos (2) (2014)
This does not present an improvement of services Government
statistics from 2011 suggested only 17 local authorities were housing
100 per cent of care leavers in suitable accommodation (Higgs 2011)
These are dismal statistics as research conducted by Stein (201280)
found from 2004 to 2009 the numbers of care leavers in suitable
accommodation had risen from 77 to 90 The statistics from 2011
could correlate with the age of austerity and social service budget cuts
(Stein 2012 24)
In Gwynedd since 2013 there has been the lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
available and similar to Englandrsquos lsquoStaying Putrsquo scheme (Appendix 6
amp 7) These schemes are now available throughout Wales and offer the
26
young person an opportunity to stay within their foster care placement
until the age of 21 or beyond if they are engaged in education or
training which started before their twenty first birthday This extended
stay may last until completion of the education or training on the
condition it is set out in the young personrsquos pathway plan The
opportunity offers a more gradual transition similar to young people in
the general population (Gwynedd Council 2014)
However there was no evidence of this scheme to have been offered to
care leaver A Care leavers C and D appear to have merely been
managed until the LA no longer had the duty of care
c) Pathway Plans Personal Advisors and Social
Workers
ldquoI donrsquot remember how many social workers I had hellipmaybe 14
or 15 by the time I left care They kept changingrdquo (Care leaver
D)
The participants were asked about their experiences with personal
advisors social workers the creation and implementation of their
pathway plans (Appendix 8) and whether they felt they were listened
to
It would seem having several social workers is commonplace
ldquoThe 16+ team didnrsquot seem to support him They changed social
worker but he didnrsquot seem to know what was going on Then they
changed again to one from the 16+ team Thatrsquos when his
behaviour changed One of his previous social workers was
fantastic and he worshipped herhellip If only they had kept that
social worker it would have made such a differencerdquo (Foster
carer)
For care leaver A this seems to have happened with the personal
advisor too When asked about their personal advisor
27
ldquoThere was a foster meeting the lady what was her namehellip Jan
she was really good She was with social services and Gisda
But then when they thought I was ok they transferred me to
someone elserdquo
Though for some there was more consistency Care leaver C suggested
a good relationship with their personal advisor They indicated regular
visits phone calls and planning meetings In turn this young person felt
they were being listened to when the pathway plan was produced
The manager for this LAs leaving care team confirms his perspective
on personal advisors
ldquoWe have a team of four personal advisors They have about 40
cases each but they do a great job All of their cases have a
mobile phone number for them and they are all very dedicated
and approachable [from the young personrsquos point of view] They
offer a vital link from care to independencerdquo
However once again this service appears inconsistent depending on
the LA
Added to this frequent changes of case worker suggest a difficulty in
completion and implementation of pathway plans and causes the
young person to feel they are not being listened to
ldquoI was kind of listened to but then my social worker changed so
I had to start againhellipthere was no relationship there cause they
kept changing We would do one pathway plan then the social
worker changed and we would have to do another onerdquo (Care
leaver A)
When the foster carers were asked about the pathway plan and whether
they thought their young person was listened to
ldquoHe didnrsquot have a proper pathway plan for leaving it was rushed
There was no proper structure He was listened to but without
question or consideration of the consequences They ticked their
boxes and he was off their handsrdquo
These experiences were evident in the earlier research by Munro et al
(2011) whereby young people felt their voices were not heard and the
meetings surrounding their exit from care caused anxiety and stress
28
The foster carers then suggested their current placement who had just
turned 16 may suffer the same
ldquoShe is just about to change to the 16+ team they canrsquot wait to
get her on thathellipit will be her third social worker in two years
She is adamant she doesnrsquot want to leave at 16 but if they dangle
the carrot of her own flat in front of her it might be differentrdquo
Furthermore for the foster carers support appears to be inconsistent
One set had just been assigned a new social worker the third in two
years
ldquoWe have a new social worker and she just ticks the boxes She
seems terrified to use her initiative One social worker I was
dealing with said there were five people who were either off or
had left and not been replaced in his office alonerdquo
It is well documented that retention of staff within social work is
increasingly difficult Added to which there a national shortage of
approximately 3500 social workers both hindering continuity for the
people they provide services to (Community Care 2014) This and
aforementioned cuts to funding within leaving care services may
explain how the inconsistency and a lack of relationship with social
workers described within this data can infringe on the process of
leaving care
With this in mind it is imperative to consider the legal implications at
this point It would appear within the legal framework there are lsquogrey
areasrsquo which can allow the experiences of care leaverrsquos A C and D to
occur The Children (Leaving Care) Act (2000) states that an
assessment of needs must be carried out by the LA for the said child
(a)while they are still looking after him and
(b)after they cease to look after him (19B 4)
The proviso for this is the child has been looked after for a period of
time and that they are aged 16 or 17 (19B 2 a amp b)
However the Care Act (2014) has a section dedicated to the needs of a
child in the transition to adulthood including the requirement for a
29
needs assessment but in relation to the childrsquos needs after the age of
18 Furthermore section 58 (4) insists the assessment should be carried
out whether the child consents or not if there is a risk of or experiencing
abuse or neglect Bearing in mind the vulnerability of these young
people the causes for them to have been placed in care in the first place
it would be fair to consider this group eligible for this assessment and
extended care Added to which one would expect a more thorough and
consistent assessment to be carried out Clearly with several changes to
case workers [as experienced by care leavers A and D] this legal
standard is not being met
Perhaps government and policy makers should consider case worker
retention and better working environments as fundamental aspects of
policy in turn offering better outcomes for the young people
(Appendix 9)
d) Financial aspects
ldquoThey told him to choose what he needed for the flat but only
some of it turned up There is something I heard of might be
from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation where some money is put
into an ISA which can be accessed once they are 18 This is
because they have been in care But I feel the danger of that is it
could all be blown on something else or used as a carrot to
encourage leaving care As far as I have seen they just go and
spend it all then itrsquos gone ndash they would be better giving them a
furnished flatrdquo (Foster carer)
The Care Leavers Strategy states it encourages LArsquos to offer at least
pound2000 as a lsquoSetting Up Home Allowancersquo (leaving care grant)
although as this is not a legal requirement the amount varies from LA
to LA Care leaver A received in the region of pound400 (Gwynedd LA)
However the manager for Conwy laving care team indicated the
amount their care leavers receive is dependent on what they need This
is also stated on the LArsquos web site (Appendix 8) It may be suggested
that young people within less affluent LArsquos will fare worse financially
30
The Strategy maintains care leavers are entitled to a pound1200 bursary if
they are attending further education and a pound2000 bursary for higher
education This is financed by the Department for Education (2013
10) Extra funding of this kind would appear significant for these young
people however if the earlier literature is considered the statistics for
this grouprsquos educational achievements did not present well (See
chapter one) As this funding is reliant on the young person being in
education there will be a significant proportion unable to access this
extra help
Conwy LA did suggest promising outcomes for employment for their
care leavers with many undertaking apprenticeships within the
councilrsquos departments
ldquoWe have a number of our young people working and training in
the council (Conwy) with a selection of apprenticeships
specifically for them Some do go on to stay with us being
offered permanent contractsrdquo (Leaving care team manager)
Unfortunately a comparison cannot be made with other LArsquos or
voluntary organisations in this area as there was no response to the
research
Care leaver A did have temporary employment with a local leisure
centre although when a permanent contract was offered it was of a zero
hourrsquos nature
ldquoI wasnrsquot worth me taking ithellipI would lose my benefit and have
no guarantee of workrdquo
Care leaver C started a college course and managed a couple of shifts
in a restaurant kitchen however his chaotic accommodation provision
and a lack of support for his ADHD hampered his continuation
Care leaver D is NEET (Appendix 11) and has been since his exit from
care It would seem this has not been assisted by his family [to which
he returned] who have also never been in employment and his
reluctance to receive any more services It may be suggested his high
31
level of case worker turnover contributed to his reluctance Equally his
chaotic existence before entering care disrupted his education added
the rushed transition from care has not facilitated good employment
prospects
e) Evaluation and Reflection
When evaluating this research one must acknowledge the limitations
when assessing the size of the sample
Despite persistence there was a reluctance by professionals particularly
to participate Out of four LAs contacted only one responded and
agreed to be interviewed One LA received the research pack three
times follow up calls were made several times to no avail The same
may be said for the voluntary sector in spite of positive telephone
conversations and receipt of the research pack Barnardorsquos and Gisda
did not consent to be interviewed Therefore the findings were
somewhat one sided and the professional perspective limited
However even with the limited sample the original hypothesis of the
leaving care system failing the young people has a degree of truth
Equally the findings are reflective of earlier research identified in
chapter 2
There is certainly scope for further and more considerable research
within this field Although for future studies it may be beneficial to use
focus group methodology to encourage professional participation This
would possibly generate an improved response rate in comparison to
the online questionnaire used for the initial stages of this project The
face to face follow up interviews proved difficult to organise although
it was difficult to decipher whether this was due to a reluctance to
engage in the research or a lack of available time
32
Chapter 5
Conclusion
In conclusion the data collected for this study shows a system that sadly
does fail its young people Certainly in Gwynedd the leaving care
process is seemingly rushed and centred around a personrsquos age rather
than their readiness for independence Of course it may be argued there
has to be a lsquocut off pointrsquo and young people have to become
independent at some time for legal purposes that lsquopointrsquo is dictated by
their age It would seem this is the case regardless of the harm it may
cause Furthermore it could be argued this hasty process is a breach of
the young personrsquos human rights however despite searching no cases
were found
In 2006 research conducted by Mendes and Moselhuddin concluded
the leaving care process should be a gradual process based on levels of
maturity and ability to manage independence rather than simply age
The same recommendation is echoed in the majority of research both
past and present It would seem that ten years on we are no closer to an
ideal solution
For care leaver A C and D the outcome was poor Certainly they did
not feel supported through the transition although care leaver C had
significantly better support from their personal advisor post 18
However despite this support care leaver C was still living in less than
ideal circumstances and about to be moved once again
In line with the literature this study although with the limited sample
found immense inconsistencies within the system and in every area
from support to financial assistance
Evidently for some the system works against an already disadvantaged
group abandoning when needed the most so to speak
33
It would seem the introduction of legislation and the Transitions
Guidance to strengthen practice and policy has failed to make a
significant improvement especially surrounding the lsquolevelling uprsquo of
services Attributed by the cost cutting imposed on LArsquos by central
government this is hardly surprising
There are some encouraging outcomes such as care leaver B receiving
immense support from their LA beyond policy and legal requirement
This is in line with some of Steinrsquos (2012 81) research and positive
outcomes are underpinned by the level of good consistent and accurate
support received by the individual Yet as this study has found this is
not consistent or universal
It is clear inconsistencies lack of support young and rushed transitions
all contribute to poorer outcomes for this group of young people A
group which are already disadvantaged and at a much higher risk of
social exclusion
As a society we should consider these young people as just that ndash young
people Often with the same dreams and aspirations as any other young
person On the contrary perhaps we should consider these young
people further as many will have already been let down by society
Either way they are entitled to as much support guidance and
opportunity as any other Regrettably this does not seem to be the case
as despite advances in research policy and legislation the same
inconsistencies and failures appear to occur time and time again
The study has shown the importance of understanding the young
peoplersquos history Of understanding former problems or areas of
concern This aids the transition to independence as it identifies where
the support is needed and individualizes the young person There
cannot be a lsquoone size fits allrsquo approach to the leaving care system as
one can see these young people are individual It has identified how
fundamental it is to include a young personrsquos foster carers when
considering independence to recognise the relationship they may have
34
with the young person and the key role they play after leaving care (as
with care lever A)
With this in mind one must acknowledge the leaving care system has
indeed improved over the last 30 years however it needs to continue to
progress if there is any hope of achieving a consistent service with more
even and positive outcomes for these young people
35
Bibliography
Action for Children (2014) [Online]
Available at httpwwwactionforchildrenorgukour-
servicesadoption-fostering-and-children-in-carechildren-in-
careleaving-care
Barnardorsquos (2014)[1] [Online] Someone to Care Experiences of
leaving care Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorguksomeone_to_care_final_feb2014pdf
(Accessed 07 October 2015)
Barnardorsquos (2014)[2] [Online] The costs of not caring supporting
English care leavers into independence Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf (Accessed 07
October 2015)
Biehal N Clayden J Stein M and Wade J (1995) Moving On
Young people and leaving care schemes London HMSO
Broad B (2005) Improving the Health and Well-Being of Young
People Leaving Care Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing
Burgess C (1981) In Care and Into Work London Tavistock
Care Leaverrsquos Foundation (with Children and Young People Now)
(2009) [Online] Setting Up A place to call home Bala Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation Available at
httpwwwthecareleaversfoundationorgsitedatafilesSetting_Up_A
_Place_to_Callpdf (Accessed 06 April 2015)
Care Leavers Strategy (2013) [Online] Available at
httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachment_
datafile266484Care_Leaver_Strategypdf (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Care Act (2014) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga201423part1crossheadingtra
nsition-for-children-to-adult-care-and-support-etcenacted (Accessed
01 March 2016)
Children and Families Act 2014 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga20146section98enacted
(Accessed 02 October 2015)
36
Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200035pdfsukpga_20000035_
enpdf (Accessed 19 March 2015)
Children and Young Persons Act (2008) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200823contents (Accessed 02
October 2015)
Community Care (2014) [Online] Councils struggling to retain social
workers in face of high caseloads and competition over pay
Available at httpwwwcommunitycarecouk20140130councils-
struggling-retain-social-workers-face-high-caseloads-competition-
pay (Accessed 22 February 2016)
Courtney M Terrao S and Bost N (2004) Midwest evaluation of
the adult functioning of former foster youth Conditions of youth
preparing to leave state care Outcomes at age 19 Chicago Chapin
Hall Centre for Children at University of Chicago
Daly F (2012) lsquoMy voice has to be heardrsquo Research on outcomes
for young people leaving care in North Dublin Dublin EPIC
Dixon J and Baker C (2012) lsquoThe Housing Experience of Young
People Leaving Care in England What helpsrsquo Developing Practice
The Child Youth and Family Work Journal Issue 32 National Care
Advisory Service (NCAS)
wwweducationgovuk [Online]
Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20130123124929httpw
wweducationgovukresearchandstatisticsstatisticsa00195573
Family Rights Group (2014) [Online] Support for Young People
Leaving the Care System Available at
httpwwwfrgorgukimagesAdvice_Sheets16-support-for-young-
people-leaving-carepdf (Accessed 29 September 2015)
The Fostering Network (2014) [Online] Staying Put Available at
httpswwwfosteringnetall-about-fosteringprovidersstaying-put-
updateVg5D-PRdX1Y (Accessed 02 October 2015)
Godek S (1976) Leaving Care Barkingside Barnardorsquos
Gwynedd Council (2014) [Online] lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
Available at
httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrutin
y20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20When
37
20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf (Accessed
22 February 2016)
Harris R J (1982) Institutionalized Ambivalence Social Work and
the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 British Journal of Social
Work Vol12 pp 247-263
Higgs L (2011) [Online] Housing crisis around the corner for care
leavers experts warn Children and Young People Now Available
at httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1050066housing-crisis-
corner-care-leavers-experts-warn (Accessed 17 February 2016)
Hiles D Moss D Thorne L Wright J and Dallos R (2014) ldquoSo
what am Irdquo ndash Multiple perspectives on young peoplersquos experience of
leaving care Children and Youth Services Review Vol 41 pp 1-15
House of Commons (1968) Report of the Committee on Local
Authority and Allied Personal Social Services London HMSO
Hutchinson D (2013) [Online] Catch 22 National Care Advisory
Service (NCAS) Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads9b7793d8be6ffc05a501df3df
4a1ef5fpdf
Jackson S and Cameron C (2012) lsquoLeaving Care Looking ahead
and aiming higherrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 34 (6)
pp 1107-1114
Mendes P and Moslehuddin B (2006) lsquoFrom Dependence to
Interdependence Towards Better Outcomes for Young People
Leaving State Carersquo Child Abuse Review Vol15 pp 110-166
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2006) Young peoplersquos views on leaving
care Newcastle Commission for Social Care Inspection
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2012) Young peoplersquos views on care
and aftercare Office of the Childrenrsquos Rights Director London
Ofsted
Mulvey T (1977) lsquoAfter-care ndash who caresrsquo Concern No 26
London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Munro E Lushey C and Ward H (2011) Evaluation of the
Right2BCared4 Pilots Final report (NCAS) London Department
for Education
38
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2011) Making the Cut
Planning Transitions for Care Levers in an Age of Austerity London
NCAS
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2012) [Online] Statistical
Briefing Looked after children and care leavers 2012 Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads0e9a6e4f266b8e96ad7c8e25
7bd53982pdf (Accessed 30 March 2015)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2013)
[Online] The NICE quality standard on the health and wellbeing of
looked after children and young people Available at
httpwwwniceorgukguidanceQS31chapterQuality-statement-8-
Support-to-move-to-independence (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Office for National Statistics (2014) [Online] Large increase in 20 to
34-year-olds living with parents since 1996 Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20160105160709httpw
wwonsgovukonsrelfamily-demographyyoung-adults-living-with-
parents2013sty-young-adultshtml (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board (2016) [Online] Child J ndash
Domestic Homicide Review and Serious Case Review (combined)
Available at httpwwwoscborgukwp-contentuploadsChild-J-
OSCB-Overview-Reportpdf (Accessed 25 February 2016)
Page R and Clark G (eds) (1977) Who Cares Young People in
Care Speak Out London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Puffett N and Orfford A (2016) [Online] Increasing numbers of
care leavers in unsuitable accommodation Children and Young
People Now Available at
httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1155917increasing-numbers-of-
care-leavers-in-unsuitable-accommodation (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Samuels G M and Pryce J M (2008) ldquoWhat doesnrsquot kill you
makes you strongerrdquo Survivalist self-reliance as resilience and risk
among young adults aging out of foster care Children and Youth
Services Review Vol 30 (10) pp 1198-1210
Stein M (2002) Young People Leaving Care A Research
Perspective In A Wheal ed The RHP Companion to Leaving Care
Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing pp 28-33
39
Stein M (2004) What works for young people leaving care
Barkingside Barnardos
Stein M (2006) lsquoYoung people aging out of care The poverty of
theoryrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 28 (4) pp 422-434
Stein M (2012) Young People Leaving Care Supporting Pathways
to Adulthood London Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Stein M and Carey K (1986) Leaving Care Oxford Blackwell
Stein M and Ellis S (1983) Gizza Say Reviews and Young People
in Care London NAYPIC
Stein M and Maynard C (1985) Irsquove Never Been So Lonely
London NAYPIC
Stone M (1990) Young People Leaving Care A study of
management systems service delivery and user evaluation UK The
Royal Philanthropic Society
The Who Carersquos Trust (2014) [Online] Leaving Care Available at
httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpagesleaving-care-what-
happens-post-16html
Wade J (2011) lsquoPreparation and transition planning for
unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee young people A review
of evidence in Englandrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol
33 pp 2424-2430
Wade J and Dixon J (2006) lsquoMaking a home finding a job
investing early housing and employment outcomes for young people
leaving carersquo Child and Family Social Work Vol 11 (3) pp 199-208
Wade J Mitchel F and Baylis G (2005) Unaccompanied asylum
seeking children The response of social services London BAAF
40
Appendix
1) httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf page 25
Karenrsquos story
2) httpwwwnhsukConditionsAttention-deficit-hyperactivity-
disorderPagesIntroductionaspx
3) Email received in response to a request for Mr Timpson (Minister
of State for Children and Families) to answer three questions
regarding care leavers
Dear MsthinspThompsonthinsp
I am writing on behalf of the Minister of State for Children and
Families to thank you for your email of 9 February about your
dissertation
I am sorry but the department receives so many requests like yours
that we are unable to respond to them other than to point you to
sources of information I would therefore suggest that you look at the
departmentrsquos website
at httpswwwgovuksearchq=care+leavers+strategy
I hope you find this link helpful and that you are able to find the
information you need
Your correspondence has been allocated reference number 2016-
0008179 If you need to respond to us please
visit httpswwweducationgovukcontactus and quote your
reference number
As part of our commitment to improving the service we provide to
our customers we are interested in hearing your views and would
welcome your comments via our website
at httpswwweducationgovukpcusurvey
Yours sincerely
Kelly Walkerthinsp
Ministerial and Public Communications Division
Web
[httpswwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovuk]https
wwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovukgt
Twitter httpswwwtwittercomeducationgovuk
Facebook httpswwwfacebookcomeducationgovuk
41
[httpswwweducationgovukimages2irisdfepng]
4) httpwwwgisdaorgengamdanom-nihtml
5) httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga198941section20
6)httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrut
iny20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20Whe
n20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf
7)httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachme
nt_datafile201015Staying_Put_Guidancepdf
8) httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpageswhats-a-pathway-
planhtml
9) httpjobscommunitycarecoukarticlecoventry-tops-london-in-
the-best-place-to-live-league-tablescmpid=EMP|JOBS|SCJOB-
2016-0224-CH|READMORE-COVampcmpid
10) httpwwwconwygovukdocaspcat=4800ampdoc=19742
11)httpresearchbriefingsparliamentukResearchBriefingSummary
SN06705
42
i) Interview Guide
Generic areas of question
Age upon leaving care
Staying put scheme
Financial help
Choice of housing
Suitability of accommodation
Geographical position of accommodation
Further education
Access to support eg Personal Advisor social worker
Input with Pathway plan
Being listened to
Transition
Keeping in touch
Difference with peers
43
23
ldquoWell there was a bit of choice but it was mainly Caernarfon I
had shared housing with Gisda not BampB and then I got my flat
with Gisdardquo (Care leaver A)
Once again this is echoed by foster carers
ldquoHe moved into shared housing for two weekshelliphe was
terrified he slit his mattress to hide his laptop in it There wasnrsquot
much choice had he had the choice to stay in Penygroes he
would have He has been trying to get back here ever since He
is afraid in Caernarfon He has two brothers living there which
he has had problems with and his brotherrsquos friend He is quite a
fearful child and finds living in Caernarfon stressful When he
gets home to his flat from here he doesnrsquot go outrdquo
This does not seem to be reserved to just this LA either
ldquoI was in a hostel but I kicked off so was in a BampB for a couple
of days They said I was smoking in the room so I got kicked out
of therehellipdidnrsquot even get all my stuff Then my social worker
said I could stay with my mum for the weekend cause my sister
wasnrsquot there But then she came backhellipshe winds me uphellipI
kicked off but hit the window hellipI wanted to hit her So my mum
called the police helliprdquo (Care leaver D)
There appears to be insecurity surrounding housing Care leaver D
went on to lsquosofa surfrsquo and then went back to his motherrsquos even though
that episode left him with a criminal damage conviction [brought on by
his mother] His support seemed to end there
Care leaver A was asked if the flat with Gisda was permanent
ldquoNo itrsquos two years temporary I have three months leftrdquo
When asked what happens then
ldquoI think Irsquom on the top the list with housing so Irsquove gotta hope
something comes up or I will probably end up in BampB The thing
is once you have had the flat and you get to 18 you sort of go in
circles so you can be put in BampB Itrsquos a worry being three months
awayhelliphellipI keep phoning themrdquo
This was reiterated by the foster carers
ldquoI canrsquot see Gisda putting him out on the street but they have to
give him notice of eviction in order for the council to do
something about it Sometimes he stays with his cousin or his
24
dad if there is any room But he will probably have to lsquosofa
surfrsquohellip thatrsquos what his brother had to do That will put him on
the list he has to be homeless to get helprdquo
The question of supported living was raised for this particular
participant the foster carer replied
ldquoThere doesnrsquot seem to be any here But for him it wouldnrsquot
work he would worry about the other people there He is afraid
of people that do drugs there is a family history with drugsrdquo
However a neighbouring LA had positive experiences with supported
living Their providers of supported living and BampB accommodation
had been the same for over ten years which would indicate some
consistency The manager for the leaving care team for this LA
commented that the staff at the BampBrsquos offered a sympathetic approach
with more of a lsquofamily feelrsquo to the service Furthermore this LA had
long term relationships with landlords who specifically offered
tenancies to care leavers This demonstrates the importance of
consistency Although BampB may not seem ideal if there are good long
term relationships with service providers this can offer a positive short
term solution
Likewise care leaver B had the right experience with their
accommodation
ldquoI went from the childrenrsquos home to supported lodgings and after
that had my own flat The supported lodgings really helped me
learn how to look after myself I did go off the rails a bit when I
was about 23 but because of my support I sorted myself outrdquo
Though care leaver C will be moving once again in the near future It
seems his ADHD leaves the LA at a loss as to where this young person
should live The condition necessitates extra support to enable him to
manage independence
ldquoI like where I am But the funding for here runs out soon They
(social services) have said there is a new place in Abergele I
think itrsquos a shared house If I turn that down though I will make
myself intentionally homeless so there is no choicerdquo
25
This young personrsquos worries where resonated by his mother too He
entered care under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989 (Appendix 5)
as his mother was unable to manage his behaviour Her understanding
was that he would be care for until he reached 21 It may be argued he
is being cared for and is continuing to be Yet as stated earlier a mental
health facility may not be seen as ideal equally shared housing may
not offer the level of support required for an eventual and positive
departure from care
Regrettably national statistics have shown a rise of 108 per cent in the
number of young people in unsuitable accommodation from 1660 in
2014 to 1840 in 2015 This is reiterated by Carrie Wilson young
peoplersquos project co-ordinator at The Care Leaversrsquo Association
ldquoOn a basic level [BampBs] are seen as a ldquosaferdquo place but those young
people do not feel safe regardless of the interventions put into place to
support a young person if they do not feel like they have personal
safety at the end of the day their coping mechanisms start to break
downrdquo (Puffett and Orfford 2016)
The experiences of these participants suggests a chaotic existence in
line with the research undertaken by Barnardorsquos (2) (2014)
This does not present an improvement of services Government
statistics from 2011 suggested only 17 local authorities were housing
100 per cent of care leavers in suitable accommodation (Higgs 2011)
These are dismal statistics as research conducted by Stein (201280)
found from 2004 to 2009 the numbers of care leavers in suitable
accommodation had risen from 77 to 90 The statistics from 2011
could correlate with the age of austerity and social service budget cuts
(Stein 2012 24)
In Gwynedd since 2013 there has been the lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
available and similar to Englandrsquos lsquoStaying Putrsquo scheme (Appendix 6
amp 7) These schemes are now available throughout Wales and offer the
26
young person an opportunity to stay within their foster care placement
until the age of 21 or beyond if they are engaged in education or
training which started before their twenty first birthday This extended
stay may last until completion of the education or training on the
condition it is set out in the young personrsquos pathway plan The
opportunity offers a more gradual transition similar to young people in
the general population (Gwynedd Council 2014)
However there was no evidence of this scheme to have been offered to
care leaver A Care leavers C and D appear to have merely been
managed until the LA no longer had the duty of care
c) Pathway Plans Personal Advisors and Social
Workers
ldquoI donrsquot remember how many social workers I had hellipmaybe 14
or 15 by the time I left care They kept changingrdquo (Care leaver
D)
The participants were asked about their experiences with personal
advisors social workers the creation and implementation of their
pathway plans (Appendix 8) and whether they felt they were listened
to
It would seem having several social workers is commonplace
ldquoThe 16+ team didnrsquot seem to support him They changed social
worker but he didnrsquot seem to know what was going on Then they
changed again to one from the 16+ team Thatrsquos when his
behaviour changed One of his previous social workers was
fantastic and he worshipped herhellip If only they had kept that
social worker it would have made such a differencerdquo (Foster
carer)
For care leaver A this seems to have happened with the personal
advisor too When asked about their personal advisor
27
ldquoThere was a foster meeting the lady what was her namehellip Jan
she was really good She was with social services and Gisda
But then when they thought I was ok they transferred me to
someone elserdquo
Though for some there was more consistency Care leaver C suggested
a good relationship with their personal advisor They indicated regular
visits phone calls and planning meetings In turn this young person felt
they were being listened to when the pathway plan was produced
The manager for this LAs leaving care team confirms his perspective
on personal advisors
ldquoWe have a team of four personal advisors They have about 40
cases each but they do a great job All of their cases have a
mobile phone number for them and they are all very dedicated
and approachable [from the young personrsquos point of view] They
offer a vital link from care to independencerdquo
However once again this service appears inconsistent depending on
the LA
Added to this frequent changes of case worker suggest a difficulty in
completion and implementation of pathway plans and causes the
young person to feel they are not being listened to
ldquoI was kind of listened to but then my social worker changed so
I had to start againhellipthere was no relationship there cause they
kept changing We would do one pathway plan then the social
worker changed and we would have to do another onerdquo (Care
leaver A)
When the foster carers were asked about the pathway plan and whether
they thought their young person was listened to
ldquoHe didnrsquot have a proper pathway plan for leaving it was rushed
There was no proper structure He was listened to but without
question or consideration of the consequences They ticked their
boxes and he was off their handsrdquo
These experiences were evident in the earlier research by Munro et al
(2011) whereby young people felt their voices were not heard and the
meetings surrounding their exit from care caused anxiety and stress
28
The foster carers then suggested their current placement who had just
turned 16 may suffer the same
ldquoShe is just about to change to the 16+ team they canrsquot wait to
get her on thathellipit will be her third social worker in two years
She is adamant she doesnrsquot want to leave at 16 but if they dangle
the carrot of her own flat in front of her it might be differentrdquo
Furthermore for the foster carers support appears to be inconsistent
One set had just been assigned a new social worker the third in two
years
ldquoWe have a new social worker and she just ticks the boxes She
seems terrified to use her initiative One social worker I was
dealing with said there were five people who were either off or
had left and not been replaced in his office alonerdquo
It is well documented that retention of staff within social work is
increasingly difficult Added to which there a national shortage of
approximately 3500 social workers both hindering continuity for the
people they provide services to (Community Care 2014) This and
aforementioned cuts to funding within leaving care services may
explain how the inconsistency and a lack of relationship with social
workers described within this data can infringe on the process of
leaving care
With this in mind it is imperative to consider the legal implications at
this point It would appear within the legal framework there are lsquogrey
areasrsquo which can allow the experiences of care leaverrsquos A C and D to
occur The Children (Leaving Care) Act (2000) states that an
assessment of needs must be carried out by the LA for the said child
(a)while they are still looking after him and
(b)after they cease to look after him (19B 4)
The proviso for this is the child has been looked after for a period of
time and that they are aged 16 or 17 (19B 2 a amp b)
However the Care Act (2014) has a section dedicated to the needs of a
child in the transition to adulthood including the requirement for a
29
needs assessment but in relation to the childrsquos needs after the age of
18 Furthermore section 58 (4) insists the assessment should be carried
out whether the child consents or not if there is a risk of or experiencing
abuse or neglect Bearing in mind the vulnerability of these young
people the causes for them to have been placed in care in the first place
it would be fair to consider this group eligible for this assessment and
extended care Added to which one would expect a more thorough and
consistent assessment to be carried out Clearly with several changes to
case workers [as experienced by care leavers A and D] this legal
standard is not being met
Perhaps government and policy makers should consider case worker
retention and better working environments as fundamental aspects of
policy in turn offering better outcomes for the young people
(Appendix 9)
d) Financial aspects
ldquoThey told him to choose what he needed for the flat but only
some of it turned up There is something I heard of might be
from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation where some money is put
into an ISA which can be accessed once they are 18 This is
because they have been in care But I feel the danger of that is it
could all be blown on something else or used as a carrot to
encourage leaving care As far as I have seen they just go and
spend it all then itrsquos gone ndash they would be better giving them a
furnished flatrdquo (Foster carer)
The Care Leavers Strategy states it encourages LArsquos to offer at least
pound2000 as a lsquoSetting Up Home Allowancersquo (leaving care grant)
although as this is not a legal requirement the amount varies from LA
to LA Care leaver A received in the region of pound400 (Gwynedd LA)
However the manager for Conwy laving care team indicated the
amount their care leavers receive is dependent on what they need This
is also stated on the LArsquos web site (Appendix 8) It may be suggested
that young people within less affluent LArsquos will fare worse financially
30
The Strategy maintains care leavers are entitled to a pound1200 bursary if
they are attending further education and a pound2000 bursary for higher
education This is financed by the Department for Education (2013
10) Extra funding of this kind would appear significant for these young
people however if the earlier literature is considered the statistics for
this grouprsquos educational achievements did not present well (See
chapter one) As this funding is reliant on the young person being in
education there will be a significant proportion unable to access this
extra help
Conwy LA did suggest promising outcomes for employment for their
care leavers with many undertaking apprenticeships within the
councilrsquos departments
ldquoWe have a number of our young people working and training in
the council (Conwy) with a selection of apprenticeships
specifically for them Some do go on to stay with us being
offered permanent contractsrdquo (Leaving care team manager)
Unfortunately a comparison cannot be made with other LArsquos or
voluntary organisations in this area as there was no response to the
research
Care leaver A did have temporary employment with a local leisure
centre although when a permanent contract was offered it was of a zero
hourrsquos nature
ldquoI wasnrsquot worth me taking ithellipI would lose my benefit and have
no guarantee of workrdquo
Care leaver C started a college course and managed a couple of shifts
in a restaurant kitchen however his chaotic accommodation provision
and a lack of support for his ADHD hampered his continuation
Care leaver D is NEET (Appendix 11) and has been since his exit from
care It would seem this has not been assisted by his family [to which
he returned] who have also never been in employment and his
reluctance to receive any more services It may be suggested his high
31
level of case worker turnover contributed to his reluctance Equally his
chaotic existence before entering care disrupted his education added
the rushed transition from care has not facilitated good employment
prospects
e) Evaluation and Reflection
When evaluating this research one must acknowledge the limitations
when assessing the size of the sample
Despite persistence there was a reluctance by professionals particularly
to participate Out of four LAs contacted only one responded and
agreed to be interviewed One LA received the research pack three
times follow up calls were made several times to no avail The same
may be said for the voluntary sector in spite of positive telephone
conversations and receipt of the research pack Barnardorsquos and Gisda
did not consent to be interviewed Therefore the findings were
somewhat one sided and the professional perspective limited
However even with the limited sample the original hypothesis of the
leaving care system failing the young people has a degree of truth
Equally the findings are reflective of earlier research identified in
chapter 2
There is certainly scope for further and more considerable research
within this field Although for future studies it may be beneficial to use
focus group methodology to encourage professional participation This
would possibly generate an improved response rate in comparison to
the online questionnaire used for the initial stages of this project The
face to face follow up interviews proved difficult to organise although
it was difficult to decipher whether this was due to a reluctance to
engage in the research or a lack of available time
32
Chapter 5
Conclusion
In conclusion the data collected for this study shows a system that sadly
does fail its young people Certainly in Gwynedd the leaving care
process is seemingly rushed and centred around a personrsquos age rather
than their readiness for independence Of course it may be argued there
has to be a lsquocut off pointrsquo and young people have to become
independent at some time for legal purposes that lsquopointrsquo is dictated by
their age It would seem this is the case regardless of the harm it may
cause Furthermore it could be argued this hasty process is a breach of
the young personrsquos human rights however despite searching no cases
were found
In 2006 research conducted by Mendes and Moselhuddin concluded
the leaving care process should be a gradual process based on levels of
maturity and ability to manage independence rather than simply age
The same recommendation is echoed in the majority of research both
past and present It would seem that ten years on we are no closer to an
ideal solution
For care leaver A C and D the outcome was poor Certainly they did
not feel supported through the transition although care leaver C had
significantly better support from their personal advisor post 18
However despite this support care leaver C was still living in less than
ideal circumstances and about to be moved once again
In line with the literature this study although with the limited sample
found immense inconsistencies within the system and in every area
from support to financial assistance
Evidently for some the system works against an already disadvantaged
group abandoning when needed the most so to speak
33
It would seem the introduction of legislation and the Transitions
Guidance to strengthen practice and policy has failed to make a
significant improvement especially surrounding the lsquolevelling uprsquo of
services Attributed by the cost cutting imposed on LArsquos by central
government this is hardly surprising
There are some encouraging outcomes such as care leaver B receiving
immense support from their LA beyond policy and legal requirement
This is in line with some of Steinrsquos (2012 81) research and positive
outcomes are underpinned by the level of good consistent and accurate
support received by the individual Yet as this study has found this is
not consistent or universal
It is clear inconsistencies lack of support young and rushed transitions
all contribute to poorer outcomes for this group of young people A
group which are already disadvantaged and at a much higher risk of
social exclusion
As a society we should consider these young people as just that ndash young
people Often with the same dreams and aspirations as any other young
person On the contrary perhaps we should consider these young
people further as many will have already been let down by society
Either way they are entitled to as much support guidance and
opportunity as any other Regrettably this does not seem to be the case
as despite advances in research policy and legislation the same
inconsistencies and failures appear to occur time and time again
The study has shown the importance of understanding the young
peoplersquos history Of understanding former problems or areas of
concern This aids the transition to independence as it identifies where
the support is needed and individualizes the young person There
cannot be a lsquoone size fits allrsquo approach to the leaving care system as
one can see these young people are individual It has identified how
fundamental it is to include a young personrsquos foster carers when
considering independence to recognise the relationship they may have
34
with the young person and the key role they play after leaving care (as
with care lever A)
With this in mind one must acknowledge the leaving care system has
indeed improved over the last 30 years however it needs to continue to
progress if there is any hope of achieving a consistent service with more
even and positive outcomes for these young people
35
Bibliography
Action for Children (2014) [Online]
Available at httpwwwactionforchildrenorgukour-
servicesadoption-fostering-and-children-in-carechildren-in-
careleaving-care
Barnardorsquos (2014)[1] [Online] Someone to Care Experiences of
leaving care Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorguksomeone_to_care_final_feb2014pdf
(Accessed 07 October 2015)
Barnardorsquos (2014)[2] [Online] The costs of not caring supporting
English care leavers into independence Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf (Accessed 07
October 2015)
Biehal N Clayden J Stein M and Wade J (1995) Moving On
Young people and leaving care schemes London HMSO
Broad B (2005) Improving the Health and Well-Being of Young
People Leaving Care Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing
Burgess C (1981) In Care and Into Work London Tavistock
Care Leaverrsquos Foundation (with Children and Young People Now)
(2009) [Online] Setting Up A place to call home Bala Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation Available at
httpwwwthecareleaversfoundationorgsitedatafilesSetting_Up_A
_Place_to_Callpdf (Accessed 06 April 2015)
Care Leavers Strategy (2013) [Online] Available at
httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachment_
datafile266484Care_Leaver_Strategypdf (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Care Act (2014) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga201423part1crossheadingtra
nsition-for-children-to-adult-care-and-support-etcenacted (Accessed
01 March 2016)
Children and Families Act 2014 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga20146section98enacted
(Accessed 02 October 2015)
36
Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200035pdfsukpga_20000035_
enpdf (Accessed 19 March 2015)
Children and Young Persons Act (2008) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200823contents (Accessed 02
October 2015)
Community Care (2014) [Online] Councils struggling to retain social
workers in face of high caseloads and competition over pay
Available at httpwwwcommunitycarecouk20140130councils-
struggling-retain-social-workers-face-high-caseloads-competition-
pay (Accessed 22 February 2016)
Courtney M Terrao S and Bost N (2004) Midwest evaluation of
the adult functioning of former foster youth Conditions of youth
preparing to leave state care Outcomes at age 19 Chicago Chapin
Hall Centre for Children at University of Chicago
Daly F (2012) lsquoMy voice has to be heardrsquo Research on outcomes
for young people leaving care in North Dublin Dublin EPIC
Dixon J and Baker C (2012) lsquoThe Housing Experience of Young
People Leaving Care in England What helpsrsquo Developing Practice
The Child Youth and Family Work Journal Issue 32 National Care
Advisory Service (NCAS)
wwweducationgovuk [Online]
Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20130123124929httpw
wweducationgovukresearchandstatisticsstatisticsa00195573
Family Rights Group (2014) [Online] Support for Young People
Leaving the Care System Available at
httpwwwfrgorgukimagesAdvice_Sheets16-support-for-young-
people-leaving-carepdf (Accessed 29 September 2015)
The Fostering Network (2014) [Online] Staying Put Available at
httpswwwfosteringnetall-about-fosteringprovidersstaying-put-
updateVg5D-PRdX1Y (Accessed 02 October 2015)
Godek S (1976) Leaving Care Barkingside Barnardorsquos
Gwynedd Council (2014) [Online] lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
Available at
httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrutin
y20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20When
37
20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf (Accessed
22 February 2016)
Harris R J (1982) Institutionalized Ambivalence Social Work and
the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 British Journal of Social
Work Vol12 pp 247-263
Higgs L (2011) [Online] Housing crisis around the corner for care
leavers experts warn Children and Young People Now Available
at httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1050066housing-crisis-
corner-care-leavers-experts-warn (Accessed 17 February 2016)
Hiles D Moss D Thorne L Wright J and Dallos R (2014) ldquoSo
what am Irdquo ndash Multiple perspectives on young peoplersquos experience of
leaving care Children and Youth Services Review Vol 41 pp 1-15
House of Commons (1968) Report of the Committee on Local
Authority and Allied Personal Social Services London HMSO
Hutchinson D (2013) [Online] Catch 22 National Care Advisory
Service (NCAS) Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads9b7793d8be6ffc05a501df3df
4a1ef5fpdf
Jackson S and Cameron C (2012) lsquoLeaving Care Looking ahead
and aiming higherrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 34 (6)
pp 1107-1114
Mendes P and Moslehuddin B (2006) lsquoFrom Dependence to
Interdependence Towards Better Outcomes for Young People
Leaving State Carersquo Child Abuse Review Vol15 pp 110-166
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2006) Young peoplersquos views on leaving
care Newcastle Commission for Social Care Inspection
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2012) Young peoplersquos views on care
and aftercare Office of the Childrenrsquos Rights Director London
Ofsted
Mulvey T (1977) lsquoAfter-care ndash who caresrsquo Concern No 26
London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Munro E Lushey C and Ward H (2011) Evaluation of the
Right2BCared4 Pilots Final report (NCAS) London Department
for Education
38
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2011) Making the Cut
Planning Transitions for Care Levers in an Age of Austerity London
NCAS
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2012) [Online] Statistical
Briefing Looked after children and care leavers 2012 Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads0e9a6e4f266b8e96ad7c8e25
7bd53982pdf (Accessed 30 March 2015)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2013)
[Online] The NICE quality standard on the health and wellbeing of
looked after children and young people Available at
httpwwwniceorgukguidanceQS31chapterQuality-statement-8-
Support-to-move-to-independence (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Office for National Statistics (2014) [Online] Large increase in 20 to
34-year-olds living with parents since 1996 Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20160105160709httpw
wwonsgovukonsrelfamily-demographyyoung-adults-living-with-
parents2013sty-young-adultshtml (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board (2016) [Online] Child J ndash
Domestic Homicide Review and Serious Case Review (combined)
Available at httpwwwoscborgukwp-contentuploadsChild-J-
OSCB-Overview-Reportpdf (Accessed 25 February 2016)
Page R and Clark G (eds) (1977) Who Cares Young People in
Care Speak Out London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Puffett N and Orfford A (2016) [Online] Increasing numbers of
care leavers in unsuitable accommodation Children and Young
People Now Available at
httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1155917increasing-numbers-of-
care-leavers-in-unsuitable-accommodation (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Samuels G M and Pryce J M (2008) ldquoWhat doesnrsquot kill you
makes you strongerrdquo Survivalist self-reliance as resilience and risk
among young adults aging out of foster care Children and Youth
Services Review Vol 30 (10) pp 1198-1210
Stein M (2002) Young People Leaving Care A Research
Perspective In A Wheal ed The RHP Companion to Leaving Care
Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing pp 28-33
39
Stein M (2004) What works for young people leaving care
Barkingside Barnardos
Stein M (2006) lsquoYoung people aging out of care The poverty of
theoryrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 28 (4) pp 422-434
Stein M (2012) Young People Leaving Care Supporting Pathways
to Adulthood London Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Stein M and Carey K (1986) Leaving Care Oxford Blackwell
Stein M and Ellis S (1983) Gizza Say Reviews and Young People
in Care London NAYPIC
Stein M and Maynard C (1985) Irsquove Never Been So Lonely
London NAYPIC
Stone M (1990) Young People Leaving Care A study of
management systems service delivery and user evaluation UK The
Royal Philanthropic Society
The Who Carersquos Trust (2014) [Online] Leaving Care Available at
httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpagesleaving-care-what-
happens-post-16html
Wade J (2011) lsquoPreparation and transition planning for
unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee young people A review
of evidence in Englandrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol
33 pp 2424-2430
Wade J and Dixon J (2006) lsquoMaking a home finding a job
investing early housing and employment outcomes for young people
leaving carersquo Child and Family Social Work Vol 11 (3) pp 199-208
Wade J Mitchel F and Baylis G (2005) Unaccompanied asylum
seeking children The response of social services London BAAF
40
Appendix
1) httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf page 25
Karenrsquos story
2) httpwwwnhsukConditionsAttention-deficit-hyperactivity-
disorderPagesIntroductionaspx
3) Email received in response to a request for Mr Timpson (Minister
of State for Children and Families) to answer three questions
regarding care leavers
Dear MsthinspThompsonthinsp
I am writing on behalf of the Minister of State for Children and
Families to thank you for your email of 9 February about your
dissertation
I am sorry but the department receives so many requests like yours
that we are unable to respond to them other than to point you to
sources of information I would therefore suggest that you look at the
departmentrsquos website
at httpswwwgovuksearchq=care+leavers+strategy
I hope you find this link helpful and that you are able to find the
information you need
Your correspondence has been allocated reference number 2016-
0008179 If you need to respond to us please
visit httpswwweducationgovukcontactus and quote your
reference number
As part of our commitment to improving the service we provide to
our customers we are interested in hearing your views and would
welcome your comments via our website
at httpswwweducationgovukpcusurvey
Yours sincerely
Kelly Walkerthinsp
Ministerial and Public Communications Division
Web
[httpswwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovuk]https
wwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovukgt
Twitter httpswwwtwittercomeducationgovuk
Facebook httpswwwfacebookcomeducationgovuk
41
[httpswwweducationgovukimages2irisdfepng]
4) httpwwwgisdaorgengamdanom-nihtml
5) httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga198941section20
6)httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrut
iny20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20Whe
n20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf
7)httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachme
nt_datafile201015Staying_Put_Guidancepdf
8) httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpageswhats-a-pathway-
planhtml
9) httpjobscommunitycarecoukarticlecoventry-tops-london-in-
the-best-place-to-live-league-tablescmpid=EMP|JOBS|SCJOB-
2016-0224-CH|READMORE-COVampcmpid
10) httpwwwconwygovukdocaspcat=4800ampdoc=19742
11)httpresearchbriefingsparliamentukResearchBriefingSummary
SN06705
42
i) Interview Guide
Generic areas of question
Age upon leaving care
Staying put scheme
Financial help
Choice of housing
Suitability of accommodation
Geographical position of accommodation
Further education
Access to support eg Personal Advisor social worker
Input with Pathway plan
Being listened to
Transition
Keeping in touch
Difference with peers
43
24
dad if there is any room But he will probably have to lsquosofa
surfrsquohellip thatrsquos what his brother had to do That will put him on
the list he has to be homeless to get helprdquo
The question of supported living was raised for this particular
participant the foster carer replied
ldquoThere doesnrsquot seem to be any here But for him it wouldnrsquot
work he would worry about the other people there He is afraid
of people that do drugs there is a family history with drugsrdquo
However a neighbouring LA had positive experiences with supported
living Their providers of supported living and BampB accommodation
had been the same for over ten years which would indicate some
consistency The manager for the leaving care team for this LA
commented that the staff at the BampBrsquos offered a sympathetic approach
with more of a lsquofamily feelrsquo to the service Furthermore this LA had
long term relationships with landlords who specifically offered
tenancies to care leavers This demonstrates the importance of
consistency Although BampB may not seem ideal if there are good long
term relationships with service providers this can offer a positive short
term solution
Likewise care leaver B had the right experience with their
accommodation
ldquoI went from the childrenrsquos home to supported lodgings and after
that had my own flat The supported lodgings really helped me
learn how to look after myself I did go off the rails a bit when I
was about 23 but because of my support I sorted myself outrdquo
Though care leaver C will be moving once again in the near future It
seems his ADHD leaves the LA at a loss as to where this young person
should live The condition necessitates extra support to enable him to
manage independence
ldquoI like where I am But the funding for here runs out soon They
(social services) have said there is a new place in Abergele I
think itrsquos a shared house If I turn that down though I will make
myself intentionally homeless so there is no choicerdquo
25
This young personrsquos worries where resonated by his mother too He
entered care under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989 (Appendix 5)
as his mother was unable to manage his behaviour Her understanding
was that he would be care for until he reached 21 It may be argued he
is being cared for and is continuing to be Yet as stated earlier a mental
health facility may not be seen as ideal equally shared housing may
not offer the level of support required for an eventual and positive
departure from care
Regrettably national statistics have shown a rise of 108 per cent in the
number of young people in unsuitable accommodation from 1660 in
2014 to 1840 in 2015 This is reiterated by Carrie Wilson young
peoplersquos project co-ordinator at The Care Leaversrsquo Association
ldquoOn a basic level [BampBs] are seen as a ldquosaferdquo place but those young
people do not feel safe regardless of the interventions put into place to
support a young person if they do not feel like they have personal
safety at the end of the day their coping mechanisms start to break
downrdquo (Puffett and Orfford 2016)
The experiences of these participants suggests a chaotic existence in
line with the research undertaken by Barnardorsquos (2) (2014)
This does not present an improvement of services Government
statistics from 2011 suggested only 17 local authorities were housing
100 per cent of care leavers in suitable accommodation (Higgs 2011)
These are dismal statistics as research conducted by Stein (201280)
found from 2004 to 2009 the numbers of care leavers in suitable
accommodation had risen from 77 to 90 The statistics from 2011
could correlate with the age of austerity and social service budget cuts
(Stein 2012 24)
In Gwynedd since 2013 there has been the lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
available and similar to Englandrsquos lsquoStaying Putrsquo scheme (Appendix 6
amp 7) These schemes are now available throughout Wales and offer the
26
young person an opportunity to stay within their foster care placement
until the age of 21 or beyond if they are engaged in education or
training which started before their twenty first birthday This extended
stay may last until completion of the education or training on the
condition it is set out in the young personrsquos pathway plan The
opportunity offers a more gradual transition similar to young people in
the general population (Gwynedd Council 2014)
However there was no evidence of this scheme to have been offered to
care leaver A Care leavers C and D appear to have merely been
managed until the LA no longer had the duty of care
c) Pathway Plans Personal Advisors and Social
Workers
ldquoI donrsquot remember how many social workers I had hellipmaybe 14
or 15 by the time I left care They kept changingrdquo (Care leaver
D)
The participants were asked about their experiences with personal
advisors social workers the creation and implementation of their
pathway plans (Appendix 8) and whether they felt they were listened
to
It would seem having several social workers is commonplace
ldquoThe 16+ team didnrsquot seem to support him They changed social
worker but he didnrsquot seem to know what was going on Then they
changed again to one from the 16+ team Thatrsquos when his
behaviour changed One of his previous social workers was
fantastic and he worshipped herhellip If only they had kept that
social worker it would have made such a differencerdquo (Foster
carer)
For care leaver A this seems to have happened with the personal
advisor too When asked about their personal advisor
27
ldquoThere was a foster meeting the lady what was her namehellip Jan
she was really good She was with social services and Gisda
But then when they thought I was ok they transferred me to
someone elserdquo
Though for some there was more consistency Care leaver C suggested
a good relationship with their personal advisor They indicated regular
visits phone calls and planning meetings In turn this young person felt
they were being listened to when the pathway plan was produced
The manager for this LAs leaving care team confirms his perspective
on personal advisors
ldquoWe have a team of four personal advisors They have about 40
cases each but they do a great job All of their cases have a
mobile phone number for them and they are all very dedicated
and approachable [from the young personrsquos point of view] They
offer a vital link from care to independencerdquo
However once again this service appears inconsistent depending on
the LA
Added to this frequent changes of case worker suggest a difficulty in
completion and implementation of pathway plans and causes the
young person to feel they are not being listened to
ldquoI was kind of listened to but then my social worker changed so
I had to start againhellipthere was no relationship there cause they
kept changing We would do one pathway plan then the social
worker changed and we would have to do another onerdquo (Care
leaver A)
When the foster carers were asked about the pathway plan and whether
they thought their young person was listened to
ldquoHe didnrsquot have a proper pathway plan for leaving it was rushed
There was no proper structure He was listened to but without
question or consideration of the consequences They ticked their
boxes and he was off their handsrdquo
These experiences were evident in the earlier research by Munro et al
(2011) whereby young people felt their voices were not heard and the
meetings surrounding their exit from care caused anxiety and stress
28
The foster carers then suggested their current placement who had just
turned 16 may suffer the same
ldquoShe is just about to change to the 16+ team they canrsquot wait to
get her on thathellipit will be her third social worker in two years
She is adamant she doesnrsquot want to leave at 16 but if they dangle
the carrot of her own flat in front of her it might be differentrdquo
Furthermore for the foster carers support appears to be inconsistent
One set had just been assigned a new social worker the third in two
years
ldquoWe have a new social worker and she just ticks the boxes She
seems terrified to use her initiative One social worker I was
dealing with said there were five people who were either off or
had left and not been replaced in his office alonerdquo
It is well documented that retention of staff within social work is
increasingly difficult Added to which there a national shortage of
approximately 3500 social workers both hindering continuity for the
people they provide services to (Community Care 2014) This and
aforementioned cuts to funding within leaving care services may
explain how the inconsistency and a lack of relationship with social
workers described within this data can infringe on the process of
leaving care
With this in mind it is imperative to consider the legal implications at
this point It would appear within the legal framework there are lsquogrey
areasrsquo which can allow the experiences of care leaverrsquos A C and D to
occur The Children (Leaving Care) Act (2000) states that an
assessment of needs must be carried out by the LA for the said child
(a)while they are still looking after him and
(b)after they cease to look after him (19B 4)
The proviso for this is the child has been looked after for a period of
time and that they are aged 16 or 17 (19B 2 a amp b)
However the Care Act (2014) has a section dedicated to the needs of a
child in the transition to adulthood including the requirement for a
29
needs assessment but in relation to the childrsquos needs after the age of
18 Furthermore section 58 (4) insists the assessment should be carried
out whether the child consents or not if there is a risk of or experiencing
abuse or neglect Bearing in mind the vulnerability of these young
people the causes for them to have been placed in care in the first place
it would be fair to consider this group eligible for this assessment and
extended care Added to which one would expect a more thorough and
consistent assessment to be carried out Clearly with several changes to
case workers [as experienced by care leavers A and D] this legal
standard is not being met
Perhaps government and policy makers should consider case worker
retention and better working environments as fundamental aspects of
policy in turn offering better outcomes for the young people
(Appendix 9)
d) Financial aspects
ldquoThey told him to choose what he needed for the flat but only
some of it turned up There is something I heard of might be
from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation where some money is put
into an ISA which can be accessed once they are 18 This is
because they have been in care But I feel the danger of that is it
could all be blown on something else or used as a carrot to
encourage leaving care As far as I have seen they just go and
spend it all then itrsquos gone ndash they would be better giving them a
furnished flatrdquo (Foster carer)
The Care Leavers Strategy states it encourages LArsquos to offer at least
pound2000 as a lsquoSetting Up Home Allowancersquo (leaving care grant)
although as this is not a legal requirement the amount varies from LA
to LA Care leaver A received in the region of pound400 (Gwynedd LA)
However the manager for Conwy laving care team indicated the
amount their care leavers receive is dependent on what they need This
is also stated on the LArsquos web site (Appendix 8) It may be suggested
that young people within less affluent LArsquos will fare worse financially
30
The Strategy maintains care leavers are entitled to a pound1200 bursary if
they are attending further education and a pound2000 bursary for higher
education This is financed by the Department for Education (2013
10) Extra funding of this kind would appear significant for these young
people however if the earlier literature is considered the statistics for
this grouprsquos educational achievements did not present well (See
chapter one) As this funding is reliant on the young person being in
education there will be a significant proportion unable to access this
extra help
Conwy LA did suggest promising outcomes for employment for their
care leavers with many undertaking apprenticeships within the
councilrsquos departments
ldquoWe have a number of our young people working and training in
the council (Conwy) with a selection of apprenticeships
specifically for them Some do go on to stay with us being
offered permanent contractsrdquo (Leaving care team manager)
Unfortunately a comparison cannot be made with other LArsquos or
voluntary organisations in this area as there was no response to the
research
Care leaver A did have temporary employment with a local leisure
centre although when a permanent contract was offered it was of a zero
hourrsquos nature
ldquoI wasnrsquot worth me taking ithellipI would lose my benefit and have
no guarantee of workrdquo
Care leaver C started a college course and managed a couple of shifts
in a restaurant kitchen however his chaotic accommodation provision
and a lack of support for his ADHD hampered his continuation
Care leaver D is NEET (Appendix 11) and has been since his exit from
care It would seem this has not been assisted by his family [to which
he returned] who have also never been in employment and his
reluctance to receive any more services It may be suggested his high
31
level of case worker turnover contributed to his reluctance Equally his
chaotic existence before entering care disrupted his education added
the rushed transition from care has not facilitated good employment
prospects
e) Evaluation and Reflection
When evaluating this research one must acknowledge the limitations
when assessing the size of the sample
Despite persistence there was a reluctance by professionals particularly
to participate Out of four LAs contacted only one responded and
agreed to be interviewed One LA received the research pack three
times follow up calls were made several times to no avail The same
may be said for the voluntary sector in spite of positive telephone
conversations and receipt of the research pack Barnardorsquos and Gisda
did not consent to be interviewed Therefore the findings were
somewhat one sided and the professional perspective limited
However even with the limited sample the original hypothesis of the
leaving care system failing the young people has a degree of truth
Equally the findings are reflective of earlier research identified in
chapter 2
There is certainly scope for further and more considerable research
within this field Although for future studies it may be beneficial to use
focus group methodology to encourage professional participation This
would possibly generate an improved response rate in comparison to
the online questionnaire used for the initial stages of this project The
face to face follow up interviews proved difficult to organise although
it was difficult to decipher whether this was due to a reluctance to
engage in the research or a lack of available time
32
Chapter 5
Conclusion
In conclusion the data collected for this study shows a system that sadly
does fail its young people Certainly in Gwynedd the leaving care
process is seemingly rushed and centred around a personrsquos age rather
than their readiness for independence Of course it may be argued there
has to be a lsquocut off pointrsquo and young people have to become
independent at some time for legal purposes that lsquopointrsquo is dictated by
their age It would seem this is the case regardless of the harm it may
cause Furthermore it could be argued this hasty process is a breach of
the young personrsquos human rights however despite searching no cases
were found
In 2006 research conducted by Mendes and Moselhuddin concluded
the leaving care process should be a gradual process based on levels of
maturity and ability to manage independence rather than simply age
The same recommendation is echoed in the majority of research both
past and present It would seem that ten years on we are no closer to an
ideal solution
For care leaver A C and D the outcome was poor Certainly they did
not feel supported through the transition although care leaver C had
significantly better support from their personal advisor post 18
However despite this support care leaver C was still living in less than
ideal circumstances and about to be moved once again
In line with the literature this study although with the limited sample
found immense inconsistencies within the system and in every area
from support to financial assistance
Evidently for some the system works against an already disadvantaged
group abandoning when needed the most so to speak
33
It would seem the introduction of legislation and the Transitions
Guidance to strengthen practice and policy has failed to make a
significant improvement especially surrounding the lsquolevelling uprsquo of
services Attributed by the cost cutting imposed on LArsquos by central
government this is hardly surprising
There are some encouraging outcomes such as care leaver B receiving
immense support from their LA beyond policy and legal requirement
This is in line with some of Steinrsquos (2012 81) research and positive
outcomes are underpinned by the level of good consistent and accurate
support received by the individual Yet as this study has found this is
not consistent or universal
It is clear inconsistencies lack of support young and rushed transitions
all contribute to poorer outcomes for this group of young people A
group which are already disadvantaged and at a much higher risk of
social exclusion
As a society we should consider these young people as just that ndash young
people Often with the same dreams and aspirations as any other young
person On the contrary perhaps we should consider these young
people further as many will have already been let down by society
Either way they are entitled to as much support guidance and
opportunity as any other Regrettably this does not seem to be the case
as despite advances in research policy and legislation the same
inconsistencies and failures appear to occur time and time again
The study has shown the importance of understanding the young
peoplersquos history Of understanding former problems or areas of
concern This aids the transition to independence as it identifies where
the support is needed and individualizes the young person There
cannot be a lsquoone size fits allrsquo approach to the leaving care system as
one can see these young people are individual It has identified how
fundamental it is to include a young personrsquos foster carers when
considering independence to recognise the relationship they may have
34
with the young person and the key role they play after leaving care (as
with care lever A)
With this in mind one must acknowledge the leaving care system has
indeed improved over the last 30 years however it needs to continue to
progress if there is any hope of achieving a consistent service with more
even and positive outcomes for these young people
35
Bibliography
Action for Children (2014) [Online]
Available at httpwwwactionforchildrenorgukour-
servicesadoption-fostering-and-children-in-carechildren-in-
careleaving-care
Barnardorsquos (2014)[1] [Online] Someone to Care Experiences of
leaving care Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorguksomeone_to_care_final_feb2014pdf
(Accessed 07 October 2015)
Barnardorsquos (2014)[2] [Online] The costs of not caring supporting
English care leavers into independence Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf (Accessed 07
October 2015)
Biehal N Clayden J Stein M and Wade J (1995) Moving On
Young people and leaving care schemes London HMSO
Broad B (2005) Improving the Health and Well-Being of Young
People Leaving Care Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing
Burgess C (1981) In Care and Into Work London Tavistock
Care Leaverrsquos Foundation (with Children and Young People Now)
(2009) [Online] Setting Up A place to call home Bala Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation Available at
httpwwwthecareleaversfoundationorgsitedatafilesSetting_Up_A
_Place_to_Callpdf (Accessed 06 April 2015)
Care Leavers Strategy (2013) [Online] Available at
httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachment_
datafile266484Care_Leaver_Strategypdf (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Care Act (2014) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga201423part1crossheadingtra
nsition-for-children-to-adult-care-and-support-etcenacted (Accessed
01 March 2016)
Children and Families Act 2014 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga20146section98enacted
(Accessed 02 October 2015)
36
Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200035pdfsukpga_20000035_
enpdf (Accessed 19 March 2015)
Children and Young Persons Act (2008) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200823contents (Accessed 02
October 2015)
Community Care (2014) [Online] Councils struggling to retain social
workers in face of high caseloads and competition over pay
Available at httpwwwcommunitycarecouk20140130councils-
struggling-retain-social-workers-face-high-caseloads-competition-
pay (Accessed 22 February 2016)
Courtney M Terrao S and Bost N (2004) Midwest evaluation of
the adult functioning of former foster youth Conditions of youth
preparing to leave state care Outcomes at age 19 Chicago Chapin
Hall Centre for Children at University of Chicago
Daly F (2012) lsquoMy voice has to be heardrsquo Research on outcomes
for young people leaving care in North Dublin Dublin EPIC
Dixon J and Baker C (2012) lsquoThe Housing Experience of Young
People Leaving Care in England What helpsrsquo Developing Practice
The Child Youth and Family Work Journal Issue 32 National Care
Advisory Service (NCAS)
wwweducationgovuk [Online]
Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20130123124929httpw
wweducationgovukresearchandstatisticsstatisticsa00195573
Family Rights Group (2014) [Online] Support for Young People
Leaving the Care System Available at
httpwwwfrgorgukimagesAdvice_Sheets16-support-for-young-
people-leaving-carepdf (Accessed 29 September 2015)
The Fostering Network (2014) [Online] Staying Put Available at
httpswwwfosteringnetall-about-fosteringprovidersstaying-put-
updateVg5D-PRdX1Y (Accessed 02 October 2015)
Godek S (1976) Leaving Care Barkingside Barnardorsquos
Gwynedd Council (2014) [Online] lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
Available at
httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrutin
y20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20When
37
20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf (Accessed
22 February 2016)
Harris R J (1982) Institutionalized Ambivalence Social Work and
the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 British Journal of Social
Work Vol12 pp 247-263
Higgs L (2011) [Online] Housing crisis around the corner for care
leavers experts warn Children and Young People Now Available
at httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1050066housing-crisis-
corner-care-leavers-experts-warn (Accessed 17 February 2016)
Hiles D Moss D Thorne L Wright J and Dallos R (2014) ldquoSo
what am Irdquo ndash Multiple perspectives on young peoplersquos experience of
leaving care Children and Youth Services Review Vol 41 pp 1-15
House of Commons (1968) Report of the Committee on Local
Authority and Allied Personal Social Services London HMSO
Hutchinson D (2013) [Online] Catch 22 National Care Advisory
Service (NCAS) Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads9b7793d8be6ffc05a501df3df
4a1ef5fpdf
Jackson S and Cameron C (2012) lsquoLeaving Care Looking ahead
and aiming higherrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 34 (6)
pp 1107-1114
Mendes P and Moslehuddin B (2006) lsquoFrom Dependence to
Interdependence Towards Better Outcomes for Young People
Leaving State Carersquo Child Abuse Review Vol15 pp 110-166
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2006) Young peoplersquos views on leaving
care Newcastle Commission for Social Care Inspection
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2012) Young peoplersquos views on care
and aftercare Office of the Childrenrsquos Rights Director London
Ofsted
Mulvey T (1977) lsquoAfter-care ndash who caresrsquo Concern No 26
London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Munro E Lushey C and Ward H (2011) Evaluation of the
Right2BCared4 Pilots Final report (NCAS) London Department
for Education
38
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2011) Making the Cut
Planning Transitions for Care Levers in an Age of Austerity London
NCAS
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2012) [Online] Statistical
Briefing Looked after children and care leavers 2012 Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads0e9a6e4f266b8e96ad7c8e25
7bd53982pdf (Accessed 30 March 2015)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2013)
[Online] The NICE quality standard on the health and wellbeing of
looked after children and young people Available at
httpwwwniceorgukguidanceQS31chapterQuality-statement-8-
Support-to-move-to-independence (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Office for National Statistics (2014) [Online] Large increase in 20 to
34-year-olds living with parents since 1996 Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20160105160709httpw
wwonsgovukonsrelfamily-demographyyoung-adults-living-with-
parents2013sty-young-adultshtml (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board (2016) [Online] Child J ndash
Domestic Homicide Review and Serious Case Review (combined)
Available at httpwwwoscborgukwp-contentuploadsChild-J-
OSCB-Overview-Reportpdf (Accessed 25 February 2016)
Page R and Clark G (eds) (1977) Who Cares Young People in
Care Speak Out London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Puffett N and Orfford A (2016) [Online] Increasing numbers of
care leavers in unsuitable accommodation Children and Young
People Now Available at
httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1155917increasing-numbers-of-
care-leavers-in-unsuitable-accommodation (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Samuels G M and Pryce J M (2008) ldquoWhat doesnrsquot kill you
makes you strongerrdquo Survivalist self-reliance as resilience and risk
among young adults aging out of foster care Children and Youth
Services Review Vol 30 (10) pp 1198-1210
Stein M (2002) Young People Leaving Care A Research
Perspective In A Wheal ed The RHP Companion to Leaving Care
Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing pp 28-33
39
Stein M (2004) What works for young people leaving care
Barkingside Barnardos
Stein M (2006) lsquoYoung people aging out of care The poverty of
theoryrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 28 (4) pp 422-434
Stein M (2012) Young People Leaving Care Supporting Pathways
to Adulthood London Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Stein M and Carey K (1986) Leaving Care Oxford Blackwell
Stein M and Ellis S (1983) Gizza Say Reviews and Young People
in Care London NAYPIC
Stein M and Maynard C (1985) Irsquove Never Been So Lonely
London NAYPIC
Stone M (1990) Young People Leaving Care A study of
management systems service delivery and user evaluation UK The
Royal Philanthropic Society
The Who Carersquos Trust (2014) [Online] Leaving Care Available at
httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpagesleaving-care-what-
happens-post-16html
Wade J (2011) lsquoPreparation and transition planning for
unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee young people A review
of evidence in Englandrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol
33 pp 2424-2430
Wade J and Dixon J (2006) lsquoMaking a home finding a job
investing early housing and employment outcomes for young people
leaving carersquo Child and Family Social Work Vol 11 (3) pp 199-208
Wade J Mitchel F and Baylis G (2005) Unaccompanied asylum
seeking children The response of social services London BAAF
40
Appendix
1) httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf page 25
Karenrsquos story
2) httpwwwnhsukConditionsAttention-deficit-hyperactivity-
disorderPagesIntroductionaspx
3) Email received in response to a request for Mr Timpson (Minister
of State for Children and Families) to answer three questions
regarding care leavers
Dear MsthinspThompsonthinsp
I am writing on behalf of the Minister of State for Children and
Families to thank you for your email of 9 February about your
dissertation
I am sorry but the department receives so many requests like yours
that we are unable to respond to them other than to point you to
sources of information I would therefore suggest that you look at the
departmentrsquos website
at httpswwwgovuksearchq=care+leavers+strategy
I hope you find this link helpful and that you are able to find the
information you need
Your correspondence has been allocated reference number 2016-
0008179 If you need to respond to us please
visit httpswwweducationgovukcontactus and quote your
reference number
As part of our commitment to improving the service we provide to
our customers we are interested in hearing your views and would
welcome your comments via our website
at httpswwweducationgovukpcusurvey
Yours sincerely
Kelly Walkerthinsp
Ministerial and Public Communications Division
Web
[httpswwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovuk]https
wwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovukgt
Twitter httpswwwtwittercomeducationgovuk
Facebook httpswwwfacebookcomeducationgovuk
41
[httpswwweducationgovukimages2irisdfepng]
4) httpwwwgisdaorgengamdanom-nihtml
5) httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga198941section20
6)httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrut
iny20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20Whe
n20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf
7)httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachme
nt_datafile201015Staying_Put_Guidancepdf
8) httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpageswhats-a-pathway-
planhtml
9) httpjobscommunitycarecoukarticlecoventry-tops-london-in-
the-best-place-to-live-league-tablescmpid=EMP|JOBS|SCJOB-
2016-0224-CH|READMORE-COVampcmpid
10) httpwwwconwygovukdocaspcat=4800ampdoc=19742
11)httpresearchbriefingsparliamentukResearchBriefingSummary
SN06705
42
i) Interview Guide
Generic areas of question
Age upon leaving care
Staying put scheme
Financial help
Choice of housing
Suitability of accommodation
Geographical position of accommodation
Further education
Access to support eg Personal Advisor social worker
Input with Pathway plan
Being listened to
Transition
Keeping in touch
Difference with peers
43
25
This young personrsquos worries where resonated by his mother too He
entered care under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989 (Appendix 5)
as his mother was unable to manage his behaviour Her understanding
was that he would be care for until he reached 21 It may be argued he
is being cared for and is continuing to be Yet as stated earlier a mental
health facility may not be seen as ideal equally shared housing may
not offer the level of support required for an eventual and positive
departure from care
Regrettably national statistics have shown a rise of 108 per cent in the
number of young people in unsuitable accommodation from 1660 in
2014 to 1840 in 2015 This is reiterated by Carrie Wilson young
peoplersquos project co-ordinator at The Care Leaversrsquo Association
ldquoOn a basic level [BampBs] are seen as a ldquosaferdquo place but those young
people do not feel safe regardless of the interventions put into place to
support a young person if they do not feel like they have personal
safety at the end of the day their coping mechanisms start to break
downrdquo (Puffett and Orfford 2016)
The experiences of these participants suggests a chaotic existence in
line with the research undertaken by Barnardorsquos (2) (2014)
This does not present an improvement of services Government
statistics from 2011 suggested only 17 local authorities were housing
100 per cent of care leavers in suitable accommodation (Higgs 2011)
These are dismal statistics as research conducted by Stein (201280)
found from 2004 to 2009 the numbers of care leavers in suitable
accommodation had risen from 77 to 90 The statistics from 2011
could correlate with the age of austerity and social service budget cuts
(Stein 2012 24)
In Gwynedd since 2013 there has been the lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
available and similar to Englandrsquos lsquoStaying Putrsquo scheme (Appendix 6
amp 7) These schemes are now available throughout Wales and offer the
26
young person an opportunity to stay within their foster care placement
until the age of 21 or beyond if they are engaged in education or
training which started before their twenty first birthday This extended
stay may last until completion of the education or training on the
condition it is set out in the young personrsquos pathway plan The
opportunity offers a more gradual transition similar to young people in
the general population (Gwynedd Council 2014)
However there was no evidence of this scheme to have been offered to
care leaver A Care leavers C and D appear to have merely been
managed until the LA no longer had the duty of care
c) Pathway Plans Personal Advisors and Social
Workers
ldquoI donrsquot remember how many social workers I had hellipmaybe 14
or 15 by the time I left care They kept changingrdquo (Care leaver
D)
The participants were asked about their experiences with personal
advisors social workers the creation and implementation of their
pathway plans (Appendix 8) and whether they felt they were listened
to
It would seem having several social workers is commonplace
ldquoThe 16+ team didnrsquot seem to support him They changed social
worker but he didnrsquot seem to know what was going on Then they
changed again to one from the 16+ team Thatrsquos when his
behaviour changed One of his previous social workers was
fantastic and he worshipped herhellip If only they had kept that
social worker it would have made such a differencerdquo (Foster
carer)
For care leaver A this seems to have happened with the personal
advisor too When asked about their personal advisor
27
ldquoThere was a foster meeting the lady what was her namehellip Jan
she was really good She was with social services and Gisda
But then when they thought I was ok they transferred me to
someone elserdquo
Though for some there was more consistency Care leaver C suggested
a good relationship with their personal advisor They indicated regular
visits phone calls and planning meetings In turn this young person felt
they were being listened to when the pathway plan was produced
The manager for this LAs leaving care team confirms his perspective
on personal advisors
ldquoWe have a team of four personal advisors They have about 40
cases each but they do a great job All of their cases have a
mobile phone number for them and they are all very dedicated
and approachable [from the young personrsquos point of view] They
offer a vital link from care to independencerdquo
However once again this service appears inconsistent depending on
the LA
Added to this frequent changes of case worker suggest a difficulty in
completion and implementation of pathway plans and causes the
young person to feel they are not being listened to
ldquoI was kind of listened to but then my social worker changed so
I had to start againhellipthere was no relationship there cause they
kept changing We would do one pathway plan then the social
worker changed and we would have to do another onerdquo (Care
leaver A)
When the foster carers were asked about the pathway plan and whether
they thought their young person was listened to
ldquoHe didnrsquot have a proper pathway plan for leaving it was rushed
There was no proper structure He was listened to but without
question or consideration of the consequences They ticked their
boxes and he was off their handsrdquo
These experiences were evident in the earlier research by Munro et al
(2011) whereby young people felt their voices were not heard and the
meetings surrounding their exit from care caused anxiety and stress
28
The foster carers then suggested their current placement who had just
turned 16 may suffer the same
ldquoShe is just about to change to the 16+ team they canrsquot wait to
get her on thathellipit will be her third social worker in two years
She is adamant she doesnrsquot want to leave at 16 but if they dangle
the carrot of her own flat in front of her it might be differentrdquo
Furthermore for the foster carers support appears to be inconsistent
One set had just been assigned a new social worker the third in two
years
ldquoWe have a new social worker and she just ticks the boxes She
seems terrified to use her initiative One social worker I was
dealing with said there were five people who were either off or
had left and not been replaced in his office alonerdquo
It is well documented that retention of staff within social work is
increasingly difficult Added to which there a national shortage of
approximately 3500 social workers both hindering continuity for the
people they provide services to (Community Care 2014) This and
aforementioned cuts to funding within leaving care services may
explain how the inconsistency and a lack of relationship with social
workers described within this data can infringe on the process of
leaving care
With this in mind it is imperative to consider the legal implications at
this point It would appear within the legal framework there are lsquogrey
areasrsquo which can allow the experiences of care leaverrsquos A C and D to
occur The Children (Leaving Care) Act (2000) states that an
assessment of needs must be carried out by the LA for the said child
(a)while they are still looking after him and
(b)after they cease to look after him (19B 4)
The proviso for this is the child has been looked after for a period of
time and that they are aged 16 or 17 (19B 2 a amp b)
However the Care Act (2014) has a section dedicated to the needs of a
child in the transition to adulthood including the requirement for a
29
needs assessment but in relation to the childrsquos needs after the age of
18 Furthermore section 58 (4) insists the assessment should be carried
out whether the child consents or not if there is a risk of or experiencing
abuse or neglect Bearing in mind the vulnerability of these young
people the causes for them to have been placed in care in the first place
it would be fair to consider this group eligible for this assessment and
extended care Added to which one would expect a more thorough and
consistent assessment to be carried out Clearly with several changes to
case workers [as experienced by care leavers A and D] this legal
standard is not being met
Perhaps government and policy makers should consider case worker
retention and better working environments as fundamental aspects of
policy in turn offering better outcomes for the young people
(Appendix 9)
d) Financial aspects
ldquoThey told him to choose what he needed for the flat but only
some of it turned up There is something I heard of might be
from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation where some money is put
into an ISA which can be accessed once they are 18 This is
because they have been in care But I feel the danger of that is it
could all be blown on something else or used as a carrot to
encourage leaving care As far as I have seen they just go and
spend it all then itrsquos gone ndash they would be better giving them a
furnished flatrdquo (Foster carer)
The Care Leavers Strategy states it encourages LArsquos to offer at least
pound2000 as a lsquoSetting Up Home Allowancersquo (leaving care grant)
although as this is not a legal requirement the amount varies from LA
to LA Care leaver A received in the region of pound400 (Gwynedd LA)
However the manager for Conwy laving care team indicated the
amount their care leavers receive is dependent on what they need This
is also stated on the LArsquos web site (Appendix 8) It may be suggested
that young people within less affluent LArsquos will fare worse financially
30
The Strategy maintains care leavers are entitled to a pound1200 bursary if
they are attending further education and a pound2000 bursary for higher
education This is financed by the Department for Education (2013
10) Extra funding of this kind would appear significant for these young
people however if the earlier literature is considered the statistics for
this grouprsquos educational achievements did not present well (See
chapter one) As this funding is reliant on the young person being in
education there will be a significant proportion unable to access this
extra help
Conwy LA did suggest promising outcomes for employment for their
care leavers with many undertaking apprenticeships within the
councilrsquos departments
ldquoWe have a number of our young people working and training in
the council (Conwy) with a selection of apprenticeships
specifically for them Some do go on to stay with us being
offered permanent contractsrdquo (Leaving care team manager)
Unfortunately a comparison cannot be made with other LArsquos or
voluntary organisations in this area as there was no response to the
research
Care leaver A did have temporary employment with a local leisure
centre although when a permanent contract was offered it was of a zero
hourrsquos nature
ldquoI wasnrsquot worth me taking ithellipI would lose my benefit and have
no guarantee of workrdquo
Care leaver C started a college course and managed a couple of shifts
in a restaurant kitchen however his chaotic accommodation provision
and a lack of support for his ADHD hampered his continuation
Care leaver D is NEET (Appendix 11) and has been since his exit from
care It would seem this has not been assisted by his family [to which
he returned] who have also never been in employment and his
reluctance to receive any more services It may be suggested his high
31
level of case worker turnover contributed to his reluctance Equally his
chaotic existence before entering care disrupted his education added
the rushed transition from care has not facilitated good employment
prospects
e) Evaluation and Reflection
When evaluating this research one must acknowledge the limitations
when assessing the size of the sample
Despite persistence there was a reluctance by professionals particularly
to participate Out of four LAs contacted only one responded and
agreed to be interviewed One LA received the research pack three
times follow up calls were made several times to no avail The same
may be said for the voluntary sector in spite of positive telephone
conversations and receipt of the research pack Barnardorsquos and Gisda
did not consent to be interviewed Therefore the findings were
somewhat one sided and the professional perspective limited
However even with the limited sample the original hypothesis of the
leaving care system failing the young people has a degree of truth
Equally the findings are reflective of earlier research identified in
chapter 2
There is certainly scope for further and more considerable research
within this field Although for future studies it may be beneficial to use
focus group methodology to encourage professional participation This
would possibly generate an improved response rate in comparison to
the online questionnaire used for the initial stages of this project The
face to face follow up interviews proved difficult to organise although
it was difficult to decipher whether this was due to a reluctance to
engage in the research or a lack of available time
32
Chapter 5
Conclusion
In conclusion the data collected for this study shows a system that sadly
does fail its young people Certainly in Gwynedd the leaving care
process is seemingly rushed and centred around a personrsquos age rather
than their readiness for independence Of course it may be argued there
has to be a lsquocut off pointrsquo and young people have to become
independent at some time for legal purposes that lsquopointrsquo is dictated by
their age It would seem this is the case regardless of the harm it may
cause Furthermore it could be argued this hasty process is a breach of
the young personrsquos human rights however despite searching no cases
were found
In 2006 research conducted by Mendes and Moselhuddin concluded
the leaving care process should be a gradual process based on levels of
maturity and ability to manage independence rather than simply age
The same recommendation is echoed in the majority of research both
past and present It would seem that ten years on we are no closer to an
ideal solution
For care leaver A C and D the outcome was poor Certainly they did
not feel supported through the transition although care leaver C had
significantly better support from their personal advisor post 18
However despite this support care leaver C was still living in less than
ideal circumstances and about to be moved once again
In line with the literature this study although with the limited sample
found immense inconsistencies within the system and in every area
from support to financial assistance
Evidently for some the system works against an already disadvantaged
group abandoning when needed the most so to speak
33
It would seem the introduction of legislation and the Transitions
Guidance to strengthen practice and policy has failed to make a
significant improvement especially surrounding the lsquolevelling uprsquo of
services Attributed by the cost cutting imposed on LArsquos by central
government this is hardly surprising
There are some encouraging outcomes such as care leaver B receiving
immense support from their LA beyond policy and legal requirement
This is in line with some of Steinrsquos (2012 81) research and positive
outcomes are underpinned by the level of good consistent and accurate
support received by the individual Yet as this study has found this is
not consistent or universal
It is clear inconsistencies lack of support young and rushed transitions
all contribute to poorer outcomes for this group of young people A
group which are already disadvantaged and at a much higher risk of
social exclusion
As a society we should consider these young people as just that ndash young
people Often with the same dreams and aspirations as any other young
person On the contrary perhaps we should consider these young
people further as many will have already been let down by society
Either way they are entitled to as much support guidance and
opportunity as any other Regrettably this does not seem to be the case
as despite advances in research policy and legislation the same
inconsistencies and failures appear to occur time and time again
The study has shown the importance of understanding the young
peoplersquos history Of understanding former problems or areas of
concern This aids the transition to independence as it identifies where
the support is needed and individualizes the young person There
cannot be a lsquoone size fits allrsquo approach to the leaving care system as
one can see these young people are individual It has identified how
fundamental it is to include a young personrsquos foster carers when
considering independence to recognise the relationship they may have
34
with the young person and the key role they play after leaving care (as
with care lever A)
With this in mind one must acknowledge the leaving care system has
indeed improved over the last 30 years however it needs to continue to
progress if there is any hope of achieving a consistent service with more
even and positive outcomes for these young people
35
Bibliography
Action for Children (2014) [Online]
Available at httpwwwactionforchildrenorgukour-
servicesadoption-fostering-and-children-in-carechildren-in-
careleaving-care
Barnardorsquos (2014)[1] [Online] Someone to Care Experiences of
leaving care Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorguksomeone_to_care_final_feb2014pdf
(Accessed 07 October 2015)
Barnardorsquos (2014)[2] [Online] The costs of not caring supporting
English care leavers into independence Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf (Accessed 07
October 2015)
Biehal N Clayden J Stein M and Wade J (1995) Moving On
Young people and leaving care schemes London HMSO
Broad B (2005) Improving the Health and Well-Being of Young
People Leaving Care Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing
Burgess C (1981) In Care and Into Work London Tavistock
Care Leaverrsquos Foundation (with Children and Young People Now)
(2009) [Online] Setting Up A place to call home Bala Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation Available at
httpwwwthecareleaversfoundationorgsitedatafilesSetting_Up_A
_Place_to_Callpdf (Accessed 06 April 2015)
Care Leavers Strategy (2013) [Online] Available at
httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachment_
datafile266484Care_Leaver_Strategypdf (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Care Act (2014) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga201423part1crossheadingtra
nsition-for-children-to-adult-care-and-support-etcenacted (Accessed
01 March 2016)
Children and Families Act 2014 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga20146section98enacted
(Accessed 02 October 2015)
36
Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200035pdfsukpga_20000035_
enpdf (Accessed 19 March 2015)
Children and Young Persons Act (2008) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200823contents (Accessed 02
October 2015)
Community Care (2014) [Online] Councils struggling to retain social
workers in face of high caseloads and competition over pay
Available at httpwwwcommunitycarecouk20140130councils-
struggling-retain-social-workers-face-high-caseloads-competition-
pay (Accessed 22 February 2016)
Courtney M Terrao S and Bost N (2004) Midwest evaluation of
the adult functioning of former foster youth Conditions of youth
preparing to leave state care Outcomes at age 19 Chicago Chapin
Hall Centre for Children at University of Chicago
Daly F (2012) lsquoMy voice has to be heardrsquo Research on outcomes
for young people leaving care in North Dublin Dublin EPIC
Dixon J and Baker C (2012) lsquoThe Housing Experience of Young
People Leaving Care in England What helpsrsquo Developing Practice
The Child Youth and Family Work Journal Issue 32 National Care
Advisory Service (NCAS)
wwweducationgovuk [Online]
Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20130123124929httpw
wweducationgovukresearchandstatisticsstatisticsa00195573
Family Rights Group (2014) [Online] Support for Young People
Leaving the Care System Available at
httpwwwfrgorgukimagesAdvice_Sheets16-support-for-young-
people-leaving-carepdf (Accessed 29 September 2015)
The Fostering Network (2014) [Online] Staying Put Available at
httpswwwfosteringnetall-about-fosteringprovidersstaying-put-
updateVg5D-PRdX1Y (Accessed 02 October 2015)
Godek S (1976) Leaving Care Barkingside Barnardorsquos
Gwynedd Council (2014) [Online] lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
Available at
httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrutin
y20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20When
37
20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf (Accessed
22 February 2016)
Harris R J (1982) Institutionalized Ambivalence Social Work and
the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 British Journal of Social
Work Vol12 pp 247-263
Higgs L (2011) [Online] Housing crisis around the corner for care
leavers experts warn Children and Young People Now Available
at httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1050066housing-crisis-
corner-care-leavers-experts-warn (Accessed 17 February 2016)
Hiles D Moss D Thorne L Wright J and Dallos R (2014) ldquoSo
what am Irdquo ndash Multiple perspectives on young peoplersquos experience of
leaving care Children and Youth Services Review Vol 41 pp 1-15
House of Commons (1968) Report of the Committee on Local
Authority and Allied Personal Social Services London HMSO
Hutchinson D (2013) [Online] Catch 22 National Care Advisory
Service (NCAS) Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads9b7793d8be6ffc05a501df3df
4a1ef5fpdf
Jackson S and Cameron C (2012) lsquoLeaving Care Looking ahead
and aiming higherrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 34 (6)
pp 1107-1114
Mendes P and Moslehuddin B (2006) lsquoFrom Dependence to
Interdependence Towards Better Outcomes for Young People
Leaving State Carersquo Child Abuse Review Vol15 pp 110-166
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2006) Young peoplersquos views on leaving
care Newcastle Commission for Social Care Inspection
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2012) Young peoplersquos views on care
and aftercare Office of the Childrenrsquos Rights Director London
Ofsted
Mulvey T (1977) lsquoAfter-care ndash who caresrsquo Concern No 26
London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Munro E Lushey C and Ward H (2011) Evaluation of the
Right2BCared4 Pilots Final report (NCAS) London Department
for Education
38
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2011) Making the Cut
Planning Transitions for Care Levers in an Age of Austerity London
NCAS
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2012) [Online] Statistical
Briefing Looked after children and care leavers 2012 Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads0e9a6e4f266b8e96ad7c8e25
7bd53982pdf (Accessed 30 March 2015)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2013)
[Online] The NICE quality standard on the health and wellbeing of
looked after children and young people Available at
httpwwwniceorgukguidanceQS31chapterQuality-statement-8-
Support-to-move-to-independence (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Office for National Statistics (2014) [Online] Large increase in 20 to
34-year-olds living with parents since 1996 Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20160105160709httpw
wwonsgovukonsrelfamily-demographyyoung-adults-living-with-
parents2013sty-young-adultshtml (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board (2016) [Online] Child J ndash
Domestic Homicide Review and Serious Case Review (combined)
Available at httpwwwoscborgukwp-contentuploadsChild-J-
OSCB-Overview-Reportpdf (Accessed 25 February 2016)
Page R and Clark G (eds) (1977) Who Cares Young People in
Care Speak Out London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Puffett N and Orfford A (2016) [Online] Increasing numbers of
care leavers in unsuitable accommodation Children and Young
People Now Available at
httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1155917increasing-numbers-of-
care-leavers-in-unsuitable-accommodation (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Samuels G M and Pryce J M (2008) ldquoWhat doesnrsquot kill you
makes you strongerrdquo Survivalist self-reliance as resilience and risk
among young adults aging out of foster care Children and Youth
Services Review Vol 30 (10) pp 1198-1210
Stein M (2002) Young People Leaving Care A Research
Perspective In A Wheal ed The RHP Companion to Leaving Care
Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing pp 28-33
39
Stein M (2004) What works for young people leaving care
Barkingside Barnardos
Stein M (2006) lsquoYoung people aging out of care The poverty of
theoryrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 28 (4) pp 422-434
Stein M (2012) Young People Leaving Care Supporting Pathways
to Adulthood London Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Stein M and Carey K (1986) Leaving Care Oxford Blackwell
Stein M and Ellis S (1983) Gizza Say Reviews and Young People
in Care London NAYPIC
Stein M and Maynard C (1985) Irsquove Never Been So Lonely
London NAYPIC
Stone M (1990) Young People Leaving Care A study of
management systems service delivery and user evaluation UK The
Royal Philanthropic Society
The Who Carersquos Trust (2014) [Online] Leaving Care Available at
httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpagesleaving-care-what-
happens-post-16html
Wade J (2011) lsquoPreparation and transition planning for
unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee young people A review
of evidence in Englandrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol
33 pp 2424-2430
Wade J and Dixon J (2006) lsquoMaking a home finding a job
investing early housing and employment outcomes for young people
leaving carersquo Child and Family Social Work Vol 11 (3) pp 199-208
Wade J Mitchel F and Baylis G (2005) Unaccompanied asylum
seeking children The response of social services London BAAF
40
Appendix
1) httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf page 25
Karenrsquos story
2) httpwwwnhsukConditionsAttention-deficit-hyperactivity-
disorderPagesIntroductionaspx
3) Email received in response to a request for Mr Timpson (Minister
of State for Children and Families) to answer three questions
regarding care leavers
Dear MsthinspThompsonthinsp
I am writing on behalf of the Minister of State for Children and
Families to thank you for your email of 9 February about your
dissertation
I am sorry but the department receives so many requests like yours
that we are unable to respond to them other than to point you to
sources of information I would therefore suggest that you look at the
departmentrsquos website
at httpswwwgovuksearchq=care+leavers+strategy
I hope you find this link helpful and that you are able to find the
information you need
Your correspondence has been allocated reference number 2016-
0008179 If you need to respond to us please
visit httpswwweducationgovukcontactus and quote your
reference number
As part of our commitment to improving the service we provide to
our customers we are interested in hearing your views and would
welcome your comments via our website
at httpswwweducationgovukpcusurvey
Yours sincerely
Kelly Walkerthinsp
Ministerial and Public Communications Division
Web
[httpswwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovuk]https
wwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovukgt
Twitter httpswwwtwittercomeducationgovuk
Facebook httpswwwfacebookcomeducationgovuk
41
[httpswwweducationgovukimages2irisdfepng]
4) httpwwwgisdaorgengamdanom-nihtml
5) httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga198941section20
6)httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrut
iny20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20Whe
n20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf
7)httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachme
nt_datafile201015Staying_Put_Guidancepdf
8) httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpageswhats-a-pathway-
planhtml
9) httpjobscommunitycarecoukarticlecoventry-tops-london-in-
the-best-place-to-live-league-tablescmpid=EMP|JOBS|SCJOB-
2016-0224-CH|READMORE-COVampcmpid
10) httpwwwconwygovukdocaspcat=4800ampdoc=19742
11)httpresearchbriefingsparliamentukResearchBriefingSummary
SN06705
42
i) Interview Guide
Generic areas of question
Age upon leaving care
Staying put scheme
Financial help
Choice of housing
Suitability of accommodation
Geographical position of accommodation
Further education
Access to support eg Personal Advisor social worker
Input with Pathway plan
Being listened to
Transition
Keeping in touch
Difference with peers
43
26
young person an opportunity to stay within their foster care placement
until the age of 21 or beyond if they are engaged in education or
training which started before their twenty first birthday This extended
stay may last until completion of the education or training on the
condition it is set out in the young personrsquos pathway plan The
opportunity offers a more gradual transition similar to young people in
the general population (Gwynedd Council 2014)
However there was no evidence of this scheme to have been offered to
care leaver A Care leavers C and D appear to have merely been
managed until the LA no longer had the duty of care
c) Pathway Plans Personal Advisors and Social
Workers
ldquoI donrsquot remember how many social workers I had hellipmaybe 14
or 15 by the time I left care They kept changingrdquo (Care leaver
D)
The participants were asked about their experiences with personal
advisors social workers the creation and implementation of their
pathway plans (Appendix 8) and whether they felt they were listened
to
It would seem having several social workers is commonplace
ldquoThe 16+ team didnrsquot seem to support him They changed social
worker but he didnrsquot seem to know what was going on Then they
changed again to one from the 16+ team Thatrsquos when his
behaviour changed One of his previous social workers was
fantastic and he worshipped herhellip If only they had kept that
social worker it would have made such a differencerdquo (Foster
carer)
For care leaver A this seems to have happened with the personal
advisor too When asked about their personal advisor
27
ldquoThere was a foster meeting the lady what was her namehellip Jan
she was really good She was with social services and Gisda
But then when they thought I was ok they transferred me to
someone elserdquo
Though for some there was more consistency Care leaver C suggested
a good relationship with their personal advisor They indicated regular
visits phone calls and planning meetings In turn this young person felt
they were being listened to when the pathway plan was produced
The manager for this LAs leaving care team confirms his perspective
on personal advisors
ldquoWe have a team of four personal advisors They have about 40
cases each but they do a great job All of their cases have a
mobile phone number for them and they are all very dedicated
and approachable [from the young personrsquos point of view] They
offer a vital link from care to independencerdquo
However once again this service appears inconsistent depending on
the LA
Added to this frequent changes of case worker suggest a difficulty in
completion and implementation of pathway plans and causes the
young person to feel they are not being listened to
ldquoI was kind of listened to but then my social worker changed so
I had to start againhellipthere was no relationship there cause they
kept changing We would do one pathway plan then the social
worker changed and we would have to do another onerdquo (Care
leaver A)
When the foster carers were asked about the pathway plan and whether
they thought their young person was listened to
ldquoHe didnrsquot have a proper pathway plan for leaving it was rushed
There was no proper structure He was listened to but without
question or consideration of the consequences They ticked their
boxes and he was off their handsrdquo
These experiences were evident in the earlier research by Munro et al
(2011) whereby young people felt their voices were not heard and the
meetings surrounding their exit from care caused anxiety and stress
28
The foster carers then suggested their current placement who had just
turned 16 may suffer the same
ldquoShe is just about to change to the 16+ team they canrsquot wait to
get her on thathellipit will be her third social worker in two years
She is adamant she doesnrsquot want to leave at 16 but if they dangle
the carrot of her own flat in front of her it might be differentrdquo
Furthermore for the foster carers support appears to be inconsistent
One set had just been assigned a new social worker the third in two
years
ldquoWe have a new social worker and she just ticks the boxes She
seems terrified to use her initiative One social worker I was
dealing with said there were five people who were either off or
had left and not been replaced in his office alonerdquo
It is well documented that retention of staff within social work is
increasingly difficult Added to which there a national shortage of
approximately 3500 social workers both hindering continuity for the
people they provide services to (Community Care 2014) This and
aforementioned cuts to funding within leaving care services may
explain how the inconsistency and a lack of relationship with social
workers described within this data can infringe on the process of
leaving care
With this in mind it is imperative to consider the legal implications at
this point It would appear within the legal framework there are lsquogrey
areasrsquo which can allow the experiences of care leaverrsquos A C and D to
occur The Children (Leaving Care) Act (2000) states that an
assessment of needs must be carried out by the LA for the said child
(a)while they are still looking after him and
(b)after they cease to look after him (19B 4)
The proviso for this is the child has been looked after for a period of
time and that they are aged 16 or 17 (19B 2 a amp b)
However the Care Act (2014) has a section dedicated to the needs of a
child in the transition to adulthood including the requirement for a
29
needs assessment but in relation to the childrsquos needs after the age of
18 Furthermore section 58 (4) insists the assessment should be carried
out whether the child consents or not if there is a risk of or experiencing
abuse or neglect Bearing in mind the vulnerability of these young
people the causes for them to have been placed in care in the first place
it would be fair to consider this group eligible for this assessment and
extended care Added to which one would expect a more thorough and
consistent assessment to be carried out Clearly with several changes to
case workers [as experienced by care leavers A and D] this legal
standard is not being met
Perhaps government and policy makers should consider case worker
retention and better working environments as fundamental aspects of
policy in turn offering better outcomes for the young people
(Appendix 9)
d) Financial aspects
ldquoThey told him to choose what he needed for the flat but only
some of it turned up There is something I heard of might be
from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation where some money is put
into an ISA which can be accessed once they are 18 This is
because they have been in care But I feel the danger of that is it
could all be blown on something else or used as a carrot to
encourage leaving care As far as I have seen they just go and
spend it all then itrsquos gone ndash they would be better giving them a
furnished flatrdquo (Foster carer)
The Care Leavers Strategy states it encourages LArsquos to offer at least
pound2000 as a lsquoSetting Up Home Allowancersquo (leaving care grant)
although as this is not a legal requirement the amount varies from LA
to LA Care leaver A received in the region of pound400 (Gwynedd LA)
However the manager for Conwy laving care team indicated the
amount their care leavers receive is dependent on what they need This
is also stated on the LArsquos web site (Appendix 8) It may be suggested
that young people within less affluent LArsquos will fare worse financially
30
The Strategy maintains care leavers are entitled to a pound1200 bursary if
they are attending further education and a pound2000 bursary for higher
education This is financed by the Department for Education (2013
10) Extra funding of this kind would appear significant for these young
people however if the earlier literature is considered the statistics for
this grouprsquos educational achievements did not present well (See
chapter one) As this funding is reliant on the young person being in
education there will be a significant proportion unable to access this
extra help
Conwy LA did suggest promising outcomes for employment for their
care leavers with many undertaking apprenticeships within the
councilrsquos departments
ldquoWe have a number of our young people working and training in
the council (Conwy) with a selection of apprenticeships
specifically for them Some do go on to stay with us being
offered permanent contractsrdquo (Leaving care team manager)
Unfortunately a comparison cannot be made with other LArsquos or
voluntary organisations in this area as there was no response to the
research
Care leaver A did have temporary employment with a local leisure
centre although when a permanent contract was offered it was of a zero
hourrsquos nature
ldquoI wasnrsquot worth me taking ithellipI would lose my benefit and have
no guarantee of workrdquo
Care leaver C started a college course and managed a couple of shifts
in a restaurant kitchen however his chaotic accommodation provision
and a lack of support for his ADHD hampered his continuation
Care leaver D is NEET (Appendix 11) and has been since his exit from
care It would seem this has not been assisted by his family [to which
he returned] who have also never been in employment and his
reluctance to receive any more services It may be suggested his high
31
level of case worker turnover contributed to his reluctance Equally his
chaotic existence before entering care disrupted his education added
the rushed transition from care has not facilitated good employment
prospects
e) Evaluation and Reflection
When evaluating this research one must acknowledge the limitations
when assessing the size of the sample
Despite persistence there was a reluctance by professionals particularly
to participate Out of four LAs contacted only one responded and
agreed to be interviewed One LA received the research pack three
times follow up calls were made several times to no avail The same
may be said for the voluntary sector in spite of positive telephone
conversations and receipt of the research pack Barnardorsquos and Gisda
did not consent to be interviewed Therefore the findings were
somewhat one sided and the professional perspective limited
However even with the limited sample the original hypothesis of the
leaving care system failing the young people has a degree of truth
Equally the findings are reflective of earlier research identified in
chapter 2
There is certainly scope for further and more considerable research
within this field Although for future studies it may be beneficial to use
focus group methodology to encourage professional participation This
would possibly generate an improved response rate in comparison to
the online questionnaire used for the initial stages of this project The
face to face follow up interviews proved difficult to organise although
it was difficult to decipher whether this was due to a reluctance to
engage in the research or a lack of available time
32
Chapter 5
Conclusion
In conclusion the data collected for this study shows a system that sadly
does fail its young people Certainly in Gwynedd the leaving care
process is seemingly rushed and centred around a personrsquos age rather
than their readiness for independence Of course it may be argued there
has to be a lsquocut off pointrsquo and young people have to become
independent at some time for legal purposes that lsquopointrsquo is dictated by
their age It would seem this is the case regardless of the harm it may
cause Furthermore it could be argued this hasty process is a breach of
the young personrsquos human rights however despite searching no cases
were found
In 2006 research conducted by Mendes and Moselhuddin concluded
the leaving care process should be a gradual process based on levels of
maturity and ability to manage independence rather than simply age
The same recommendation is echoed in the majority of research both
past and present It would seem that ten years on we are no closer to an
ideal solution
For care leaver A C and D the outcome was poor Certainly they did
not feel supported through the transition although care leaver C had
significantly better support from their personal advisor post 18
However despite this support care leaver C was still living in less than
ideal circumstances and about to be moved once again
In line with the literature this study although with the limited sample
found immense inconsistencies within the system and in every area
from support to financial assistance
Evidently for some the system works against an already disadvantaged
group abandoning when needed the most so to speak
33
It would seem the introduction of legislation and the Transitions
Guidance to strengthen practice and policy has failed to make a
significant improvement especially surrounding the lsquolevelling uprsquo of
services Attributed by the cost cutting imposed on LArsquos by central
government this is hardly surprising
There are some encouraging outcomes such as care leaver B receiving
immense support from their LA beyond policy and legal requirement
This is in line with some of Steinrsquos (2012 81) research and positive
outcomes are underpinned by the level of good consistent and accurate
support received by the individual Yet as this study has found this is
not consistent or universal
It is clear inconsistencies lack of support young and rushed transitions
all contribute to poorer outcomes for this group of young people A
group which are already disadvantaged and at a much higher risk of
social exclusion
As a society we should consider these young people as just that ndash young
people Often with the same dreams and aspirations as any other young
person On the contrary perhaps we should consider these young
people further as many will have already been let down by society
Either way they are entitled to as much support guidance and
opportunity as any other Regrettably this does not seem to be the case
as despite advances in research policy and legislation the same
inconsistencies and failures appear to occur time and time again
The study has shown the importance of understanding the young
peoplersquos history Of understanding former problems or areas of
concern This aids the transition to independence as it identifies where
the support is needed and individualizes the young person There
cannot be a lsquoone size fits allrsquo approach to the leaving care system as
one can see these young people are individual It has identified how
fundamental it is to include a young personrsquos foster carers when
considering independence to recognise the relationship they may have
34
with the young person and the key role they play after leaving care (as
with care lever A)
With this in mind one must acknowledge the leaving care system has
indeed improved over the last 30 years however it needs to continue to
progress if there is any hope of achieving a consistent service with more
even and positive outcomes for these young people
35
Bibliography
Action for Children (2014) [Online]
Available at httpwwwactionforchildrenorgukour-
servicesadoption-fostering-and-children-in-carechildren-in-
careleaving-care
Barnardorsquos (2014)[1] [Online] Someone to Care Experiences of
leaving care Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorguksomeone_to_care_final_feb2014pdf
(Accessed 07 October 2015)
Barnardorsquos (2014)[2] [Online] The costs of not caring supporting
English care leavers into independence Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf (Accessed 07
October 2015)
Biehal N Clayden J Stein M and Wade J (1995) Moving On
Young people and leaving care schemes London HMSO
Broad B (2005) Improving the Health and Well-Being of Young
People Leaving Care Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing
Burgess C (1981) In Care and Into Work London Tavistock
Care Leaverrsquos Foundation (with Children and Young People Now)
(2009) [Online] Setting Up A place to call home Bala Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation Available at
httpwwwthecareleaversfoundationorgsitedatafilesSetting_Up_A
_Place_to_Callpdf (Accessed 06 April 2015)
Care Leavers Strategy (2013) [Online] Available at
httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachment_
datafile266484Care_Leaver_Strategypdf (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Care Act (2014) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga201423part1crossheadingtra
nsition-for-children-to-adult-care-and-support-etcenacted (Accessed
01 March 2016)
Children and Families Act 2014 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga20146section98enacted
(Accessed 02 October 2015)
36
Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200035pdfsukpga_20000035_
enpdf (Accessed 19 March 2015)
Children and Young Persons Act (2008) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200823contents (Accessed 02
October 2015)
Community Care (2014) [Online] Councils struggling to retain social
workers in face of high caseloads and competition over pay
Available at httpwwwcommunitycarecouk20140130councils-
struggling-retain-social-workers-face-high-caseloads-competition-
pay (Accessed 22 February 2016)
Courtney M Terrao S and Bost N (2004) Midwest evaluation of
the adult functioning of former foster youth Conditions of youth
preparing to leave state care Outcomes at age 19 Chicago Chapin
Hall Centre for Children at University of Chicago
Daly F (2012) lsquoMy voice has to be heardrsquo Research on outcomes
for young people leaving care in North Dublin Dublin EPIC
Dixon J and Baker C (2012) lsquoThe Housing Experience of Young
People Leaving Care in England What helpsrsquo Developing Practice
The Child Youth and Family Work Journal Issue 32 National Care
Advisory Service (NCAS)
wwweducationgovuk [Online]
Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20130123124929httpw
wweducationgovukresearchandstatisticsstatisticsa00195573
Family Rights Group (2014) [Online] Support for Young People
Leaving the Care System Available at
httpwwwfrgorgukimagesAdvice_Sheets16-support-for-young-
people-leaving-carepdf (Accessed 29 September 2015)
The Fostering Network (2014) [Online] Staying Put Available at
httpswwwfosteringnetall-about-fosteringprovidersstaying-put-
updateVg5D-PRdX1Y (Accessed 02 October 2015)
Godek S (1976) Leaving Care Barkingside Barnardorsquos
Gwynedd Council (2014) [Online] lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
Available at
httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrutin
y20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20When
37
20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf (Accessed
22 February 2016)
Harris R J (1982) Institutionalized Ambivalence Social Work and
the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 British Journal of Social
Work Vol12 pp 247-263
Higgs L (2011) [Online] Housing crisis around the corner for care
leavers experts warn Children and Young People Now Available
at httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1050066housing-crisis-
corner-care-leavers-experts-warn (Accessed 17 February 2016)
Hiles D Moss D Thorne L Wright J and Dallos R (2014) ldquoSo
what am Irdquo ndash Multiple perspectives on young peoplersquos experience of
leaving care Children and Youth Services Review Vol 41 pp 1-15
House of Commons (1968) Report of the Committee on Local
Authority and Allied Personal Social Services London HMSO
Hutchinson D (2013) [Online] Catch 22 National Care Advisory
Service (NCAS) Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads9b7793d8be6ffc05a501df3df
4a1ef5fpdf
Jackson S and Cameron C (2012) lsquoLeaving Care Looking ahead
and aiming higherrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 34 (6)
pp 1107-1114
Mendes P and Moslehuddin B (2006) lsquoFrom Dependence to
Interdependence Towards Better Outcomes for Young People
Leaving State Carersquo Child Abuse Review Vol15 pp 110-166
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2006) Young peoplersquos views on leaving
care Newcastle Commission for Social Care Inspection
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2012) Young peoplersquos views on care
and aftercare Office of the Childrenrsquos Rights Director London
Ofsted
Mulvey T (1977) lsquoAfter-care ndash who caresrsquo Concern No 26
London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Munro E Lushey C and Ward H (2011) Evaluation of the
Right2BCared4 Pilots Final report (NCAS) London Department
for Education
38
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2011) Making the Cut
Planning Transitions for Care Levers in an Age of Austerity London
NCAS
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2012) [Online] Statistical
Briefing Looked after children and care leavers 2012 Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads0e9a6e4f266b8e96ad7c8e25
7bd53982pdf (Accessed 30 March 2015)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2013)
[Online] The NICE quality standard on the health and wellbeing of
looked after children and young people Available at
httpwwwniceorgukguidanceQS31chapterQuality-statement-8-
Support-to-move-to-independence (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Office for National Statistics (2014) [Online] Large increase in 20 to
34-year-olds living with parents since 1996 Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20160105160709httpw
wwonsgovukonsrelfamily-demographyyoung-adults-living-with-
parents2013sty-young-adultshtml (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board (2016) [Online] Child J ndash
Domestic Homicide Review and Serious Case Review (combined)
Available at httpwwwoscborgukwp-contentuploadsChild-J-
OSCB-Overview-Reportpdf (Accessed 25 February 2016)
Page R and Clark G (eds) (1977) Who Cares Young People in
Care Speak Out London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Puffett N and Orfford A (2016) [Online] Increasing numbers of
care leavers in unsuitable accommodation Children and Young
People Now Available at
httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1155917increasing-numbers-of-
care-leavers-in-unsuitable-accommodation (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Samuels G M and Pryce J M (2008) ldquoWhat doesnrsquot kill you
makes you strongerrdquo Survivalist self-reliance as resilience and risk
among young adults aging out of foster care Children and Youth
Services Review Vol 30 (10) pp 1198-1210
Stein M (2002) Young People Leaving Care A Research
Perspective In A Wheal ed The RHP Companion to Leaving Care
Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing pp 28-33
39
Stein M (2004) What works for young people leaving care
Barkingside Barnardos
Stein M (2006) lsquoYoung people aging out of care The poverty of
theoryrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 28 (4) pp 422-434
Stein M (2012) Young People Leaving Care Supporting Pathways
to Adulthood London Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Stein M and Carey K (1986) Leaving Care Oxford Blackwell
Stein M and Ellis S (1983) Gizza Say Reviews and Young People
in Care London NAYPIC
Stein M and Maynard C (1985) Irsquove Never Been So Lonely
London NAYPIC
Stone M (1990) Young People Leaving Care A study of
management systems service delivery and user evaluation UK The
Royal Philanthropic Society
The Who Carersquos Trust (2014) [Online] Leaving Care Available at
httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpagesleaving-care-what-
happens-post-16html
Wade J (2011) lsquoPreparation and transition planning for
unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee young people A review
of evidence in Englandrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol
33 pp 2424-2430
Wade J and Dixon J (2006) lsquoMaking a home finding a job
investing early housing and employment outcomes for young people
leaving carersquo Child and Family Social Work Vol 11 (3) pp 199-208
Wade J Mitchel F and Baylis G (2005) Unaccompanied asylum
seeking children The response of social services London BAAF
40
Appendix
1) httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf page 25
Karenrsquos story
2) httpwwwnhsukConditionsAttention-deficit-hyperactivity-
disorderPagesIntroductionaspx
3) Email received in response to a request for Mr Timpson (Minister
of State for Children and Families) to answer three questions
regarding care leavers
Dear MsthinspThompsonthinsp
I am writing on behalf of the Minister of State for Children and
Families to thank you for your email of 9 February about your
dissertation
I am sorry but the department receives so many requests like yours
that we are unable to respond to them other than to point you to
sources of information I would therefore suggest that you look at the
departmentrsquos website
at httpswwwgovuksearchq=care+leavers+strategy
I hope you find this link helpful and that you are able to find the
information you need
Your correspondence has been allocated reference number 2016-
0008179 If you need to respond to us please
visit httpswwweducationgovukcontactus and quote your
reference number
As part of our commitment to improving the service we provide to
our customers we are interested in hearing your views and would
welcome your comments via our website
at httpswwweducationgovukpcusurvey
Yours sincerely
Kelly Walkerthinsp
Ministerial and Public Communications Division
Web
[httpswwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovuk]https
wwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovukgt
Twitter httpswwwtwittercomeducationgovuk
Facebook httpswwwfacebookcomeducationgovuk
41
[httpswwweducationgovukimages2irisdfepng]
4) httpwwwgisdaorgengamdanom-nihtml
5) httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga198941section20
6)httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrut
iny20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20Whe
n20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf
7)httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachme
nt_datafile201015Staying_Put_Guidancepdf
8) httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpageswhats-a-pathway-
planhtml
9) httpjobscommunitycarecoukarticlecoventry-tops-london-in-
the-best-place-to-live-league-tablescmpid=EMP|JOBS|SCJOB-
2016-0224-CH|READMORE-COVampcmpid
10) httpwwwconwygovukdocaspcat=4800ampdoc=19742
11)httpresearchbriefingsparliamentukResearchBriefingSummary
SN06705
42
i) Interview Guide
Generic areas of question
Age upon leaving care
Staying put scheme
Financial help
Choice of housing
Suitability of accommodation
Geographical position of accommodation
Further education
Access to support eg Personal Advisor social worker
Input with Pathway plan
Being listened to
Transition
Keeping in touch
Difference with peers
43
27
ldquoThere was a foster meeting the lady what was her namehellip Jan
she was really good She was with social services and Gisda
But then when they thought I was ok they transferred me to
someone elserdquo
Though for some there was more consistency Care leaver C suggested
a good relationship with their personal advisor They indicated regular
visits phone calls and planning meetings In turn this young person felt
they were being listened to when the pathway plan was produced
The manager for this LAs leaving care team confirms his perspective
on personal advisors
ldquoWe have a team of four personal advisors They have about 40
cases each but they do a great job All of their cases have a
mobile phone number for them and they are all very dedicated
and approachable [from the young personrsquos point of view] They
offer a vital link from care to independencerdquo
However once again this service appears inconsistent depending on
the LA
Added to this frequent changes of case worker suggest a difficulty in
completion and implementation of pathway plans and causes the
young person to feel they are not being listened to
ldquoI was kind of listened to but then my social worker changed so
I had to start againhellipthere was no relationship there cause they
kept changing We would do one pathway plan then the social
worker changed and we would have to do another onerdquo (Care
leaver A)
When the foster carers were asked about the pathway plan and whether
they thought their young person was listened to
ldquoHe didnrsquot have a proper pathway plan for leaving it was rushed
There was no proper structure He was listened to but without
question or consideration of the consequences They ticked their
boxes and he was off their handsrdquo
These experiences were evident in the earlier research by Munro et al
(2011) whereby young people felt their voices were not heard and the
meetings surrounding their exit from care caused anxiety and stress
28
The foster carers then suggested their current placement who had just
turned 16 may suffer the same
ldquoShe is just about to change to the 16+ team they canrsquot wait to
get her on thathellipit will be her third social worker in two years
She is adamant she doesnrsquot want to leave at 16 but if they dangle
the carrot of her own flat in front of her it might be differentrdquo
Furthermore for the foster carers support appears to be inconsistent
One set had just been assigned a new social worker the third in two
years
ldquoWe have a new social worker and she just ticks the boxes She
seems terrified to use her initiative One social worker I was
dealing with said there were five people who were either off or
had left and not been replaced in his office alonerdquo
It is well documented that retention of staff within social work is
increasingly difficult Added to which there a national shortage of
approximately 3500 social workers both hindering continuity for the
people they provide services to (Community Care 2014) This and
aforementioned cuts to funding within leaving care services may
explain how the inconsistency and a lack of relationship with social
workers described within this data can infringe on the process of
leaving care
With this in mind it is imperative to consider the legal implications at
this point It would appear within the legal framework there are lsquogrey
areasrsquo which can allow the experiences of care leaverrsquos A C and D to
occur The Children (Leaving Care) Act (2000) states that an
assessment of needs must be carried out by the LA for the said child
(a)while they are still looking after him and
(b)after they cease to look after him (19B 4)
The proviso for this is the child has been looked after for a period of
time and that they are aged 16 or 17 (19B 2 a amp b)
However the Care Act (2014) has a section dedicated to the needs of a
child in the transition to adulthood including the requirement for a
29
needs assessment but in relation to the childrsquos needs after the age of
18 Furthermore section 58 (4) insists the assessment should be carried
out whether the child consents or not if there is a risk of or experiencing
abuse or neglect Bearing in mind the vulnerability of these young
people the causes for them to have been placed in care in the first place
it would be fair to consider this group eligible for this assessment and
extended care Added to which one would expect a more thorough and
consistent assessment to be carried out Clearly with several changes to
case workers [as experienced by care leavers A and D] this legal
standard is not being met
Perhaps government and policy makers should consider case worker
retention and better working environments as fundamental aspects of
policy in turn offering better outcomes for the young people
(Appendix 9)
d) Financial aspects
ldquoThey told him to choose what he needed for the flat but only
some of it turned up There is something I heard of might be
from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation where some money is put
into an ISA which can be accessed once they are 18 This is
because they have been in care But I feel the danger of that is it
could all be blown on something else or used as a carrot to
encourage leaving care As far as I have seen they just go and
spend it all then itrsquos gone ndash they would be better giving them a
furnished flatrdquo (Foster carer)
The Care Leavers Strategy states it encourages LArsquos to offer at least
pound2000 as a lsquoSetting Up Home Allowancersquo (leaving care grant)
although as this is not a legal requirement the amount varies from LA
to LA Care leaver A received in the region of pound400 (Gwynedd LA)
However the manager for Conwy laving care team indicated the
amount their care leavers receive is dependent on what they need This
is also stated on the LArsquos web site (Appendix 8) It may be suggested
that young people within less affluent LArsquos will fare worse financially
30
The Strategy maintains care leavers are entitled to a pound1200 bursary if
they are attending further education and a pound2000 bursary for higher
education This is financed by the Department for Education (2013
10) Extra funding of this kind would appear significant for these young
people however if the earlier literature is considered the statistics for
this grouprsquos educational achievements did not present well (See
chapter one) As this funding is reliant on the young person being in
education there will be a significant proportion unable to access this
extra help
Conwy LA did suggest promising outcomes for employment for their
care leavers with many undertaking apprenticeships within the
councilrsquos departments
ldquoWe have a number of our young people working and training in
the council (Conwy) with a selection of apprenticeships
specifically for them Some do go on to stay with us being
offered permanent contractsrdquo (Leaving care team manager)
Unfortunately a comparison cannot be made with other LArsquos or
voluntary organisations in this area as there was no response to the
research
Care leaver A did have temporary employment with a local leisure
centre although when a permanent contract was offered it was of a zero
hourrsquos nature
ldquoI wasnrsquot worth me taking ithellipI would lose my benefit and have
no guarantee of workrdquo
Care leaver C started a college course and managed a couple of shifts
in a restaurant kitchen however his chaotic accommodation provision
and a lack of support for his ADHD hampered his continuation
Care leaver D is NEET (Appendix 11) and has been since his exit from
care It would seem this has not been assisted by his family [to which
he returned] who have also never been in employment and his
reluctance to receive any more services It may be suggested his high
31
level of case worker turnover contributed to his reluctance Equally his
chaotic existence before entering care disrupted his education added
the rushed transition from care has not facilitated good employment
prospects
e) Evaluation and Reflection
When evaluating this research one must acknowledge the limitations
when assessing the size of the sample
Despite persistence there was a reluctance by professionals particularly
to participate Out of four LAs contacted only one responded and
agreed to be interviewed One LA received the research pack three
times follow up calls were made several times to no avail The same
may be said for the voluntary sector in spite of positive telephone
conversations and receipt of the research pack Barnardorsquos and Gisda
did not consent to be interviewed Therefore the findings were
somewhat one sided and the professional perspective limited
However even with the limited sample the original hypothesis of the
leaving care system failing the young people has a degree of truth
Equally the findings are reflective of earlier research identified in
chapter 2
There is certainly scope for further and more considerable research
within this field Although for future studies it may be beneficial to use
focus group methodology to encourage professional participation This
would possibly generate an improved response rate in comparison to
the online questionnaire used for the initial stages of this project The
face to face follow up interviews proved difficult to organise although
it was difficult to decipher whether this was due to a reluctance to
engage in the research or a lack of available time
32
Chapter 5
Conclusion
In conclusion the data collected for this study shows a system that sadly
does fail its young people Certainly in Gwynedd the leaving care
process is seemingly rushed and centred around a personrsquos age rather
than their readiness for independence Of course it may be argued there
has to be a lsquocut off pointrsquo and young people have to become
independent at some time for legal purposes that lsquopointrsquo is dictated by
their age It would seem this is the case regardless of the harm it may
cause Furthermore it could be argued this hasty process is a breach of
the young personrsquos human rights however despite searching no cases
were found
In 2006 research conducted by Mendes and Moselhuddin concluded
the leaving care process should be a gradual process based on levels of
maturity and ability to manage independence rather than simply age
The same recommendation is echoed in the majority of research both
past and present It would seem that ten years on we are no closer to an
ideal solution
For care leaver A C and D the outcome was poor Certainly they did
not feel supported through the transition although care leaver C had
significantly better support from their personal advisor post 18
However despite this support care leaver C was still living in less than
ideal circumstances and about to be moved once again
In line with the literature this study although with the limited sample
found immense inconsistencies within the system and in every area
from support to financial assistance
Evidently for some the system works against an already disadvantaged
group abandoning when needed the most so to speak
33
It would seem the introduction of legislation and the Transitions
Guidance to strengthen practice and policy has failed to make a
significant improvement especially surrounding the lsquolevelling uprsquo of
services Attributed by the cost cutting imposed on LArsquos by central
government this is hardly surprising
There are some encouraging outcomes such as care leaver B receiving
immense support from their LA beyond policy and legal requirement
This is in line with some of Steinrsquos (2012 81) research and positive
outcomes are underpinned by the level of good consistent and accurate
support received by the individual Yet as this study has found this is
not consistent or universal
It is clear inconsistencies lack of support young and rushed transitions
all contribute to poorer outcomes for this group of young people A
group which are already disadvantaged and at a much higher risk of
social exclusion
As a society we should consider these young people as just that ndash young
people Often with the same dreams and aspirations as any other young
person On the contrary perhaps we should consider these young
people further as many will have already been let down by society
Either way they are entitled to as much support guidance and
opportunity as any other Regrettably this does not seem to be the case
as despite advances in research policy and legislation the same
inconsistencies and failures appear to occur time and time again
The study has shown the importance of understanding the young
peoplersquos history Of understanding former problems or areas of
concern This aids the transition to independence as it identifies where
the support is needed and individualizes the young person There
cannot be a lsquoone size fits allrsquo approach to the leaving care system as
one can see these young people are individual It has identified how
fundamental it is to include a young personrsquos foster carers when
considering independence to recognise the relationship they may have
34
with the young person and the key role they play after leaving care (as
with care lever A)
With this in mind one must acknowledge the leaving care system has
indeed improved over the last 30 years however it needs to continue to
progress if there is any hope of achieving a consistent service with more
even and positive outcomes for these young people
35
Bibliography
Action for Children (2014) [Online]
Available at httpwwwactionforchildrenorgukour-
servicesadoption-fostering-and-children-in-carechildren-in-
careleaving-care
Barnardorsquos (2014)[1] [Online] Someone to Care Experiences of
leaving care Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorguksomeone_to_care_final_feb2014pdf
(Accessed 07 October 2015)
Barnardorsquos (2014)[2] [Online] The costs of not caring supporting
English care leavers into independence Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf (Accessed 07
October 2015)
Biehal N Clayden J Stein M and Wade J (1995) Moving On
Young people and leaving care schemes London HMSO
Broad B (2005) Improving the Health and Well-Being of Young
People Leaving Care Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing
Burgess C (1981) In Care and Into Work London Tavistock
Care Leaverrsquos Foundation (with Children and Young People Now)
(2009) [Online] Setting Up A place to call home Bala Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation Available at
httpwwwthecareleaversfoundationorgsitedatafilesSetting_Up_A
_Place_to_Callpdf (Accessed 06 April 2015)
Care Leavers Strategy (2013) [Online] Available at
httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachment_
datafile266484Care_Leaver_Strategypdf (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Care Act (2014) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga201423part1crossheadingtra
nsition-for-children-to-adult-care-and-support-etcenacted (Accessed
01 March 2016)
Children and Families Act 2014 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga20146section98enacted
(Accessed 02 October 2015)
36
Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200035pdfsukpga_20000035_
enpdf (Accessed 19 March 2015)
Children and Young Persons Act (2008) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200823contents (Accessed 02
October 2015)
Community Care (2014) [Online] Councils struggling to retain social
workers in face of high caseloads and competition over pay
Available at httpwwwcommunitycarecouk20140130councils-
struggling-retain-social-workers-face-high-caseloads-competition-
pay (Accessed 22 February 2016)
Courtney M Terrao S and Bost N (2004) Midwest evaluation of
the adult functioning of former foster youth Conditions of youth
preparing to leave state care Outcomes at age 19 Chicago Chapin
Hall Centre for Children at University of Chicago
Daly F (2012) lsquoMy voice has to be heardrsquo Research on outcomes
for young people leaving care in North Dublin Dublin EPIC
Dixon J and Baker C (2012) lsquoThe Housing Experience of Young
People Leaving Care in England What helpsrsquo Developing Practice
The Child Youth and Family Work Journal Issue 32 National Care
Advisory Service (NCAS)
wwweducationgovuk [Online]
Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20130123124929httpw
wweducationgovukresearchandstatisticsstatisticsa00195573
Family Rights Group (2014) [Online] Support for Young People
Leaving the Care System Available at
httpwwwfrgorgukimagesAdvice_Sheets16-support-for-young-
people-leaving-carepdf (Accessed 29 September 2015)
The Fostering Network (2014) [Online] Staying Put Available at
httpswwwfosteringnetall-about-fosteringprovidersstaying-put-
updateVg5D-PRdX1Y (Accessed 02 October 2015)
Godek S (1976) Leaving Care Barkingside Barnardorsquos
Gwynedd Council (2014) [Online] lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
Available at
httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrutin
y20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20When
37
20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf (Accessed
22 February 2016)
Harris R J (1982) Institutionalized Ambivalence Social Work and
the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 British Journal of Social
Work Vol12 pp 247-263
Higgs L (2011) [Online] Housing crisis around the corner for care
leavers experts warn Children and Young People Now Available
at httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1050066housing-crisis-
corner-care-leavers-experts-warn (Accessed 17 February 2016)
Hiles D Moss D Thorne L Wright J and Dallos R (2014) ldquoSo
what am Irdquo ndash Multiple perspectives on young peoplersquos experience of
leaving care Children and Youth Services Review Vol 41 pp 1-15
House of Commons (1968) Report of the Committee on Local
Authority and Allied Personal Social Services London HMSO
Hutchinson D (2013) [Online] Catch 22 National Care Advisory
Service (NCAS) Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads9b7793d8be6ffc05a501df3df
4a1ef5fpdf
Jackson S and Cameron C (2012) lsquoLeaving Care Looking ahead
and aiming higherrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 34 (6)
pp 1107-1114
Mendes P and Moslehuddin B (2006) lsquoFrom Dependence to
Interdependence Towards Better Outcomes for Young People
Leaving State Carersquo Child Abuse Review Vol15 pp 110-166
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2006) Young peoplersquos views on leaving
care Newcastle Commission for Social Care Inspection
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2012) Young peoplersquos views on care
and aftercare Office of the Childrenrsquos Rights Director London
Ofsted
Mulvey T (1977) lsquoAfter-care ndash who caresrsquo Concern No 26
London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Munro E Lushey C and Ward H (2011) Evaluation of the
Right2BCared4 Pilots Final report (NCAS) London Department
for Education
38
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2011) Making the Cut
Planning Transitions for Care Levers in an Age of Austerity London
NCAS
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2012) [Online] Statistical
Briefing Looked after children and care leavers 2012 Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads0e9a6e4f266b8e96ad7c8e25
7bd53982pdf (Accessed 30 March 2015)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2013)
[Online] The NICE quality standard on the health and wellbeing of
looked after children and young people Available at
httpwwwniceorgukguidanceQS31chapterQuality-statement-8-
Support-to-move-to-independence (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Office for National Statistics (2014) [Online] Large increase in 20 to
34-year-olds living with parents since 1996 Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20160105160709httpw
wwonsgovukonsrelfamily-demographyyoung-adults-living-with-
parents2013sty-young-adultshtml (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board (2016) [Online] Child J ndash
Domestic Homicide Review and Serious Case Review (combined)
Available at httpwwwoscborgukwp-contentuploadsChild-J-
OSCB-Overview-Reportpdf (Accessed 25 February 2016)
Page R and Clark G (eds) (1977) Who Cares Young People in
Care Speak Out London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Puffett N and Orfford A (2016) [Online] Increasing numbers of
care leavers in unsuitable accommodation Children and Young
People Now Available at
httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1155917increasing-numbers-of-
care-leavers-in-unsuitable-accommodation (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Samuels G M and Pryce J M (2008) ldquoWhat doesnrsquot kill you
makes you strongerrdquo Survivalist self-reliance as resilience and risk
among young adults aging out of foster care Children and Youth
Services Review Vol 30 (10) pp 1198-1210
Stein M (2002) Young People Leaving Care A Research
Perspective In A Wheal ed The RHP Companion to Leaving Care
Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing pp 28-33
39
Stein M (2004) What works for young people leaving care
Barkingside Barnardos
Stein M (2006) lsquoYoung people aging out of care The poverty of
theoryrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 28 (4) pp 422-434
Stein M (2012) Young People Leaving Care Supporting Pathways
to Adulthood London Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Stein M and Carey K (1986) Leaving Care Oxford Blackwell
Stein M and Ellis S (1983) Gizza Say Reviews and Young People
in Care London NAYPIC
Stein M and Maynard C (1985) Irsquove Never Been So Lonely
London NAYPIC
Stone M (1990) Young People Leaving Care A study of
management systems service delivery and user evaluation UK The
Royal Philanthropic Society
The Who Carersquos Trust (2014) [Online] Leaving Care Available at
httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpagesleaving-care-what-
happens-post-16html
Wade J (2011) lsquoPreparation and transition planning for
unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee young people A review
of evidence in Englandrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol
33 pp 2424-2430
Wade J and Dixon J (2006) lsquoMaking a home finding a job
investing early housing and employment outcomes for young people
leaving carersquo Child and Family Social Work Vol 11 (3) pp 199-208
Wade J Mitchel F and Baylis G (2005) Unaccompanied asylum
seeking children The response of social services London BAAF
40
Appendix
1) httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf page 25
Karenrsquos story
2) httpwwwnhsukConditionsAttention-deficit-hyperactivity-
disorderPagesIntroductionaspx
3) Email received in response to a request for Mr Timpson (Minister
of State for Children and Families) to answer three questions
regarding care leavers
Dear MsthinspThompsonthinsp
I am writing on behalf of the Minister of State for Children and
Families to thank you for your email of 9 February about your
dissertation
I am sorry but the department receives so many requests like yours
that we are unable to respond to them other than to point you to
sources of information I would therefore suggest that you look at the
departmentrsquos website
at httpswwwgovuksearchq=care+leavers+strategy
I hope you find this link helpful and that you are able to find the
information you need
Your correspondence has been allocated reference number 2016-
0008179 If you need to respond to us please
visit httpswwweducationgovukcontactus and quote your
reference number
As part of our commitment to improving the service we provide to
our customers we are interested in hearing your views and would
welcome your comments via our website
at httpswwweducationgovukpcusurvey
Yours sincerely
Kelly Walkerthinsp
Ministerial and Public Communications Division
Web
[httpswwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovuk]https
wwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovukgt
Twitter httpswwwtwittercomeducationgovuk
Facebook httpswwwfacebookcomeducationgovuk
41
[httpswwweducationgovukimages2irisdfepng]
4) httpwwwgisdaorgengamdanom-nihtml
5) httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga198941section20
6)httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrut
iny20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20Whe
n20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf
7)httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachme
nt_datafile201015Staying_Put_Guidancepdf
8) httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpageswhats-a-pathway-
planhtml
9) httpjobscommunitycarecoukarticlecoventry-tops-london-in-
the-best-place-to-live-league-tablescmpid=EMP|JOBS|SCJOB-
2016-0224-CH|READMORE-COVampcmpid
10) httpwwwconwygovukdocaspcat=4800ampdoc=19742
11)httpresearchbriefingsparliamentukResearchBriefingSummary
SN06705
42
i) Interview Guide
Generic areas of question
Age upon leaving care
Staying put scheme
Financial help
Choice of housing
Suitability of accommodation
Geographical position of accommodation
Further education
Access to support eg Personal Advisor social worker
Input with Pathway plan
Being listened to
Transition
Keeping in touch
Difference with peers
43
28
The foster carers then suggested their current placement who had just
turned 16 may suffer the same
ldquoShe is just about to change to the 16+ team they canrsquot wait to
get her on thathellipit will be her third social worker in two years
She is adamant she doesnrsquot want to leave at 16 but if they dangle
the carrot of her own flat in front of her it might be differentrdquo
Furthermore for the foster carers support appears to be inconsistent
One set had just been assigned a new social worker the third in two
years
ldquoWe have a new social worker and she just ticks the boxes She
seems terrified to use her initiative One social worker I was
dealing with said there were five people who were either off or
had left and not been replaced in his office alonerdquo
It is well documented that retention of staff within social work is
increasingly difficult Added to which there a national shortage of
approximately 3500 social workers both hindering continuity for the
people they provide services to (Community Care 2014) This and
aforementioned cuts to funding within leaving care services may
explain how the inconsistency and a lack of relationship with social
workers described within this data can infringe on the process of
leaving care
With this in mind it is imperative to consider the legal implications at
this point It would appear within the legal framework there are lsquogrey
areasrsquo which can allow the experiences of care leaverrsquos A C and D to
occur The Children (Leaving Care) Act (2000) states that an
assessment of needs must be carried out by the LA for the said child
(a)while they are still looking after him and
(b)after they cease to look after him (19B 4)
The proviso for this is the child has been looked after for a period of
time and that they are aged 16 or 17 (19B 2 a amp b)
However the Care Act (2014) has a section dedicated to the needs of a
child in the transition to adulthood including the requirement for a
29
needs assessment but in relation to the childrsquos needs after the age of
18 Furthermore section 58 (4) insists the assessment should be carried
out whether the child consents or not if there is a risk of or experiencing
abuse or neglect Bearing in mind the vulnerability of these young
people the causes for them to have been placed in care in the first place
it would be fair to consider this group eligible for this assessment and
extended care Added to which one would expect a more thorough and
consistent assessment to be carried out Clearly with several changes to
case workers [as experienced by care leavers A and D] this legal
standard is not being met
Perhaps government and policy makers should consider case worker
retention and better working environments as fundamental aspects of
policy in turn offering better outcomes for the young people
(Appendix 9)
d) Financial aspects
ldquoThey told him to choose what he needed for the flat but only
some of it turned up There is something I heard of might be
from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation where some money is put
into an ISA which can be accessed once they are 18 This is
because they have been in care But I feel the danger of that is it
could all be blown on something else or used as a carrot to
encourage leaving care As far as I have seen they just go and
spend it all then itrsquos gone ndash they would be better giving them a
furnished flatrdquo (Foster carer)
The Care Leavers Strategy states it encourages LArsquos to offer at least
pound2000 as a lsquoSetting Up Home Allowancersquo (leaving care grant)
although as this is not a legal requirement the amount varies from LA
to LA Care leaver A received in the region of pound400 (Gwynedd LA)
However the manager for Conwy laving care team indicated the
amount their care leavers receive is dependent on what they need This
is also stated on the LArsquos web site (Appendix 8) It may be suggested
that young people within less affluent LArsquos will fare worse financially
30
The Strategy maintains care leavers are entitled to a pound1200 bursary if
they are attending further education and a pound2000 bursary for higher
education This is financed by the Department for Education (2013
10) Extra funding of this kind would appear significant for these young
people however if the earlier literature is considered the statistics for
this grouprsquos educational achievements did not present well (See
chapter one) As this funding is reliant on the young person being in
education there will be a significant proportion unable to access this
extra help
Conwy LA did suggest promising outcomes for employment for their
care leavers with many undertaking apprenticeships within the
councilrsquos departments
ldquoWe have a number of our young people working and training in
the council (Conwy) with a selection of apprenticeships
specifically for them Some do go on to stay with us being
offered permanent contractsrdquo (Leaving care team manager)
Unfortunately a comparison cannot be made with other LArsquos or
voluntary organisations in this area as there was no response to the
research
Care leaver A did have temporary employment with a local leisure
centre although when a permanent contract was offered it was of a zero
hourrsquos nature
ldquoI wasnrsquot worth me taking ithellipI would lose my benefit and have
no guarantee of workrdquo
Care leaver C started a college course and managed a couple of shifts
in a restaurant kitchen however his chaotic accommodation provision
and a lack of support for his ADHD hampered his continuation
Care leaver D is NEET (Appendix 11) and has been since his exit from
care It would seem this has not been assisted by his family [to which
he returned] who have also never been in employment and his
reluctance to receive any more services It may be suggested his high
31
level of case worker turnover contributed to his reluctance Equally his
chaotic existence before entering care disrupted his education added
the rushed transition from care has not facilitated good employment
prospects
e) Evaluation and Reflection
When evaluating this research one must acknowledge the limitations
when assessing the size of the sample
Despite persistence there was a reluctance by professionals particularly
to participate Out of four LAs contacted only one responded and
agreed to be interviewed One LA received the research pack three
times follow up calls were made several times to no avail The same
may be said for the voluntary sector in spite of positive telephone
conversations and receipt of the research pack Barnardorsquos and Gisda
did not consent to be interviewed Therefore the findings were
somewhat one sided and the professional perspective limited
However even with the limited sample the original hypothesis of the
leaving care system failing the young people has a degree of truth
Equally the findings are reflective of earlier research identified in
chapter 2
There is certainly scope for further and more considerable research
within this field Although for future studies it may be beneficial to use
focus group methodology to encourage professional participation This
would possibly generate an improved response rate in comparison to
the online questionnaire used for the initial stages of this project The
face to face follow up interviews proved difficult to organise although
it was difficult to decipher whether this was due to a reluctance to
engage in the research or a lack of available time
32
Chapter 5
Conclusion
In conclusion the data collected for this study shows a system that sadly
does fail its young people Certainly in Gwynedd the leaving care
process is seemingly rushed and centred around a personrsquos age rather
than their readiness for independence Of course it may be argued there
has to be a lsquocut off pointrsquo and young people have to become
independent at some time for legal purposes that lsquopointrsquo is dictated by
their age It would seem this is the case regardless of the harm it may
cause Furthermore it could be argued this hasty process is a breach of
the young personrsquos human rights however despite searching no cases
were found
In 2006 research conducted by Mendes and Moselhuddin concluded
the leaving care process should be a gradual process based on levels of
maturity and ability to manage independence rather than simply age
The same recommendation is echoed in the majority of research both
past and present It would seem that ten years on we are no closer to an
ideal solution
For care leaver A C and D the outcome was poor Certainly they did
not feel supported through the transition although care leaver C had
significantly better support from their personal advisor post 18
However despite this support care leaver C was still living in less than
ideal circumstances and about to be moved once again
In line with the literature this study although with the limited sample
found immense inconsistencies within the system and in every area
from support to financial assistance
Evidently for some the system works against an already disadvantaged
group abandoning when needed the most so to speak
33
It would seem the introduction of legislation and the Transitions
Guidance to strengthen practice and policy has failed to make a
significant improvement especially surrounding the lsquolevelling uprsquo of
services Attributed by the cost cutting imposed on LArsquos by central
government this is hardly surprising
There are some encouraging outcomes such as care leaver B receiving
immense support from their LA beyond policy and legal requirement
This is in line with some of Steinrsquos (2012 81) research and positive
outcomes are underpinned by the level of good consistent and accurate
support received by the individual Yet as this study has found this is
not consistent or universal
It is clear inconsistencies lack of support young and rushed transitions
all contribute to poorer outcomes for this group of young people A
group which are already disadvantaged and at a much higher risk of
social exclusion
As a society we should consider these young people as just that ndash young
people Often with the same dreams and aspirations as any other young
person On the contrary perhaps we should consider these young
people further as many will have already been let down by society
Either way they are entitled to as much support guidance and
opportunity as any other Regrettably this does not seem to be the case
as despite advances in research policy and legislation the same
inconsistencies and failures appear to occur time and time again
The study has shown the importance of understanding the young
peoplersquos history Of understanding former problems or areas of
concern This aids the transition to independence as it identifies where
the support is needed and individualizes the young person There
cannot be a lsquoone size fits allrsquo approach to the leaving care system as
one can see these young people are individual It has identified how
fundamental it is to include a young personrsquos foster carers when
considering independence to recognise the relationship they may have
34
with the young person and the key role they play after leaving care (as
with care lever A)
With this in mind one must acknowledge the leaving care system has
indeed improved over the last 30 years however it needs to continue to
progress if there is any hope of achieving a consistent service with more
even and positive outcomes for these young people
35
Bibliography
Action for Children (2014) [Online]
Available at httpwwwactionforchildrenorgukour-
servicesadoption-fostering-and-children-in-carechildren-in-
careleaving-care
Barnardorsquos (2014)[1] [Online] Someone to Care Experiences of
leaving care Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorguksomeone_to_care_final_feb2014pdf
(Accessed 07 October 2015)
Barnardorsquos (2014)[2] [Online] The costs of not caring supporting
English care leavers into independence Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf (Accessed 07
October 2015)
Biehal N Clayden J Stein M and Wade J (1995) Moving On
Young people and leaving care schemes London HMSO
Broad B (2005) Improving the Health and Well-Being of Young
People Leaving Care Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing
Burgess C (1981) In Care and Into Work London Tavistock
Care Leaverrsquos Foundation (with Children and Young People Now)
(2009) [Online] Setting Up A place to call home Bala Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation Available at
httpwwwthecareleaversfoundationorgsitedatafilesSetting_Up_A
_Place_to_Callpdf (Accessed 06 April 2015)
Care Leavers Strategy (2013) [Online] Available at
httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachment_
datafile266484Care_Leaver_Strategypdf (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Care Act (2014) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga201423part1crossheadingtra
nsition-for-children-to-adult-care-and-support-etcenacted (Accessed
01 March 2016)
Children and Families Act 2014 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga20146section98enacted
(Accessed 02 October 2015)
36
Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200035pdfsukpga_20000035_
enpdf (Accessed 19 March 2015)
Children and Young Persons Act (2008) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200823contents (Accessed 02
October 2015)
Community Care (2014) [Online] Councils struggling to retain social
workers in face of high caseloads and competition over pay
Available at httpwwwcommunitycarecouk20140130councils-
struggling-retain-social-workers-face-high-caseloads-competition-
pay (Accessed 22 February 2016)
Courtney M Terrao S and Bost N (2004) Midwest evaluation of
the adult functioning of former foster youth Conditions of youth
preparing to leave state care Outcomes at age 19 Chicago Chapin
Hall Centre for Children at University of Chicago
Daly F (2012) lsquoMy voice has to be heardrsquo Research on outcomes
for young people leaving care in North Dublin Dublin EPIC
Dixon J and Baker C (2012) lsquoThe Housing Experience of Young
People Leaving Care in England What helpsrsquo Developing Practice
The Child Youth and Family Work Journal Issue 32 National Care
Advisory Service (NCAS)
wwweducationgovuk [Online]
Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20130123124929httpw
wweducationgovukresearchandstatisticsstatisticsa00195573
Family Rights Group (2014) [Online] Support for Young People
Leaving the Care System Available at
httpwwwfrgorgukimagesAdvice_Sheets16-support-for-young-
people-leaving-carepdf (Accessed 29 September 2015)
The Fostering Network (2014) [Online] Staying Put Available at
httpswwwfosteringnetall-about-fosteringprovidersstaying-put-
updateVg5D-PRdX1Y (Accessed 02 October 2015)
Godek S (1976) Leaving Care Barkingside Barnardorsquos
Gwynedd Council (2014) [Online] lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
Available at
httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrutin
y20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20When
37
20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf (Accessed
22 February 2016)
Harris R J (1982) Institutionalized Ambivalence Social Work and
the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 British Journal of Social
Work Vol12 pp 247-263
Higgs L (2011) [Online] Housing crisis around the corner for care
leavers experts warn Children and Young People Now Available
at httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1050066housing-crisis-
corner-care-leavers-experts-warn (Accessed 17 February 2016)
Hiles D Moss D Thorne L Wright J and Dallos R (2014) ldquoSo
what am Irdquo ndash Multiple perspectives on young peoplersquos experience of
leaving care Children and Youth Services Review Vol 41 pp 1-15
House of Commons (1968) Report of the Committee on Local
Authority and Allied Personal Social Services London HMSO
Hutchinson D (2013) [Online] Catch 22 National Care Advisory
Service (NCAS) Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads9b7793d8be6ffc05a501df3df
4a1ef5fpdf
Jackson S and Cameron C (2012) lsquoLeaving Care Looking ahead
and aiming higherrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 34 (6)
pp 1107-1114
Mendes P and Moslehuddin B (2006) lsquoFrom Dependence to
Interdependence Towards Better Outcomes for Young People
Leaving State Carersquo Child Abuse Review Vol15 pp 110-166
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2006) Young peoplersquos views on leaving
care Newcastle Commission for Social Care Inspection
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2012) Young peoplersquos views on care
and aftercare Office of the Childrenrsquos Rights Director London
Ofsted
Mulvey T (1977) lsquoAfter-care ndash who caresrsquo Concern No 26
London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Munro E Lushey C and Ward H (2011) Evaluation of the
Right2BCared4 Pilots Final report (NCAS) London Department
for Education
38
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2011) Making the Cut
Planning Transitions for Care Levers in an Age of Austerity London
NCAS
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2012) [Online] Statistical
Briefing Looked after children and care leavers 2012 Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads0e9a6e4f266b8e96ad7c8e25
7bd53982pdf (Accessed 30 March 2015)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2013)
[Online] The NICE quality standard on the health and wellbeing of
looked after children and young people Available at
httpwwwniceorgukguidanceQS31chapterQuality-statement-8-
Support-to-move-to-independence (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Office for National Statistics (2014) [Online] Large increase in 20 to
34-year-olds living with parents since 1996 Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20160105160709httpw
wwonsgovukonsrelfamily-demographyyoung-adults-living-with-
parents2013sty-young-adultshtml (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board (2016) [Online] Child J ndash
Domestic Homicide Review and Serious Case Review (combined)
Available at httpwwwoscborgukwp-contentuploadsChild-J-
OSCB-Overview-Reportpdf (Accessed 25 February 2016)
Page R and Clark G (eds) (1977) Who Cares Young People in
Care Speak Out London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Puffett N and Orfford A (2016) [Online] Increasing numbers of
care leavers in unsuitable accommodation Children and Young
People Now Available at
httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1155917increasing-numbers-of-
care-leavers-in-unsuitable-accommodation (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Samuels G M and Pryce J M (2008) ldquoWhat doesnrsquot kill you
makes you strongerrdquo Survivalist self-reliance as resilience and risk
among young adults aging out of foster care Children and Youth
Services Review Vol 30 (10) pp 1198-1210
Stein M (2002) Young People Leaving Care A Research
Perspective In A Wheal ed The RHP Companion to Leaving Care
Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing pp 28-33
39
Stein M (2004) What works for young people leaving care
Barkingside Barnardos
Stein M (2006) lsquoYoung people aging out of care The poverty of
theoryrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 28 (4) pp 422-434
Stein M (2012) Young People Leaving Care Supporting Pathways
to Adulthood London Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Stein M and Carey K (1986) Leaving Care Oxford Blackwell
Stein M and Ellis S (1983) Gizza Say Reviews and Young People
in Care London NAYPIC
Stein M and Maynard C (1985) Irsquove Never Been So Lonely
London NAYPIC
Stone M (1990) Young People Leaving Care A study of
management systems service delivery and user evaluation UK The
Royal Philanthropic Society
The Who Carersquos Trust (2014) [Online] Leaving Care Available at
httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpagesleaving-care-what-
happens-post-16html
Wade J (2011) lsquoPreparation and transition planning for
unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee young people A review
of evidence in Englandrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol
33 pp 2424-2430
Wade J and Dixon J (2006) lsquoMaking a home finding a job
investing early housing and employment outcomes for young people
leaving carersquo Child and Family Social Work Vol 11 (3) pp 199-208
Wade J Mitchel F and Baylis G (2005) Unaccompanied asylum
seeking children The response of social services London BAAF
40
Appendix
1) httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf page 25
Karenrsquos story
2) httpwwwnhsukConditionsAttention-deficit-hyperactivity-
disorderPagesIntroductionaspx
3) Email received in response to a request for Mr Timpson (Minister
of State for Children and Families) to answer three questions
regarding care leavers
Dear MsthinspThompsonthinsp
I am writing on behalf of the Minister of State for Children and
Families to thank you for your email of 9 February about your
dissertation
I am sorry but the department receives so many requests like yours
that we are unable to respond to them other than to point you to
sources of information I would therefore suggest that you look at the
departmentrsquos website
at httpswwwgovuksearchq=care+leavers+strategy
I hope you find this link helpful and that you are able to find the
information you need
Your correspondence has been allocated reference number 2016-
0008179 If you need to respond to us please
visit httpswwweducationgovukcontactus and quote your
reference number
As part of our commitment to improving the service we provide to
our customers we are interested in hearing your views and would
welcome your comments via our website
at httpswwweducationgovukpcusurvey
Yours sincerely
Kelly Walkerthinsp
Ministerial and Public Communications Division
Web
[httpswwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovuk]https
wwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovukgt
Twitter httpswwwtwittercomeducationgovuk
Facebook httpswwwfacebookcomeducationgovuk
41
[httpswwweducationgovukimages2irisdfepng]
4) httpwwwgisdaorgengamdanom-nihtml
5) httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga198941section20
6)httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrut
iny20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20Whe
n20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf
7)httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachme
nt_datafile201015Staying_Put_Guidancepdf
8) httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpageswhats-a-pathway-
planhtml
9) httpjobscommunitycarecoukarticlecoventry-tops-london-in-
the-best-place-to-live-league-tablescmpid=EMP|JOBS|SCJOB-
2016-0224-CH|READMORE-COVampcmpid
10) httpwwwconwygovukdocaspcat=4800ampdoc=19742
11)httpresearchbriefingsparliamentukResearchBriefingSummary
SN06705
42
i) Interview Guide
Generic areas of question
Age upon leaving care
Staying put scheme
Financial help
Choice of housing
Suitability of accommodation
Geographical position of accommodation
Further education
Access to support eg Personal Advisor social worker
Input with Pathway plan
Being listened to
Transition
Keeping in touch
Difference with peers
43
29
needs assessment but in relation to the childrsquos needs after the age of
18 Furthermore section 58 (4) insists the assessment should be carried
out whether the child consents or not if there is a risk of or experiencing
abuse or neglect Bearing in mind the vulnerability of these young
people the causes for them to have been placed in care in the first place
it would be fair to consider this group eligible for this assessment and
extended care Added to which one would expect a more thorough and
consistent assessment to be carried out Clearly with several changes to
case workers [as experienced by care leavers A and D] this legal
standard is not being met
Perhaps government and policy makers should consider case worker
retention and better working environments as fundamental aspects of
policy in turn offering better outcomes for the young people
(Appendix 9)
d) Financial aspects
ldquoThey told him to choose what he needed for the flat but only
some of it turned up There is something I heard of might be
from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation where some money is put
into an ISA which can be accessed once they are 18 This is
because they have been in care But I feel the danger of that is it
could all be blown on something else or used as a carrot to
encourage leaving care As far as I have seen they just go and
spend it all then itrsquos gone ndash they would be better giving them a
furnished flatrdquo (Foster carer)
The Care Leavers Strategy states it encourages LArsquos to offer at least
pound2000 as a lsquoSetting Up Home Allowancersquo (leaving care grant)
although as this is not a legal requirement the amount varies from LA
to LA Care leaver A received in the region of pound400 (Gwynedd LA)
However the manager for Conwy laving care team indicated the
amount their care leavers receive is dependent on what they need This
is also stated on the LArsquos web site (Appendix 8) It may be suggested
that young people within less affluent LArsquos will fare worse financially
30
The Strategy maintains care leavers are entitled to a pound1200 bursary if
they are attending further education and a pound2000 bursary for higher
education This is financed by the Department for Education (2013
10) Extra funding of this kind would appear significant for these young
people however if the earlier literature is considered the statistics for
this grouprsquos educational achievements did not present well (See
chapter one) As this funding is reliant on the young person being in
education there will be a significant proportion unable to access this
extra help
Conwy LA did suggest promising outcomes for employment for their
care leavers with many undertaking apprenticeships within the
councilrsquos departments
ldquoWe have a number of our young people working and training in
the council (Conwy) with a selection of apprenticeships
specifically for them Some do go on to stay with us being
offered permanent contractsrdquo (Leaving care team manager)
Unfortunately a comparison cannot be made with other LArsquos or
voluntary organisations in this area as there was no response to the
research
Care leaver A did have temporary employment with a local leisure
centre although when a permanent contract was offered it was of a zero
hourrsquos nature
ldquoI wasnrsquot worth me taking ithellipI would lose my benefit and have
no guarantee of workrdquo
Care leaver C started a college course and managed a couple of shifts
in a restaurant kitchen however his chaotic accommodation provision
and a lack of support for his ADHD hampered his continuation
Care leaver D is NEET (Appendix 11) and has been since his exit from
care It would seem this has not been assisted by his family [to which
he returned] who have also never been in employment and his
reluctance to receive any more services It may be suggested his high
31
level of case worker turnover contributed to his reluctance Equally his
chaotic existence before entering care disrupted his education added
the rushed transition from care has not facilitated good employment
prospects
e) Evaluation and Reflection
When evaluating this research one must acknowledge the limitations
when assessing the size of the sample
Despite persistence there was a reluctance by professionals particularly
to participate Out of four LAs contacted only one responded and
agreed to be interviewed One LA received the research pack three
times follow up calls were made several times to no avail The same
may be said for the voluntary sector in spite of positive telephone
conversations and receipt of the research pack Barnardorsquos and Gisda
did not consent to be interviewed Therefore the findings were
somewhat one sided and the professional perspective limited
However even with the limited sample the original hypothesis of the
leaving care system failing the young people has a degree of truth
Equally the findings are reflective of earlier research identified in
chapter 2
There is certainly scope for further and more considerable research
within this field Although for future studies it may be beneficial to use
focus group methodology to encourage professional participation This
would possibly generate an improved response rate in comparison to
the online questionnaire used for the initial stages of this project The
face to face follow up interviews proved difficult to organise although
it was difficult to decipher whether this was due to a reluctance to
engage in the research or a lack of available time
32
Chapter 5
Conclusion
In conclusion the data collected for this study shows a system that sadly
does fail its young people Certainly in Gwynedd the leaving care
process is seemingly rushed and centred around a personrsquos age rather
than their readiness for independence Of course it may be argued there
has to be a lsquocut off pointrsquo and young people have to become
independent at some time for legal purposes that lsquopointrsquo is dictated by
their age It would seem this is the case regardless of the harm it may
cause Furthermore it could be argued this hasty process is a breach of
the young personrsquos human rights however despite searching no cases
were found
In 2006 research conducted by Mendes and Moselhuddin concluded
the leaving care process should be a gradual process based on levels of
maturity and ability to manage independence rather than simply age
The same recommendation is echoed in the majority of research both
past and present It would seem that ten years on we are no closer to an
ideal solution
For care leaver A C and D the outcome was poor Certainly they did
not feel supported through the transition although care leaver C had
significantly better support from their personal advisor post 18
However despite this support care leaver C was still living in less than
ideal circumstances and about to be moved once again
In line with the literature this study although with the limited sample
found immense inconsistencies within the system and in every area
from support to financial assistance
Evidently for some the system works against an already disadvantaged
group abandoning when needed the most so to speak
33
It would seem the introduction of legislation and the Transitions
Guidance to strengthen practice and policy has failed to make a
significant improvement especially surrounding the lsquolevelling uprsquo of
services Attributed by the cost cutting imposed on LArsquos by central
government this is hardly surprising
There are some encouraging outcomes such as care leaver B receiving
immense support from their LA beyond policy and legal requirement
This is in line with some of Steinrsquos (2012 81) research and positive
outcomes are underpinned by the level of good consistent and accurate
support received by the individual Yet as this study has found this is
not consistent or universal
It is clear inconsistencies lack of support young and rushed transitions
all contribute to poorer outcomes for this group of young people A
group which are already disadvantaged and at a much higher risk of
social exclusion
As a society we should consider these young people as just that ndash young
people Often with the same dreams and aspirations as any other young
person On the contrary perhaps we should consider these young
people further as many will have already been let down by society
Either way they are entitled to as much support guidance and
opportunity as any other Regrettably this does not seem to be the case
as despite advances in research policy and legislation the same
inconsistencies and failures appear to occur time and time again
The study has shown the importance of understanding the young
peoplersquos history Of understanding former problems or areas of
concern This aids the transition to independence as it identifies where
the support is needed and individualizes the young person There
cannot be a lsquoone size fits allrsquo approach to the leaving care system as
one can see these young people are individual It has identified how
fundamental it is to include a young personrsquos foster carers when
considering independence to recognise the relationship they may have
34
with the young person and the key role they play after leaving care (as
with care lever A)
With this in mind one must acknowledge the leaving care system has
indeed improved over the last 30 years however it needs to continue to
progress if there is any hope of achieving a consistent service with more
even and positive outcomes for these young people
35
Bibliography
Action for Children (2014) [Online]
Available at httpwwwactionforchildrenorgukour-
servicesadoption-fostering-and-children-in-carechildren-in-
careleaving-care
Barnardorsquos (2014)[1] [Online] Someone to Care Experiences of
leaving care Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorguksomeone_to_care_final_feb2014pdf
(Accessed 07 October 2015)
Barnardorsquos (2014)[2] [Online] The costs of not caring supporting
English care leavers into independence Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf (Accessed 07
October 2015)
Biehal N Clayden J Stein M and Wade J (1995) Moving On
Young people and leaving care schemes London HMSO
Broad B (2005) Improving the Health and Well-Being of Young
People Leaving Care Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing
Burgess C (1981) In Care and Into Work London Tavistock
Care Leaverrsquos Foundation (with Children and Young People Now)
(2009) [Online] Setting Up A place to call home Bala Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation Available at
httpwwwthecareleaversfoundationorgsitedatafilesSetting_Up_A
_Place_to_Callpdf (Accessed 06 April 2015)
Care Leavers Strategy (2013) [Online] Available at
httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachment_
datafile266484Care_Leaver_Strategypdf (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Care Act (2014) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga201423part1crossheadingtra
nsition-for-children-to-adult-care-and-support-etcenacted (Accessed
01 March 2016)
Children and Families Act 2014 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga20146section98enacted
(Accessed 02 October 2015)
36
Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200035pdfsukpga_20000035_
enpdf (Accessed 19 March 2015)
Children and Young Persons Act (2008) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200823contents (Accessed 02
October 2015)
Community Care (2014) [Online] Councils struggling to retain social
workers in face of high caseloads and competition over pay
Available at httpwwwcommunitycarecouk20140130councils-
struggling-retain-social-workers-face-high-caseloads-competition-
pay (Accessed 22 February 2016)
Courtney M Terrao S and Bost N (2004) Midwest evaluation of
the adult functioning of former foster youth Conditions of youth
preparing to leave state care Outcomes at age 19 Chicago Chapin
Hall Centre for Children at University of Chicago
Daly F (2012) lsquoMy voice has to be heardrsquo Research on outcomes
for young people leaving care in North Dublin Dublin EPIC
Dixon J and Baker C (2012) lsquoThe Housing Experience of Young
People Leaving Care in England What helpsrsquo Developing Practice
The Child Youth and Family Work Journal Issue 32 National Care
Advisory Service (NCAS)
wwweducationgovuk [Online]
Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20130123124929httpw
wweducationgovukresearchandstatisticsstatisticsa00195573
Family Rights Group (2014) [Online] Support for Young People
Leaving the Care System Available at
httpwwwfrgorgukimagesAdvice_Sheets16-support-for-young-
people-leaving-carepdf (Accessed 29 September 2015)
The Fostering Network (2014) [Online] Staying Put Available at
httpswwwfosteringnetall-about-fosteringprovidersstaying-put-
updateVg5D-PRdX1Y (Accessed 02 October 2015)
Godek S (1976) Leaving Care Barkingside Barnardorsquos
Gwynedd Council (2014) [Online] lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
Available at
httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrutin
y20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20When
37
20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf (Accessed
22 February 2016)
Harris R J (1982) Institutionalized Ambivalence Social Work and
the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 British Journal of Social
Work Vol12 pp 247-263
Higgs L (2011) [Online] Housing crisis around the corner for care
leavers experts warn Children and Young People Now Available
at httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1050066housing-crisis-
corner-care-leavers-experts-warn (Accessed 17 February 2016)
Hiles D Moss D Thorne L Wright J and Dallos R (2014) ldquoSo
what am Irdquo ndash Multiple perspectives on young peoplersquos experience of
leaving care Children and Youth Services Review Vol 41 pp 1-15
House of Commons (1968) Report of the Committee on Local
Authority and Allied Personal Social Services London HMSO
Hutchinson D (2013) [Online] Catch 22 National Care Advisory
Service (NCAS) Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads9b7793d8be6ffc05a501df3df
4a1ef5fpdf
Jackson S and Cameron C (2012) lsquoLeaving Care Looking ahead
and aiming higherrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 34 (6)
pp 1107-1114
Mendes P and Moslehuddin B (2006) lsquoFrom Dependence to
Interdependence Towards Better Outcomes for Young People
Leaving State Carersquo Child Abuse Review Vol15 pp 110-166
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2006) Young peoplersquos views on leaving
care Newcastle Commission for Social Care Inspection
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2012) Young peoplersquos views on care
and aftercare Office of the Childrenrsquos Rights Director London
Ofsted
Mulvey T (1977) lsquoAfter-care ndash who caresrsquo Concern No 26
London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Munro E Lushey C and Ward H (2011) Evaluation of the
Right2BCared4 Pilots Final report (NCAS) London Department
for Education
38
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2011) Making the Cut
Planning Transitions for Care Levers in an Age of Austerity London
NCAS
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2012) [Online] Statistical
Briefing Looked after children and care leavers 2012 Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads0e9a6e4f266b8e96ad7c8e25
7bd53982pdf (Accessed 30 March 2015)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2013)
[Online] The NICE quality standard on the health and wellbeing of
looked after children and young people Available at
httpwwwniceorgukguidanceQS31chapterQuality-statement-8-
Support-to-move-to-independence (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Office for National Statistics (2014) [Online] Large increase in 20 to
34-year-olds living with parents since 1996 Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20160105160709httpw
wwonsgovukonsrelfamily-demographyyoung-adults-living-with-
parents2013sty-young-adultshtml (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board (2016) [Online] Child J ndash
Domestic Homicide Review and Serious Case Review (combined)
Available at httpwwwoscborgukwp-contentuploadsChild-J-
OSCB-Overview-Reportpdf (Accessed 25 February 2016)
Page R and Clark G (eds) (1977) Who Cares Young People in
Care Speak Out London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Puffett N and Orfford A (2016) [Online] Increasing numbers of
care leavers in unsuitable accommodation Children and Young
People Now Available at
httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1155917increasing-numbers-of-
care-leavers-in-unsuitable-accommodation (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Samuels G M and Pryce J M (2008) ldquoWhat doesnrsquot kill you
makes you strongerrdquo Survivalist self-reliance as resilience and risk
among young adults aging out of foster care Children and Youth
Services Review Vol 30 (10) pp 1198-1210
Stein M (2002) Young People Leaving Care A Research
Perspective In A Wheal ed The RHP Companion to Leaving Care
Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing pp 28-33
39
Stein M (2004) What works for young people leaving care
Barkingside Barnardos
Stein M (2006) lsquoYoung people aging out of care The poverty of
theoryrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 28 (4) pp 422-434
Stein M (2012) Young People Leaving Care Supporting Pathways
to Adulthood London Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Stein M and Carey K (1986) Leaving Care Oxford Blackwell
Stein M and Ellis S (1983) Gizza Say Reviews and Young People
in Care London NAYPIC
Stein M and Maynard C (1985) Irsquove Never Been So Lonely
London NAYPIC
Stone M (1990) Young People Leaving Care A study of
management systems service delivery and user evaluation UK The
Royal Philanthropic Society
The Who Carersquos Trust (2014) [Online] Leaving Care Available at
httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpagesleaving-care-what-
happens-post-16html
Wade J (2011) lsquoPreparation and transition planning for
unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee young people A review
of evidence in Englandrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol
33 pp 2424-2430
Wade J and Dixon J (2006) lsquoMaking a home finding a job
investing early housing and employment outcomes for young people
leaving carersquo Child and Family Social Work Vol 11 (3) pp 199-208
Wade J Mitchel F and Baylis G (2005) Unaccompanied asylum
seeking children The response of social services London BAAF
40
Appendix
1) httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf page 25
Karenrsquos story
2) httpwwwnhsukConditionsAttention-deficit-hyperactivity-
disorderPagesIntroductionaspx
3) Email received in response to a request for Mr Timpson (Minister
of State for Children and Families) to answer three questions
regarding care leavers
Dear MsthinspThompsonthinsp
I am writing on behalf of the Minister of State for Children and
Families to thank you for your email of 9 February about your
dissertation
I am sorry but the department receives so many requests like yours
that we are unable to respond to them other than to point you to
sources of information I would therefore suggest that you look at the
departmentrsquos website
at httpswwwgovuksearchq=care+leavers+strategy
I hope you find this link helpful and that you are able to find the
information you need
Your correspondence has been allocated reference number 2016-
0008179 If you need to respond to us please
visit httpswwweducationgovukcontactus and quote your
reference number
As part of our commitment to improving the service we provide to
our customers we are interested in hearing your views and would
welcome your comments via our website
at httpswwweducationgovukpcusurvey
Yours sincerely
Kelly Walkerthinsp
Ministerial and Public Communications Division
Web
[httpswwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovuk]https
wwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovukgt
Twitter httpswwwtwittercomeducationgovuk
Facebook httpswwwfacebookcomeducationgovuk
41
[httpswwweducationgovukimages2irisdfepng]
4) httpwwwgisdaorgengamdanom-nihtml
5) httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga198941section20
6)httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrut
iny20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20Whe
n20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf
7)httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachme
nt_datafile201015Staying_Put_Guidancepdf
8) httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpageswhats-a-pathway-
planhtml
9) httpjobscommunitycarecoukarticlecoventry-tops-london-in-
the-best-place-to-live-league-tablescmpid=EMP|JOBS|SCJOB-
2016-0224-CH|READMORE-COVampcmpid
10) httpwwwconwygovukdocaspcat=4800ampdoc=19742
11)httpresearchbriefingsparliamentukResearchBriefingSummary
SN06705
42
i) Interview Guide
Generic areas of question
Age upon leaving care
Staying put scheme
Financial help
Choice of housing
Suitability of accommodation
Geographical position of accommodation
Further education
Access to support eg Personal Advisor social worker
Input with Pathway plan
Being listened to
Transition
Keeping in touch
Difference with peers
43
30
The Strategy maintains care leavers are entitled to a pound1200 bursary if
they are attending further education and a pound2000 bursary for higher
education This is financed by the Department for Education (2013
10) Extra funding of this kind would appear significant for these young
people however if the earlier literature is considered the statistics for
this grouprsquos educational achievements did not present well (See
chapter one) As this funding is reliant on the young person being in
education there will be a significant proportion unable to access this
extra help
Conwy LA did suggest promising outcomes for employment for their
care leavers with many undertaking apprenticeships within the
councilrsquos departments
ldquoWe have a number of our young people working and training in
the council (Conwy) with a selection of apprenticeships
specifically for them Some do go on to stay with us being
offered permanent contractsrdquo (Leaving care team manager)
Unfortunately a comparison cannot be made with other LArsquos or
voluntary organisations in this area as there was no response to the
research
Care leaver A did have temporary employment with a local leisure
centre although when a permanent contract was offered it was of a zero
hourrsquos nature
ldquoI wasnrsquot worth me taking ithellipI would lose my benefit and have
no guarantee of workrdquo
Care leaver C started a college course and managed a couple of shifts
in a restaurant kitchen however his chaotic accommodation provision
and a lack of support for his ADHD hampered his continuation
Care leaver D is NEET (Appendix 11) and has been since his exit from
care It would seem this has not been assisted by his family [to which
he returned] who have also never been in employment and his
reluctance to receive any more services It may be suggested his high
31
level of case worker turnover contributed to his reluctance Equally his
chaotic existence before entering care disrupted his education added
the rushed transition from care has not facilitated good employment
prospects
e) Evaluation and Reflection
When evaluating this research one must acknowledge the limitations
when assessing the size of the sample
Despite persistence there was a reluctance by professionals particularly
to participate Out of four LAs contacted only one responded and
agreed to be interviewed One LA received the research pack three
times follow up calls were made several times to no avail The same
may be said for the voluntary sector in spite of positive telephone
conversations and receipt of the research pack Barnardorsquos and Gisda
did not consent to be interviewed Therefore the findings were
somewhat one sided and the professional perspective limited
However even with the limited sample the original hypothesis of the
leaving care system failing the young people has a degree of truth
Equally the findings are reflective of earlier research identified in
chapter 2
There is certainly scope for further and more considerable research
within this field Although for future studies it may be beneficial to use
focus group methodology to encourage professional participation This
would possibly generate an improved response rate in comparison to
the online questionnaire used for the initial stages of this project The
face to face follow up interviews proved difficult to organise although
it was difficult to decipher whether this was due to a reluctance to
engage in the research or a lack of available time
32
Chapter 5
Conclusion
In conclusion the data collected for this study shows a system that sadly
does fail its young people Certainly in Gwynedd the leaving care
process is seemingly rushed and centred around a personrsquos age rather
than their readiness for independence Of course it may be argued there
has to be a lsquocut off pointrsquo and young people have to become
independent at some time for legal purposes that lsquopointrsquo is dictated by
their age It would seem this is the case regardless of the harm it may
cause Furthermore it could be argued this hasty process is a breach of
the young personrsquos human rights however despite searching no cases
were found
In 2006 research conducted by Mendes and Moselhuddin concluded
the leaving care process should be a gradual process based on levels of
maturity and ability to manage independence rather than simply age
The same recommendation is echoed in the majority of research both
past and present It would seem that ten years on we are no closer to an
ideal solution
For care leaver A C and D the outcome was poor Certainly they did
not feel supported through the transition although care leaver C had
significantly better support from their personal advisor post 18
However despite this support care leaver C was still living in less than
ideal circumstances and about to be moved once again
In line with the literature this study although with the limited sample
found immense inconsistencies within the system and in every area
from support to financial assistance
Evidently for some the system works against an already disadvantaged
group abandoning when needed the most so to speak
33
It would seem the introduction of legislation and the Transitions
Guidance to strengthen practice and policy has failed to make a
significant improvement especially surrounding the lsquolevelling uprsquo of
services Attributed by the cost cutting imposed on LArsquos by central
government this is hardly surprising
There are some encouraging outcomes such as care leaver B receiving
immense support from their LA beyond policy and legal requirement
This is in line with some of Steinrsquos (2012 81) research and positive
outcomes are underpinned by the level of good consistent and accurate
support received by the individual Yet as this study has found this is
not consistent or universal
It is clear inconsistencies lack of support young and rushed transitions
all contribute to poorer outcomes for this group of young people A
group which are already disadvantaged and at a much higher risk of
social exclusion
As a society we should consider these young people as just that ndash young
people Often with the same dreams and aspirations as any other young
person On the contrary perhaps we should consider these young
people further as many will have already been let down by society
Either way they are entitled to as much support guidance and
opportunity as any other Regrettably this does not seem to be the case
as despite advances in research policy and legislation the same
inconsistencies and failures appear to occur time and time again
The study has shown the importance of understanding the young
peoplersquos history Of understanding former problems or areas of
concern This aids the transition to independence as it identifies where
the support is needed and individualizes the young person There
cannot be a lsquoone size fits allrsquo approach to the leaving care system as
one can see these young people are individual It has identified how
fundamental it is to include a young personrsquos foster carers when
considering independence to recognise the relationship they may have
34
with the young person and the key role they play after leaving care (as
with care lever A)
With this in mind one must acknowledge the leaving care system has
indeed improved over the last 30 years however it needs to continue to
progress if there is any hope of achieving a consistent service with more
even and positive outcomes for these young people
35
Bibliography
Action for Children (2014) [Online]
Available at httpwwwactionforchildrenorgukour-
servicesadoption-fostering-and-children-in-carechildren-in-
careleaving-care
Barnardorsquos (2014)[1] [Online] Someone to Care Experiences of
leaving care Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorguksomeone_to_care_final_feb2014pdf
(Accessed 07 October 2015)
Barnardorsquos (2014)[2] [Online] The costs of not caring supporting
English care leavers into independence Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf (Accessed 07
October 2015)
Biehal N Clayden J Stein M and Wade J (1995) Moving On
Young people and leaving care schemes London HMSO
Broad B (2005) Improving the Health and Well-Being of Young
People Leaving Care Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing
Burgess C (1981) In Care and Into Work London Tavistock
Care Leaverrsquos Foundation (with Children and Young People Now)
(2009) [Online] Setting Up A place to call home Bala Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation Available at
httpwwwthecareleaversfoundationorgsitedatafilesSetting_Up_A
_Place_to_Callpdf (Accessed 06 April 2015)
Care Leavers Strategy (2013) [Online] Available at
httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachment_
datafile266484Care_Leaver_Strategypdf (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Care Act (2014) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga201423part1crossheadingtra
nsition-for-children-to-adult-care-and-support-etcenacted (Accessed
01 March 2016)
Children and Families Act 2014 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga20146section98enacted
(Accessed 02 October 2015)
36
Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200035pdfsukpga_20000035_
enpdf (Accessed 19 March 2015)
Children and Young Persons Act (2008) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200823contents (Accessed 02
October 2015)
Community Care (2014) [Online] Councils struggling to retain social
workers in face of high caseloads and competition over pay
Available at httpwwwcommunitycarecouk20140130councils-
struggling-retain-social-workers-face-high-caseloads-competition-
pay (Accessed 22 February 2016)
Courtney M Terrao S and Bost N (2004) Midwest evaluation of
the adult functioning of former foster youth Conditions of youth
preparing to leave state care Outcomes at age 19 Chicago Chapin
Hall Centre for Children at University of Chicago
Daly F (2012) lsquoMy voice has to be heardrsquo Research on outcomes
for young people leaving care in North Dublin Dublin EPIC
Dixon J and Baker C (2012) lsquoThe Housing Experience of Young
People Leaving Care in England What helpsrsquo Developing Practice
The Child Youth and Family Work Journal Issue 32 National Care
Advisory Service (NCAS)
wwweducationgovuk [Online]
Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20130123124929httpw
wweducationgovukresearchandstatisticsstatisticsa00195573
Family Rights Group (2014) [Online] Support for Young People
Leaving the Care System Available at
httpwwwfrgorgukimagesAdvice_Sheets16-support-for-young-
people-leaving-carepdf (Accessed 29 September 2015)
The Fostering Network (2014) [Online] Staying Put Available at
httpswwwfosteringnetall-about-fosteringprovidersstaying-put-
updateVg5D-PRdX1Y (Accessed 02 October 2015)
Godek S (1976) Leaving Care Barkingside Barnardorsquos
Gwynedd Council (2014) [Online] lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
Available at
httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrutin
y20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20When
37
20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf (Accessed
22 February 2016)
Harris R J (1982) Institutionalized Ambivalence Social Work and
the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 British Journal of Social
Work Vol12 pp 247-263
Higgs L (2011) [Online] Housing crisis around the corner for care
leavers experts warn Children and Young People Now Available
at httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1050066housing-crisis-
corner-care-leavers-experts-warn (Accessed 17 February 2016)
Hiles D Moss D Thorne L Wright J and Dallos R (2014) ldquoSo
what am Irdquo ndash Multiple perspectives on young peoplersquos experience of
leaving care Children and Youth Services Review Vol 41 pp 1-15
House of Commons (1968) Report of the Committee on Local
Authority and Allied Personal Social Services London HMSO
Hutchinson D (2013) [Online] Catch 22 National Care Advisory
Service (NCAS) Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads9b7793d8be6ffc05a501df3df
4a1ef5fpdf
Jackson S and Cameron C (2012) lsquoLeaving Care Looking ahead
and aiming higherrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 34 (6)
pp 1107-1114
Mendes P and Moslehuddin B (2006) lsquoFrom Dependence to
Interdependence Towards Better Outcomes for Young People
Leaving State Carersquo Child Abuse Review Vol15 pp 110-166
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2006) Young peoplersquos views on leaving
care Newcastle Commission for Social Care Inspection
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2012) Young peoplersquos views on care
and aftercare Office of the Childrenrsquos Rights Director London
Ofsted
Mulvey T (1977) lsquoAfter-care ndash who caresrsquo Concern No 26
London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Munro E Lushey C and Ward H (2011) Evaluation of the
Right2BCared4 Pilots Final report (NCAS) London Department
for Education
38
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2011) Making the Cut
Planning Transitions for Care Levers in an Age of Austerity London
NCAS
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2012) [Online] Statistical
Briefing Looked after children and care leavers 2012 Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads0e9a6e4f266b8e96ad7c8e25
7bd53982pdf (Accessed 30 March 2015)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2013)
[Online] The NICE quality standard on the health and wellbeing of
looked after children and young people Available at
httpwwwniceorgukguidanceQS31chapterQuality-statement-8-
Support-to-move-to-independence (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Office for National Statistics (2014) [Online] Large increase in 20 to
34-year-olds living with parents since 1996 Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20160105160709httpw
wwonsgovukonsrelfamily-demographyyoung-adults-living-with-
parents2013sty-young-adultshtml (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board (2016) [Online] Child J ndash
Domestic Homicide Review and Serious Case Review (combined)
Available at httpwwwoscborgukwp-contentuploadsChild-J-
OSCB-Overview-Reportpdf (Accessed 25 February 2016)
Page R and Clark G (eds) (1977) Who Cares Young People in
Care Speak Out London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Puffett N and Orfford A (2016) [Online] Increasing numbers of
care leavers in unsuitable accommodation Children and Young
People Now Available at
httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1155917increasing-numbers-of-
care-leavers-in-unsuitable-accommodation (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Samuels G M and Pryce J M (2008) ldquoWhat doesnrsquot kill you
makes you strongerrdquo Survivalist self-reliance as resilience and risk
among young adults aging out of foster care Children and Youth
Services Review Vol 30 (10) pp 1198-1210
Stein M (2002) Young People Leaving Care A Research
Perspective In A Wheal ed The RHP Companion to Leaving Care
Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing pp 28-33
39
Stein M (2004) What works for young people leaving care
Barkingside Barnardos
Stein M (2006) lsquoYoung people aging out of care The poverty of
theoryrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 28 (4) pp 422-434
Stein M (2012) Young People Leaving Care Supporting Pathways
to Adulthood London Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Stein M and Carey K (1986) Leaving Care Oxford Blackwell
Stein M and Ellis S (1983) Gizza Say Reviews and Young People
in Care London NAYPIC
Stein M and Maynard C (1985) Irsquove Never Been So Lonely
London NAYPIC
Stone M (1990) Young People Leaving Care A study of
management systems service delivery and user evaluation UK The
Royal Philanthropic Society
The Who Carersquos Trust (2014) [Online] Leaving Care Available at
httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpagesleaving-care-what-
happens-post-16html
Wade J (2011) lsquoPreparation and transition planning for
unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee young people A review
of evidence in Englandrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol
33 pp 2424-2430
Wade J and Dixon J (2006) lsquoMaking a home finding a job
investing early housing and employment outcomes for young people
leaving carersquo Child and Family Social Work Vol 11 (3) pp 199-208
Wade J Mitchel F and Baylis G (2005) Unaccompanied asylum
seeking children The response of social services London BAAF
40
Appendix
1) httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf page 25
Karenrsquos story
2) httpwwwnhsukConditionsAttention-deficit-hyperactivity-
disorderPagesIntroductionaspx
3) Email received in response to a request for Mr Timpson (Minister
of State for Children and Families) to answer three questions
regarding care leavers
Dear MsthinspThompsonthinsp
I am writing on behalf of the Minister of State for Children and
Families to thank you for your email of 9 February about your
dissertation
I am sorry but the department receives so many requests like yours
that we are unable to respond to them other than to point you to
sources of information I would therefore suggest that you look at the
departmentrsquos website
at httpswwwgovuksearchq=care+leavers+strategy
I hope you find this link helpful and that you are able to find the
information you need
Your correspondence has been allocated reference number 2016-
0008179 If you need to respond to us please
visit httpswwweducationgovukcontactus and quote your
reference number
As part of our commitment to improving the service we provide to
our customers we are interested in hearing your views and would
welcome your comments via our website
at httpswwweducationgovukpcusurvey
Yours sincerely
Kelly Walkerthinsp
Ministerial and Public Communications Division
Web
[httpswwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovuk]https
wwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovukgt
Twitter httpswwwtwittercomeducationgovuk
Facebook httpswwwfacebookcomeducationgovuk
41
[httpswwweducationgovukimages2irisdfepng]
4) httpwwwgisdaorgengamdanom-nihtml
5) httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga198941section20
6)httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrut
iny20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20Whe
n20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf
7)httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachme
nt_datafile201015Staying_Put_Guidancepdf
8) httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpageswhats-a-pathway-
planhtml
9) httpjobscommunitycarecoukarticlecoventry-tops-london-in-
the-best-place-to-live-league-tablescmpid=EMP|JOBS|SCJOB-
2016-0224-CH|READMORE-COVampcmpid
10) httpwwwconwygovukdocaspcat=4800ampdoc=19742
11)httpresearchbriefingsparliamentukResearchBriefingSummary
SN06705
42
i) Interview Guide
Generic areas of question
Age upon leaving care
Staying put scheme
Financial help
Choice of housing
Suitability of accommodation
Geographical position of accommodation
Further education
Access to support eg Personal Advisor social worker
Input with Pathway plan
Being listened to
Transition
Keeping in touch
Difference with peers
43
31
level of case worker turnover contributed to his reluctance Equally his
chaotic existence before entering care disrupted his education added
the rushed transition from care has not facilitated good employment
prospects
e) Evaluation and Reflection
When evaluating this research one must acknowledge the limitations
when assessing the size of the sample
Despite persistence there was a reluctance by professionals particularly
to participate Out of four LAs contacted only one responded and
agreed to be interviewed One LA received the research pack three
times follow up calls were made several times to no avail The same
may be said for the voluntary sector in spite of positive telephone
conversations and receipt of the research pack Barnardorsquos and Gisda
did not consent to be interviewed Therefore the findings were
somewhat one sided and the professional perspective limited
However even with the limited sample the original hypothesis of the
leaving care system failing the young people has a degree of truth
Equally the findings are reflective of earlier research identified in
chapter 2
There is certainly scope for further and more considerable research
within this field Although for future studies it may be beneficial to use
focus group methodology to encourage professional participation This
would possibly generate an improved response rate in comparison to
the online questionnaire used for the initial stages of this project The
face to face follow up interviews proved difficult to organise although
it was difficult to decipher whether this was due to a reluctance to
engage in the research or a lack of available time
32
Chapter 5
Conclusion
In conclusion the data collected for this study shows a system that sadly
does fail its young people Certainly in Gwynedd the leaving care
process is seemingly rushed and centred around a personrsquos age rather
than their readiness for independence Of course it may be argued there
has to be a lsquocut off pointrsquo and young people have to become
independent at some time for legal purposes that lsquopointrsquo is dictated by
their age It would seem this is the case regardless of the harm it may
cause Furthermore it could be argued this hasty process is a breach of
the young personrsquos human rights however despite searching no cases
were found
In 2006 research conducted by Mendes and Moselhuddin concluded
the leaving care process should be a gradual process based on levels of
maturity and ability to manage independence rather than simply age
The same recommendation is echoed in the majority of research both
past and present It would seem that ten years on we are no closer to an
ideal solution
For care leaver A C and D the outcome was poor Certainly they did
not feel supported through the transition although care leaver C had
significantly better support from their personal advisor post 18
However despite this support care leaver C was still living in less than
ideal circumstances and about to be moved once again
In line with the literature this study although with the limited sample
found immense inconsistencies within the system and in every area
from support to financial assistance
Evidently for some the system works against an already disadvantaged
group abandoning when needed the most so to speak
33
It would seem the introduction of legislation and the Transitions
Guidance to strengthen practice and policy has failed to make a
significant improvement especially surrounding the lsquolevelling uprsquo of
services Attributed by the cost cutting imposed on LArsquos by central
government this is hardly surprising
There are some encouraging outcomes such as care leaver B receiving
immense support from their LA beyond policy and legal requirement
This is in line with some of Steinrsquos (2012 81) research and positive
outcomes are underpinned by the level of good consistent and accurate
support received by the individual Yet as this study has found this is
not consistent or universal
It is clear inconsistencies lack of support young and rushed transitions
all contribute to poorer outcomes for this group of young people A
group which are already disadvantaged and at a much higher risk of
social exclusion
As a society we should consider these young people as just that ndash young
people Often with the same dreams and aspirations as any other young
person On the contrary perhaps we should consider these young
people further as many will have already been let down by society
Either way they are entitled to as much support guidance and
opportunity as any other Regrettably this does not seem to be the case
as despite advances in research policy and legislation the same
inconsistencies and failures appear to occur time and time again
The study has shown the importance of understanding the young
peoplersquos history Of understanding former problems or areas of
concern This aids the transition to independence as it identifies where
the support is needed and individualizes the young person There
cannot be a lsquoone size fits allrsquo approach to the leaving care system as
one can see these young people are individual It has identified how
fundamental it is to include a young personrsquos foster carers when
considering independence to recognise the relationship they may have
34
with the young person and the key role they play after leaving care (as
with care lever A)
With this in mind one must acknowledge the leaving care system has
indeed improved over the last 30 years however it needs to continue to
progress if there is any hope of achieving a consistent service with more
even and positive outcomes for these young people
35
Bibliography
Action for Children (2014) [Online]
Available at httpwwwactionforchildrenorgukour-
servicesadoption-fostering-and-children-in-carechildren-in-
careleaving-care
Barnardorsquos (2014)[1] [Online] Someone to Care Experiences of
leaving care Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorguksomeone_to_care_final_feb2014pdf
(Accessed 07 October 2015)
Barnardorsquos (2014)[2] [Online] The costs of not caring supporting
English care leavers into independence Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf (Accessed 07
October 2015)
Biehal N Clayden J Stein M and Wade J (1995) Moving On
Young people and leaving care schemes London HMSO
Broad B (2005) Improving the Health and Well-Being of Young
People Leaving Care Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing
Burgess C (1981) In Care and Into Work London Tavistock
Care Leaverrsquos Foundation (with Children and Young People Now)
(2009) [Online] Setting Up A place to call home Bala Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation Available at
httpwwwthecareleaversfoundationorgsitedatafilesSetting_Up_A
_Place_to_Callpdf (Accessed 06 April 2015)
Care Leavers Strategy (2013) [Online] Available at
httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachment_
datafile266484Care_Leaver_Strategypdf (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Care Act (2014) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga201423part1crossheadingtra
nsition-for-children-to-adult-care-and-support-etcenacted (Accessed
01 March 2016)
Children and Families Act 2014 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga20146section98enacted
(Accessed 02 October 2015)
36
Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200035pdfsukpga_20000035_
enpdf (Accessed 19 March 2015)
Children and Young Persons Act (2008) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200823contents (Accessed 02
October 2015)
Community Care (2014) [Online] Councils struggling to retain social
workers in face of high caseloads and competition over pay
Available at httpwwwcommunitycarecouk20140130councils-
struggling-retain-social-workers-face-high-caseloads-competition-
pay (Accessed 22 February 2016)
Courtney M Terrao S and Bost N (2004) Midwest evaluation of
the adult functioning of former foster youth Conditions of youth
preparing to leave state care Outcomes at age 19 Chicago Chapin
Hall Centre for Children at University of Chicago
Daly F (2012) lsquoMy voice has to be heardrsquo Research on outcomes
for young people leaving care in North Dublin Dublin EPIC
Dixon J and Baker C (2012) lsquoThe Housing Experience of Young
People Leaving Care in England What helpsrsquo Developing Practice
The Child Youth and Family Work Journal Issue 32 National Care
Advisory Service (NCAS)
wwweducationgovuk [Online]
Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20130123124929httpw
wweducationgovukresearchandstatisticsstatisticsa00195573
Family Rights Group (2014) [Online] Support for Young People
Leaving the Care System Available at
httpwwwfrgorgukimagesAdvice_Sheets16-support-for-young-
people-leaving-carepdf (Accessed 29 September 2015)
The Fostering Network (2014) [Online] Staying Put Available at
httpswwwfosteringnetall-about-fosteringprovidersstaying-put-
updateVg5D-PRdX1Y (Accessed 02 October 2015)
Godek S (1976) Leaving Care Barkingside Barnardorsquos
Gwynedd Council (2014) [Online] lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
Available at
httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrutin
y20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20When
37
20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf (Accessed
22 February 2016)
Harris R J (1982) Institutionalized Ambivalence Social Work and
the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 British Journal of Social
Work Vol12 pp 247-263
Higgs L (2011) [Online] Housing crisis around the corner for care
leavers experts warn Children and Young People Now Available
at httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1050066housing-crisis-
corner-care-leavers-experts-warn (Accessed 17 February 2016)
Hiles D Moss D Thorne L Wright J and Dallos R (2014) ldquoSo
what am Irdquo ndash Multiple perspectives on young peoplersquos experience of
leaving care Children and Youth Services Review Vol 41 pp 1-15
House of Commons (1968) Report of the Committee on Local
Authority and Allied Personal Social Services London HMSO
Hutchinson D (2013) [Online] Catch 22 National Care Advisory
Service (NCAS) Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads9b7793d8be6ffc05a501df3df
4a1ef5fpdf
Jackson S and Cameron C (2012) lsquoLeaving Care Looking ahead
and aiming higherrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 34 (6)
pp 1107-1114
Mendes P and Moslehuddin B (2006) lsquoFrom Dependence to
Interdependence Towards Better Outcomes for Young People
Leaving State Carersquo Child Abuse Review Vol15 pp 110-166
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2006) Young peoplersquos views on leaving
care Newcastle Commission for Social Care Inspection
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2012) Young peoplersquos views on care
and aftercare Office of the Childrenrsquos Rights Director London
Ofsted
Mulvey T (1977) lsquoAfter-care ndash who caresrsquo Concern No 26
London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Munro E Lushey C and Ward H (2011) Evaluation of the
Right2BCared4 Pilots Final report (NCAS) London Department
for Education
38
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2011) Making the Cut
Planning Transitions for Care Levers in an Age of Austerity London
NCAS
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2012) [Online] Statistical
Briefing Looked after children and care leavers 2012 Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads0e9a6e4f266b8e96ad7c8e25
7bd53982pdf (Accessed 30 March 2015)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2013)
[Online] The NICE quality standard on the health and wellbeing of
looked after children and young people Available at
httpwwwniceorgukguidanceQS31chapterQuality-statement-8-
Support-to-move-to-independence (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Office for National Statistics (2014) [Online] Large increase in 20 to
34-year-olds living with parents since 1996 Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20160105160709httpw
wwonsgovukonsrelfamily-demographyyoung-adults-living-with-
parents2013sty-young-adultshtml (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board (2016) [Online] Child J ndash
Domestic Homicide Review and Serious Case Review (combined)
Available at httpwwwoscborgukwp-contentuploadsChild-J-
OSCB-Overview-Reportpdf (Accessed 25 February 2016)
Page R and Clark G (eds) (1977) Who Cares Young People in
Care Speak Out London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Puffett N and Orfford A (2016) [Online] Increasing numbers of
care leavers in unsuitable accommodation Children and Young
People Now Available at
httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1155917increasing-numbers-of-
care-leavers-in-unsuitable-accommodation (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Samuels G M and Pryce J M (2008) ldquoWhat doesnrsquot kill you
makes you strongerrdquo Survivalist self-reliance as resilience and risk
among young adults aging out of foster care Children and Youth
Services Review Vol 30 (10) pp 1198-1210
Stein M (2002) Young People Leaving Care A Research
Perspective In A Wheal ed The RHP Companion to Leaving Care
Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing pp 28-33
39
Stein M (2004) What works for young people leaving care
Barkingside Barnardos
Stein M (2006) lsquoYoung people aging out of care The poverty of
theoryrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 28 (4) pp 422-434
Stein M (2012) Young People Leaving Care Supporting Pathways
to Adulthood London Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Stein M and Carey K (1986) Leaving Care Oxford Blackwell
Stein M and Ellis S (1983) Gizza Say Reviews and Young People
in Care London NAYPIC
Stein M and Maynard C (1985) Irsquove Never Been So Lonely
London NAYPIC
Stone M (1990) Young People Leaving Care A study of
management systems service delivery and user evaluation UK The
Royal Philanthropic Society
The Who Carersquos Trust (2014) [Online] Leaving Care Available at
httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpagesleaving-care-what-
happens-post-16html
Wade J (2011) lsquoPreparation and transition planning for
unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee young people A review
of evidence in Englandrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol
33 pp 2424-2430
Wade J and Dixon J (2006) lsquoMaking a home finding a job
investing early housing and employment outcomes for young people
leaving carersquo Child and Family Social Work Vol 11 (3) pp 199-208
Wade J Mitchel F and Baylis G (2005) Unaccompanied asylum
seeking children The response of social services London BAAF
40
Appendix
1) httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf page 25
Karenrsquos story
2) httpwwwnhsukConditionsAttention-deficit-hyperactivity-
disorderPagesIntroductionaspx
3) Email received in response to a request for Mr Timpson (Minister
of State for Children and Families) to answer three questions
regarding care leavers
Dear MsthinspThompsonthinsp
I am writing on behalf of the Minister of State for Children and
Families to thank you for your email of 9 February about your
dissertation
I am sorry but the department receives so many requests like yours
that we are unable to respond to them other than to point you to
sources of information I would therefore suggest that you look at the
departmentrsquos website
at httpswwwgovuksearchq=care+leavers+strategy
I hope you find this link helpful and that you are able to find the
information you need
Your correspondence has been allocated reference number 2016-
0008179 If you need to respond to us please
visit httpswwweducationgovukcontactus and quote your
reference number
As part of our commitment to improving the service we provide to
our customers we are interested in hearing your views and would
welcome your comments via our website
at httpswwweducationgovukpcusurvey
Yours sincerely
Kelly Walkerthinsp
Ministerial and Public Communications Division
Web
[httpswwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovuk]https
wwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovukgt
Twitter httpswwwtwittercomeducationgovuk
Facebook httpswwwfacebookcomeducationgovuk
41
[httpswwweducationgovukimages2irisdfepng]
4) httpwwwgisdaorgengamdanom-nihtml
5) httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga198941section20
6)httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrut
iny20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20Whe
n20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf
7)httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachme
nt_datafile201015Staying_Put_Guidancepdf
8) httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpageswhats-a-pathway-
planhtml
9) httpjobscommunitycarecoukarticlecoventry-tops-london-in-
the-best-place-to-live-league-tablescmpid=EMP|JOBS|SCJOB-
2016-0224-CH|READMORE-COVampcmpid
10) httpwwwconwygovukdocaspcat=4800ampdoc=19742
11)httpresearchbriefingsparliamentukResearchBriefingSummary
SN06705
42
i) Interview Guide
Generic areas of question
Age upon leaving care
Staying put scheme
Financial help
Choice of housing
Suitability of accommodation
Geographical position of accommodation
Further education
Access to support eg Personal Advisor social worker
Input with Pathway plan
Being listened to
Transition
Keeping in touch
Difference with peers
43
32
Chapter 5
Conclusion
In conclusion the data collected for this study shows a system that sadly
does fail its young people Certainly in Gwynedd the leaving care
process is seemingly rushed and centred around a personrsquos age rather
than their readiness for independence Of course it may be argued there
has to be a lsquocut off pointrsquo and young people have to become
independent at some time for legal purposes that lsquopointrsquo is dictated by
their age It would seem this is the case regardless of the harm it may
cause Furthermore it could be argued this hasty process is a breach of
the young personrsquos human rights however despite searching no cases
were found
In 2006 research conducted by Mendes and Moselhuddin concluded
the leaving care process should be a gradual process based on levels of
maturity and ability to manage independence rather than simply age
The same recommendation is echoed in the majority of research both
past and present It would seem that ten years on we are no closer to an
ideal solution
For care leaver A C and D the outcome was poor Certainly they did
not feel supported through the transition although care leaver C had
significantly better support from their personal advisor post 18
However despite this support care leaver C was still living in less than
ideal circumstances and about to be moved once again
In line with the literature this study although with the limited sample
found immense inconsistencies within the system and in every area
from support to financial assistance
Evidently for some the system works against an already disadvantaged
group abandoning when needed the most so to speak
33
It would seem the introduction of legislation and the Transitions
Guidance to strengthen practice and policy has failed to make a
significant improvement especially surrounding the lsquolevelling uprsquo of
services Attributed by the cost cutting imposed on LArsquos by central
government this is hardly surprising
There are some encouraging outcomes such as care leaver B receiving
immense support from their LA beyond policy and legal requirement
This is in line with some of Steinrsquos (2012 81) research and positive
outcomes are underpinned by the level of good consistent and accurate
support received by the individual Yet as this study has found this is
not consistent or universal
It is clear inconsistencies lack of support young and rushed transitions
all contribute to poorer outcomes for this group of young people A
group which are already disadvantaged and at a much higher risk of
social exclusion
As a society we should consider these young people as just that ndash young
people Often with the same dreams and aspirations as any other young
person On the contrary perhaps we should consider these young
people further as many will have already been let down by society
Either way they are entitled to as much support guidance and
opportunity as any other Regrettably this does not seem to be the case
as despite advances in research policy and legislation the same
inconsistencies and failures appear to occur time and time again
The study has shown the importance of understanding the young
peoplersquos history Of understanding former problems or areas of
concern This aids the transition to independence as it identifies where
the support is needed and individualizes the young person There
cannot be a lsquoone size fits allrsquo approach to the leaving care system as
one can see these young people are individual It has identified how
fundamental it is to include a young personrsquos foster carers when
considering independence to recognise the relationship they may have
34
with the young person and the key role they play after leaving care (as
with care lever A)
With this in mind one must acknowledge the leaving care system has
indeed improved over the last 30 years however it needs to continue to
progress if there is any hope of achieving a consistent service with more
even and positive outcomes for these young people
35
Bibliography
Action for Children (2014) [Online]
Available at httpwwwactionforchildrenorgukour-
servicesadoption-fostering-and-children-in-carechildren-in-
careleaving-care
Barnardorsquos (2014)[1] [Online] Someone to Care Experiences of
leaving care Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorguksomeone_to_care_final_feb2014pdf
(Accessed 07 October 2015)
Barnardorsquos (2014)[2] [Online] The costs of not caring supporting
English care leavers into independence Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf (Accessed 07
October 2015)
Biehal N Clayden J Stein M and Wade J (1995) Moving On
Young people and leaving care schemes London HMSO
Broad B (2005) Improving the Health and Well-Being of Young
People Leaving Care Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing
Burgess C (1981) In Care and Into Work London Tavistock
Care Leaverrsquos Foundation (with Children and Young People Now)
(2009) [Online] Setting Up A place to call home Bala Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation Available at
httpwwwthecareleaversfoundationorgsitedatafilesSetting_Up_A
_Place_to_Callpdf (Accessed 06 April 2015)
Care Leavers Strategy (2013) [Online] Available at
httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachment_
datafile266484Care_Leaver_Strategypdf (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Care Act (2014) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga201423part1crossheadingtra
nsition-for-children-to-adult-care-and-support-etcenacted (Accessed
01 March 2016)
Children and Families Act 2014 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga20146section98enacted
(Accessed 02 October 2015)
36
Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200035pdfsukpga_20000035_
enpdf (Accessed 19 March 2015)
Children and Young Persons Act (2008) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200823contents (Accessed 02
October 2015)
Community Care (2014) [Online] Councils struggling to retain social
workers in face of high caseloads and competition over pay
Available at httpwwwcommunitycarecouk20140130councils-
struggling-retain-social-workers-face-high-caseloads-competition-
pay (Accessed 22 February 2016)
Courtney M Terrao S and Bost N (2004) Midwest evaluation of
the adult functioning of former foster youth Conditions of youth
preparing to leave state care Outcomes at age 19 Chicago Chapin
Hall Centre for Children at University of Chicago
Daly F (2012) lsquoMy voice has to be heardrsquo Research on outcomes
for young people leaving care in North Dublin Dublin EPIC
Dixon J and Baker C (2012) lsquoThe Housing Experience of Young
People Leaving Care in England What helpsrsquo Developing Practice
The Child Youth and Family Work Journal Issue 32 National Care
Advisory Service (NCAS)
wwweducationgovuk [Online]
Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20130123124929httpw
wweducationgovukresearchandstatisticsstatisticsa00195573
Family Rights Group (2014) [Online] Support for Young People
Leaving the Care System Available at
httpwwwfrgorgukimagesAdvice_Sheets16-support-for-young-
people-leaving-carepdf (Accessed 29 September 2015)
The Fostering Network (2014) [Online] Staying Put Available at
httpswwwfosteringnetall-about-fosteringprovidersstaying-put-
updateVg5D-PRdX1Y (Accessed 02 October 2015)
Godek S (1976) Leaving Care Barkingside Barnardorsquos
Gwynedd Council (2014) [Online] lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
Available at
httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrutin
y20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20When
37
20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf (Accessed
22 February 2016)
Harris R J (1982) Institutionalized Ambivalence Social Work and
the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 British Journal of Social
Work Vol12 pp 247-263
Higgs L (2011) [Online] Housing crisis around the corner for care
leavers experts warn Children and Young People Now Available
at httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1050066housing-crisis-
corner-care-leavers-experts-warn (Accessed 17 February 2016)
Hiles D Moss D Thorne L Wright J and Dallos R (2014) ldquoSo
what am Irdquo ndash Multiple perspectives on young peoplersquos experience of
leaving care Children and Youth Services Review Vol 41 pp 1-15
House of Commons (1968) Report of the Committee on Local
Authority and Allied Personal Social Services London HMSO
Hutchinson D (2013) [Online] Catch 22 National Care Advisory
Service (NCAS) Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads9b7793d8be6ffc05a501df3df
4a1ef5fpdf
Jackson S and Cameron C (2012) lsquoLeaving Care Looking ahead
and aiming higherrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 34 (6)
pp 1107-1114
Mendes P and Moslehuddin B (2006) lsquoFrom Dependence to
Interdependence Towards Better Outcomes for Young People
Leaving State Carersquo Child Abuse Review Vol15 pp 110-166
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2006) Young peoplersquos views on leaving
care Newcastle Commission for Social Care Inspection
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2012) Young peoplersquos views on care
and aftercare Office of the Childrenrsquos Rights Director London
Ofsted
Mulvey T (1977) lsquoAfter-care ndash who caresrsquo Concern No 26
London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Munro E Lushey C and Ward H (2011) Evaluation of the
Right2BCared4 Pilots Final report (NCAS) London Department
for Education
38
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2011) Making the Cut
Planning Transitions for Care Levers in an Age of Austerity London
NCAS
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2012) [Online] Statistical
Briefing Looked after children and care leavers 2012 Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads0e9a6e4f266b8e96ad7c8e25
7bd53982pdf (Accessed 30 March 2015)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2013)
[Online] The NICE quality standard on the health and wellbeing of
looked after children and young people Available at
httpwwwniceorgukguidanceQS31chapterQuality-statement-8-
Support-to-move-to-independence (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Office for National Statistics (2014) [Online] Large increase in 20 to
34-year-olds living with parents since 1996 Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20160105160709httpw
wwonsgovukonsrelfamily-demographyyoung-adults-living-with-
parents2013sty-young-adultshtml (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board (2016) [Online] Child J ndash
Domestic Homicide Review and Serious Case Review (combined)
Available at httpwwwoscborgukwp-contentuploadsChild-J-
OSCB-Overview-Reportpdf (Accessed 25 February 2016)
Page R and Clark G (eds) (1977) Who Cares Young People in
Care Speak Out London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Puffett N and Orfford A (2016) [Online] Increasing numbers of
care leavers in unsuitable accommodation Children and Young
People Now Available at
httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1155917increasing-numbers-of-
care-leavers-in-unsuitable-accommodation (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Samuels G M and Pryce J M (2008) ldquoWhat doesnrsquot kill you
makes you strongerrdquo Survivalist self-reliance as resilience and risk
among young adults aging out of foster care Children and Youth
Services Review Vol 30 (10) pp 1198-1210
Stein M (2002) Young People Leaving Care A Research
Perspective In A Wheal ed The RHP Companion to Leaving Care
Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing pp 28-33
39
Stein M (2004) What works for young people leaving care
Barkingside Barnardos
Stein M (2006) lsquoYoung people aging out of care The poverty of
theoryrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 28 (4) pp 422-434
Stein M (2012) Young People Leaving Care Supporting Pathways
to Adulthood London Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Stein M and Carey K (1986) Leaving Care Oxford Blackwell
Stein M and Ellis S (1983) Gizza Say Reviews and Young People
in Care London NAYPIC
Stein M and Maynard C (1985) Irsquove Never Been So Lonely
London NAYPIC
Stone M (1990) Young People Leaving Care A study of
management systems service delivery and user evaluation UK The
Royal Philanthropic Society
The Who Carersquos Trust (2014) [Online] Leaving Care Available at
httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpagesleaving-care-what-
happens-post-16html
Wade J (2011) lsquoPreparation and transition planning for
unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee young people A review
of evidence in Englandrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol
33 pp 2424-2430
Wade J and Dixon J (2006) lsquoMaking a home finding a job
investing early housing and employment outcomes for young people
leaving carersquo Child and Family Social Work Vol 11 (3) pp 199-208
Wade J Mitchel F and Baylis G (2005) Unaccompanied asylum
seeking children The response of social services London BAAF
40
Appendix
1) httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf page 25
Karenrsquos story
2) httpwwwnhsukConditionsAttention-deficit-hyperactivity-
disorderPagesIntroductionaspx
3) Email received in response to a request for Mr Timpson (Minister
of State for Children and Families) to answer three questions
regarding care leavers
Dear MsthinspThompsonthinsp
I am writing on behalf of the Minister of State for Children and
Families to thank you for your email of 9 February about your
dissertation
I am sorry but the department receives so many requests like yours
that we are unable to respond to them other than to point you to
sources of information I would therefore suggest that you look at the
departmentrsquos website
at httpswwwgovuksearchq=care+leavers+strategy
I hope you find this link helpful and that you are able to find the
information you need
Your correspondence has been allocated reference number 2016-
0008179 If you need to respond to us please
visit httpswwweducationgovukcontactus and quote your
reference number
As part of our commitment to improving the service we provide to
our customers we are interested in hearing your views and would
welcome your comments via our website
at httpswwweducationgovukpcusurvey
Yours sincerely
Kelly Walkerthinsp
Ministerial and Public Communications Division
Web
[httpswwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovuk]https
wwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovukgt
Twitter httpswwwtwittercomeducationgovuk
Facebook httpswwwfacebookcomeducationgovuk
41
[httpswwweducationgovukimages2irisdfepng]
4) httpwwwgisdaorgengamdanom-nihtml
5) httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga198941section20
6)httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrut
iny20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20Whe
n20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf
7)httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachme
nt_datafile201015Staying_Put_Guidancepdf
8) httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpageswhats-a-pathway-
planhtml
9) httpjobscommunitycarecoukarticlecoventry-tops-london-in-
the-best-place-to-live-league-tablescmpid=EMP|JOBS|SCJOB-
2016-0224-CH|READMORE-COVampcmpid
10) httpwwwconwygovukdocaspcat=4800ampdoc=19742
11)httpresearchbriefingsparliamentukResearchBriefingSummary
SN06705
42
i) Interview Guide
Generic areas of question
Age upon leaving care
Staying put scheme
Financial help
Choice of housing
Suitability of accommodation
Geographical position of accommodation
Further education
Access to support eg Personal Advisor social worker
Input with Pathway plan
Being listened to
Transition
Keeping in touch
Difference with peers
43
33
It would seem the introduction of legislation and the Transitions
Guidance to strengthen practice and policy has failed to make a
significant improvement especially surrounding the lsquolevelling uprsquo of
services Attributed by the cost cutting imposed on LArsquos by central
government this is hardly surprising
There are some encouraging outcomes such as care leaver B receiving
immense support from their LA beyond policy and legal requirement
This is in line with some of Steinrsquos (2012 81) research and positive
outcomes are underpinned by the level of good consistent and accurate
support received by the individual Yet as this study has found this is
not consistent or universal
It is clear inconsistencies lack of support young and rushed transitions
all contribute to poorer outcomes for this group of young people A
group which are already disadvantaged and at a much higher risk of
social exclusion
As a society we should consider these young people as just that ndash young
people Often with the same dreams and aspirations as any other young
person On the contrary perhaps we should consider these young
people further as many will have already been let down by society
Either way they are entitled to as much support guidance and
opportunity as any other Regrettably this does not seem to be the case
as despite advances in research policy and legislation the same
inconsistencies and failures appear to occur time and time again
The study has shown the importance of understanding the young
peoplersquos history Of understanding former problems or areas of
concern This aids the transition to independence as it identifies where
the support is needed and individualizes the young person There
cannot be a lsquoone size fits allrsquo approach to the leaving care system as
one can see these young people are individual It has identified how
fundamental it is to include a young personrsquos foster carers when
considering independence to recognise the relationship they may have
34
with the young person and the key role they play after leaving care (as
with care lever A)
With this in mind one must acknowledge the leaving care system has
indeed improved over the last 30 years however it needs to continue to
progress if there is any hope of achieving a consistent service with more
even and positive outcomes for these young people
35
Bibliography
Action for Children (2014) [Online]
Available at httpwwwactionforchildrenorgukour-
servicesadoption-fostering-and-children-in-carechildren-in-
careleaving-care
Barnardorsquos (2014)[1] [Online] Someone to Care Experiences of
leaving care Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorguksomeone_to_care_final_feb2014pdf
(Accessed 07 October 2015)
Barnardorsquos (2014)[2] [Online] The costs of not caring supporting
English care leavers into independence Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf (Accessed 07
October 2015)
Biehal N Clayden J Stein M and Wade J (1995) Moving On
Young people and leaving care schemes London HMSO
Broad B (2005) Improving the Health and Well-Being of Young
People Leaving Care Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing
Burgess C (1981) In Care and Into Work London Tavistock
Care Leaverrsquos Foundation (with Children and Young People Now)
(2009) [Online] Setting Up A place to call home Bala Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation Available at
httpwwwthecareleaversfoundationorgsitedatafilesSetting_Up_A
_Place_to_Callpdf (Accessed 06 April 2015)
Care Leavers Strategy (2013) [Online] Available at
httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachment_
datafile266484Care_Leaver_Strategypdf (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Care Act (2014) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga201423part1crossheadingtra
nsition-for-children-to-adult-care-and-support-etcenacted (Accessed
01 March 2016)
Children and Families Act 2014 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga20146section98enacted
(Accessed 02 October 2015)
36
Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200035pdfsukpga_20000035_
enpdf (Accessed 19 March 2015)
Children and Young Persons Act (2008) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200823contents (Accessed 02
October 2015)
Community Care (2014) [Online] Councils struggling to retain social
workers in face of high caseloads and competition over pay
Available at httpwwwcommunitycarecouk20140130councils-
struggling-retain-social-workers-face-high-caseloads-competition-
pay (Accessed 22 February 2016)
Courtney M Terrao S and Bost N (2004) Midwest evaluation of
the adult functioning of former foster youth Conditions of youth
preparing to leave state care Outcomes at age 19 Chicago Chapin
Hall Centre for Children at University of Chicago
Daly F (2012) lsquoMy voice has to be heardrsquo Research on outcomes
for young people leaving care in North Dublin Dublin EPIC
Dixon J and Baker C (2012) lsquoThe Housing Experience of Young
People Leaving Care in England What helpsrsquo Developing Practice
The Child Youth and Family Work Journal Issue 32 National Care
Advisory Service (NCAS)
wwweducationgovuk [Online]
Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20130123124929httpw
wweducationgovukresearchandstatisticsstatisticsa00195573
Family Rights Group (2014) [Online] Support for Young People
Leaving the Care System Available at
httpwwwfrgorgukimagesAdvice_Sheets16-support-for-young-
people-leaving-carepdf (Accessed 29 September 2015)
The Fostering Network (2014) [Online] Staying Put Available at
httpswwwfosteringnetall-about-fosteringprovidersstaying-put-
updateVg5D-PRdX1Y (Accessed 02 October 2015)
Godek S (1976) Leaving Care Barkingside Barnardorsquos
Gwynedd Council (2014) [Online] lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
Available at
httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrutin
y20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20When
37
20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf (Accessed
22 February 2016)
Harris R J (1982) Institutionalized Ambivalence Social Work and
the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 British Journal of Social
Work Vol12 pp 247-263
Higgs L (2011) [Online] Housing crisis around the corner for care
leavers experts warn Children and Young People Now Available
at httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1050066housing-crisis-
corner-care-leavers-experts-warn (Accessed 17 February 2016)
Hiles D Moss D Thorne L Wright J and Dallos R (2014) ldquoSo
what am Irdquo ndash Multiple perspectives on young peoplersquos experience of
leaving care Children and Youth Services Review Vol 41 pp 1-15
House of Commons (1968) Report of the Committee on Local
Authority and Allied Personal Social Services London HMSO
Hutchinson D (2013) [Online] Catch 22 National Care Advisory
Service (NCAS) Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads9b7793d8be6ffc05a501df3df
4a1ef5fpdf
Jackson S and Cameron C (2012) lsquoLeaving Care Looking ahead
and aiming higherrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 34 (6)
pp 1107-1114
Mendes P and Moslehuddin B (2006) lsquoFrom Dependence to
Interdependence Towards Better Outcomes for Young People
Leaving State Carersquo Child Abuse Review Vol15 pp 110-166
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2006) Young peoplersquos views on leaving
care Newcastle Commission for Social Care Inspection
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2012) Young peoplersquos views on care
and aftercare Office of the Childrenrsquos Rights Director London
Ofsted
Mulvey T (1977) lsquoAfter-care ndash who caresrsquo Concern No 26
London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Munro E Lushey C and Ward H (2011) Evaluation of the
Right2BCared4 Pilots Final report (NCAS) London Department
for Education
38
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2011) Making the Cut
Planning Transitions for Care Levers in an Age of Austerity London
NCAS
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2012) [Online] Statistical
Briefing Looked after children and care leavers 2012 Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads0e9a6e4f266b8e96ad7c8e25
7bd53982pdf (Accessed 30 March 2015)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2013)
[Online] The NICE quality standard on the health and wellbeing of
looked after children and young people Available at
httpwwwniceorgukguidanceQS31chapterQuality-statement-8-
Support-to-move-to-independence (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Office for National Statistics (2014) [Online] Large increase in 20 to
34-year-olds living with parents since 1996 Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20160105160709httpw
wwonsgovukonsrelfamily-demographyyoung-adults-living-with-
parents2013sty-young-adultshtml (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board (2016) [Online] Child J ndash
Domestic Homicide Review and Serious Case Review (combined)
Available at httpwwwoscborgukwp-contentuploadsChild-J-
OSCB-Overview-Reportpdf (Accessed 25 February 2016)
Page R and Clark G (eds) (1977) Who Cares Young People in
Care Speak Out London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Puffett N and Orfford A (2016) [Online] Increasing numbers of
care leavers in unsuitable accommodation Children and Young
People Now Available at
httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1155917increasing-numbers-of-
care-leavers-in-unsuitable-accommodation (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Samuels G M and Pryce J M (2008) ldquoWhat doesnrsquot kill you
makes you strongerrdquo Survivalist self-reliance as resilience and risk
among young adults aging out of foster care Children and Youth
Services Review Vol 30 (10) pp 1198-1210
Stein M (2002) Young People Leaving Care A Research
Perspective In A Wheal ed The RHP Companion to Leaving Care
Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing pp 28-33
39
Stein M (2004) What works for young people leaving care
Barkingside Barnardos
Stein M (2006) lsquoYoung people aging out of care The poverty of
theoryrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 28 (4) pp 422-434
Stein M (2012) Young People Leaving Care Supporting Pathways
to Adulthood London Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Stein M and Carey K (1986) Leaving Care Oxford Blackwell
Stein M and Ellis S (1983) Gizza Say Reviews and Young People
in Care London NAYPIC
Stein M and Maynard C (1985) Irsquove Never Been So Lonely
London NAYPIC
Stone M (1990) Young People Leaving Care A study of
management systems service delivery and user evaluation UK The
Royal Philanthropic Society
The Who Carersquos Trust (2014) [Online] Leaving Care Available at
httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpagesleaving-care-what-
happens-post-16html
Wade J (2011) lsquoPreparation and transition planning for
unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee young people A review
of evidence in Englandrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol
33 pp 2424-2430
Wade J and Dixon J (2006) lsquoMaking a home finding a job
investing early housing and employment outcomes for young people
leaving carersquo Child and Family Social Work Vol 11 (3) pp 199-208
Wade J Mitchel F and Baylis G (2005) Unaccompanied asylum
seeking children The response of social services London BAAF
40
Appendix
1) httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf page 25
Karenrsquos story
2) httpwwwnhsukConditionsAttention-deficit-hyperactivity-
disorderPagesIntroductionaspx
3) Email received in response to a request for Mr Timpson (Minister
of State for Children and Families) to answer three questions
regarding care leavers
Dear MsthinspThompsonthinsp
I am writing on behalf of the Minister of State for Children and
Families to thank you for your email of 9 February about your
dissertation
I am sorry but the department receives so many requests like yours
that we are unable to respond to them other than to point you to
sources of information I would therefore suggest that you look at the
departmentrsquos website
at httpswwwgovuksearchq=care+leavers+strategy
I hope you find this link helpful and that you are able to find the
information you need
Your correspondence has been allocated reference number 2016-
0008179 If you need to respond to us please
visit httpswwweducationgovukcontactus and quote your
reference number
As part of our commitment to improving the service we provide to
our customers we are interested in hearing your views and would
welcome your comments via our website
at httpswwweducationgovukpcusurvey
Yours sincerely
Kelly Walkerthinsp
Ministerial and Public Communications Division
Web
[httpswwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovuk]https
wwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovukgt
Twitter httpswwwtwittercomeducationgovuk
Facebook httpswwwfacebookcomeducationgovuk
41
[httpswwweducationgovukimages2irisdfepng]
4) httpwwwgisdaorgengamdanom-nihtml
5) httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga198941section20
6)httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrut
iny20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20Whe
n20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf
7)httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachme
nt_datafile201015Staying_Put_Guidancepdf
8) httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpageswhats-a-pathway-
planhtml
9) httpjobscommunitycarecoukarticlecoventry-tops-london-in-
the-best-place-to-live-league-tablescmpid=EMP|JOBS|SCJOB-
2016-0224-CH|READMORE-COVampcmpid
10) httpwwwconwygovukdocaspcat=4800ampdoc=19742
11)httpresearchbriefingsparliamentukResearchBriefingSummary
SN06705
42
i) Interview Guide
Generic areas of question
Age upon leaving care
Staying put scheme
Financial help
Choice of housing
Suitability of accommodation
Geographical position of accommodation
Further education
Access to support eg Personal Advisor social worker
Input with Pathway plan
Being listened to
Transition
Keeping in touch
Difference with peers
43
34
with the young person and the key role they play after leaving care (as
with care lever A)
With this in mind one must acknowledge the leaving care system has
indeed improved over the last 30 years however it needs to continue to
progress if there is any hope of achieving a consistent service with more
even and positive outcomes for these young people
35
Bibliography
Action for Children (2014) [Online]
Available at httpwwwactionforchildrenorgukour-
servicesadoption-fostering-and-children-in-carechildren-in-
careleaving-care
Barnardorsquos (2014)[1] [Online] Someone to Care Experiences of
leaving care Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorguksomeone_to_care_final_feb2014pdf
(Accessed 07 October 2015)
Barnardorsquos (2014)[2] [Online] The costs of not caring supporting
English care leavers into independence Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf (Accessed 07
October 2015)
Biehal N Clayden J Stein M and Wade J (1995) Moving On
Young people and leaving care schemes London HMSO
Broad B (2005) Improving the Health and Well-Being of Young
People Leaving Care Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing
Burgess C (1981) In Care and Into Work London Tavistock
Care Leaverrsquos Foundation (with Children and Young People Now)
(2009) [Online] Setting Up A place to call home Bala Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation Available at
httpwwwthecareleaversfoundationorgsitedatafilesSetting_Up_A
_Place_to_Callpdf (Accessed 06 April 2015)
Care Leavers Strategy (2013) [Online] Available at
httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachment_
datafile266484Care_Leaver_Strategypdf (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Care Act (2014) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga201423part1crossheadingtra
nsition-for-children-to-adult-care-and-support-etcenacted (Accessed
01 March 2016)
Children and Families Act 2014 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga20146section98enacted
(Accessed 02 October 2015)
36
Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200035pdfsukpga_20000035_
enpdf (Accessed 19 March 2015)
Children and Young Persons Act (2008) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200823contents (Accessed 02
October 2015)
Community Care (2014) [Online] Councils struggling to retain social
workers in face of high caseloads and competition over pay
Available at httpwwwcommunitycarecouk20140130councils-
struggling-retain-social-workers-face-high-caseloads-competition-
pay (Accessed 22 February 2016)
Courtney M Terrao S and Bost N (2004) Midwest evaluation of
the adult functioning of former foster youth Conditions of youth
preparing to leave state care Outcomes at age 19 Chicago Chapin
Hall Centre for Children at University of Chicago
Daly F (2012) lsquoMy voice has to be heardrsquo Research on outcomes
for young people leaving care in North Dublin Dublin EPIC
Dixon J and Baker C (2012) lsquoThe Housing Experience of Young
People Leaving Care in England What helpsrsquo Developing Practice
The Child Youth and Family Work Journal Issue 32 National Care
Advisory Service (NCAS)
wwweducationgovuk [Online]
Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20130123124929httpw
wweducationgovukresearchandstatisticsstatisticsa00195573
Family Rights Group (2014) [Online] Support for Young People
Leaving the Care System Available at
httpwwwfrgorgukimagesAdvice_Sheets16-support-for-young-
people-leaving-carepdf (Accessed 29 September 2015)
The Fostering Network (2014) [Online] Staying Put Available at
httpswwwfosteringnetall-about-fosteringprovidersstaying-put-
updateVg5D-PRdX1Y (Accessed 02 October 2015)
Godek S (1976) Leaving Care Barkingside Barnardorsquos
Gwynedd Council (2014) [Online] lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
Available at
httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrutin
y20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20When
37
20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf (Accessed
22 February 2016)
Harris R J (1982) Institutionalized Ambivalence Social Work and
the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 British Journal of Social
Work Vol12 pp 247-263
Higgs L (2011) [Online] Housing crisis around the corner for care
leavers experts warn Children and Young People Now Available
at httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1050066housing-crisis-
corner-care-leavers-experts-warn (Accessed 17 February 2016)
Hiles D Moss D Thorne L Wright J and Dallos R (2014) ldquoSo
what am Irdquo ndash Multiple perspectives on young peoplersquos experience of
leaving care Children and Youth Services Review Vol 41 pp 1-15
House of Commons (1968) Report of the Committee on Local
Authority and Allied Personal Social Services London HMSO
Hutchinson D (2013) [Online] Catch 22 National Care Advisory
Service (NCAS) Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads9b7793d8be6ffc05a501df3df
4a1ef5fpdf
Jackson S and Cameron C (2012) lsquoLeaving Care Looking ahead
and aiming higherrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 34 (6)
pp 1107-1114
Mendes P and Moslehuddin B (2006) lsquoFrom Dependence to
Interdependence Towards Better Outcomes for Young People
Leaving State Carersquo Child Abuse Review Vol15 pp 110-166
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2006) Young peoplersquos views on leaving
care Newcastle Commission for Social Care Inspection
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2012) Young peoplersquos views on care
and aftercare Office of the Childrenrsquos Rights Director London
Ofsted
Mulvey T (1977) lsquoAfter-care ndash who caresrsquo Concern No 26
London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Munro E Lushey C and Ward H (2011) Evaluation of the
Right2BCared4 Pilots Final report (NCAS) London Department
for Education
38
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2011) Making the Cut
Planning Transitions for Care Levers in an Age of Austerity London
NCAS
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2012) [Online] Statistical
Briefing Looked after children and care leavers 2012 Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads0e9a6e4f266b8e96ad7c8e25
7bd53982pdf (Accessed 30 March 2015)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2013)
[Online] The NICE quality standard on the health and wellbeing of
looked after children and young people Available at
httpwwwniceorgukguidanceQS31chapterQuality-statement-8-
Support-to-move-to-independence (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Office for National Statistics (2014) [Online] Large increase in 20 to
34-year-olds living with parents since 1996 Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20160105160709httpw
wwonsgovukonsrelfamily-demographyyoung-adults-living-with-
parents2013sty-young-adultshtml (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board (2016) [Online] Child J ndash
Domestic Homicide Review and Serious Case Review (combined)
Available at httpwwwoscborgukwp-contentuploadsChild-J-
OSCB-Overview-Reportpdf (Accessed 25 February 2016)
Page R and Clark G (eds) (1977) Who Cares Young People in
Care Speak Out London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Puffett N and Orfford A (2016) [Online] Increasing numbers of
care leavers in unsuitable accommodation Children and Young
People Now Available at
httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1155917increasing-numbers-of-
care-leavers-in-unsuitable-accommodation (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Samuels G M and Pryce J M (2008) ldquoWhat doesnrsquot kill you
makes you strongerrdquo Survivalist self-reliance as resilience and risk
among young adults aging out of foster care Children and Youth
Services Review Vol 30 (10) pp 1198-1210
Stein M (2002) Young People Leaving Care A Research
Perspective In A Wheal ed The RHP Companion to Leaving Care
Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing pp 28-33
39
Stein M (2004) What works for young people leaving care
Barkingside Barnardos
Stein M (2006) lsquoYoung people aging out of care The poverty of
theoryrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 28 (4) pp 422-434
Stein M (2012) Young People Leaving Care Supporting Pathways
to Adulthood London Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Stein M and Carey K (1986) Leaving Care Oxford Blackwell
Stein M and Ellis S (1983) Gizza Say Reviews and Young People
in Care London NAYPIC
Stein M and Maynard C (1985) Irsquove Never Been So Lonely
London NAYPIC
Stone M (1990) Young People Leaving Care A study of
management systems service delivery and user evaluation UK The
Royal Philanthropic Society
The Who Carersquos Trust (2014) [Online] Leaving Care Available at
httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpagesleaving-care-what-
happens-post-16html
Wade J (2011) lsquoPreparation and transition planning for
unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee young people A review
of evidence in Englandrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol
33 pp 2424-2430
Wade J and Dixon J (2006) lsquoMaking a home finding a job
investing early housing and employment outcomes for young people
leaving carersquo Child and Family Social Work Vol 11 (3) pp 199-208
Wade J Mitchel F and Baylis G (2005) Unaccompanied asylum
seeking children The response of social services London BAAF
40
Appendix
1) httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf page 25
Karenrsquos story
2) httpwwwnhsukConditionsAttention-deficit-hyperactivity-
disorderPagesIntroductionaspx
3) Email received in response to a request for Mr Timpson (Minister
of State for Children and Families) to answer three questions
regarding care leavers
Dear MsthinspThompsonthinsp
I am writing on behalf of the Minister of State for Children and
Families to thank you for your email of 9 February about your
dissertation
I am sorry but the department receives so many requests like yours
that we are unable to respond to them other than to point you to
sources of information I would therefore suggest that you look at the
departmentrsquos website
at httpswwwgovuksearchq=care+leavers+strategy
I hope you find this link helpful and that you are able to find the
information you need
Your correspondence has been allocated reference number 2016-
0008179 If you need to respond to us please
visit httpswwweducationgovukcontactus and quote your
reference number
As part of our commitment to improving the service we provide to
our customers we are interested in hearing your views and would
welcome your comments via our website
at httpswwweducationgovukpcusurvey
Yours sincerely
Kelly Walkerthinsp
Ministerial and Public Communications Division
Web
[httpswwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovuk]https
wwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovukgt
Twitter httpswwwtwittercomeducationgovuk
Facebook httpswwwfacebookcomeducationgovuk
41
[httpswwweducationgovukimages2irisdfepng]
4) httpwwwgisdaorgengamdanom-nihtml
5) httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga198941section20
6)httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrut
iny20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20Whe
n20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf
7)httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachme
nt_datafile201015Staying_Put_Guidancepdf
8) httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpageswhats-a-pathway-
planhtml
9) httpjobscommunitycarecoukarticlecoventry-tops-london-in-
the-best-place-to-live-league-tablescmpid=EMP|JOBS|SCJOB-
2016-0224-CH|READMORE-COVampcmpid
10) httpwwwconwygovukdocaspcat=4800ampdoc=19742
11)httpresearchbriefingsparliamentukResearchBriefingSummary
SN06705
42
i) Interview Guide
Generic areas of question
Age upon leaving care
Staying put scheme
Financial help
Choice of housing
Suitability of accommodation
Geographical position of accommodation
Further education
Access to support eg Personal Advisor social worker
Input with Pathway plan
Being listened to
Transition
Keeping in touch
Difference with peers
43
35
Bibliography
Action for Children (2014) [Online]
Available at httpwwwactionforchildrenorgukour-
servicesadoption-fostering-and-children-in-carechildren-in-
careleaving-care
Barnardorsquos (2014)[1] [Online] Someone to Care Experiences of
leaving care Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorguksomeone_to_care_final_feb2014pdf
(Accessed 07 October 2015)
Barnardorsquos (2014)[2] [Online] The costs of not caring supporting
English care leavers into independence Available at
httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf (Accessed 07
October 2015)
Biehal N Clayden J Stein M and Wade J (1995) Moving On
Young people and leaving care schemes London HMSO
Broad B (2005) Improving the Health and Well-Being of Young
People Leaving Care Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing
Burgess C (1981) In Care and Into Work London Tavistock
Care Leaverrsquos Foundation (with Children and Young People Now)
(2009) [Online] Setting Up A place to call home Bala Care Leaverrsquos
Foundation Available at
httpwwwthecareleaversfoundationorgsitedatafilesSetting_Up_A
_Place_to_Callpdf (Accessed 06 April 2015)
Care Leavers Strategy (2013) [Online] Available at
httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachment_
datafile266484Care_Leaver_Strategypdf (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Care Act (2014) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga201423part1crossheadingtra
nsition-for-children-to-adult-care-and-support-etcenacted (Accessed
01 March 2016)
Children and Families Act 2014 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga20146section98enacted
(Accessed 02 October 2015)
36
Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200035pdfsukpga_20000035_
enpdf (Accessed 19 March 2015)
Children and Young Persons Act (2008) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200823contents (Accessed 02
October 2015)
Community Care (2014) [Online] Councils struggling to retain social
workers in face of high caseloads and competition over pay
Available at httpwwwcommunitycarecouk20140130councils-
struggling-retain-social-workers-face-high-caseloads-competition-
pay (Accessed 22 February 2016)
Courtney M Terrao S and Bost N (2004) Midwest evaluation of
the adult functioning of former foster youth Conditions of youth
preparing to leave state care Outcomes at age 19 Chicago Chapin
Hall Centre for Children at University of Chicago
Daly F (2012) lsquoMy voice has to be heardrsquo Research on outcomes
for young people leaving care in North Dublin Dublin EPIC
Dixon J and Baker C (2012) lsquoThe Housing Experience of Young
People Leaving Care in England What helpsrsquo Developing Practice
The Child Youth and Family Work Journal Issue 32 National Care
Advisory Service (NCAS)
wwweducationgovuk [Online]
Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20130123124929httpw
wweducationgovukresearchandstatisticsstatisticsa00195573
Family Rights Group (2014) [Online] Support for Young People
Leaving the Care System Available at
httpwwwfrgorgukimagesAdvice_Sheets16-support-for-young-
people-leaving-carepdf (Accessed 29 September 2015)
The Fostering Network (2014) [Online] Staying Put Available at
httpswwwfosteringnetall-about-fosteringprovidersstaying-put-
updateVg5D-PRdX1Y (Accessed 02 October 2015)
Godek S (1976) Leaving Care Barkingside Barnardorsquos
Gwynedd Council (2014) [Online] lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
Available at
httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrutin
y20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20When
37
20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf (Accessed
22 February 2016)
Harris R J (1982) Institutionalized Ambivalence Social Work and
the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 British Journal of Social
Work Vol12 pp 247-263
Higgs L (2011) [Online] Housing crisis around the corner for care
leavers experts warn Children and Young People Now Available
at httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1050066housing-crisis-
corner-care-leavers-experts-warn (Accessed 17 February 2016)
Hiles D Moss D Thorne L Wright J and Dallos R (2014) ldquoSo
what am Irdquo ndash Multiple perspectives on young peoplersquos experience of
leaving care Children and Youth Services Review Vol 41 pp 1-15
House of Commons (1968) Report of the Committee on Local
Authority and Allied Personal Social Services London HMSO
Hutchinson D (2013) [Online] Catch 22 National Care Advisory
Service (NCAS) Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads9b7793d8be6ffc05a501df3df
4a1ef5fpdf
Jackson S and Cameron C (2012) lsquoLeaving Care Looking ahead
and aiming higherrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 34 (6)
pp 1107-1114
Mendes P and Moslehuddin B (2006) lsquoFrom Dependence to
Interdependence Towards Better Outcomes for Young People
Leaving State Carersquo Child Abuse Review Vol15 pp 110-166
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2006) Young peoplersquos views on leaving
care Newcastle Commission for Social Care Inspection
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2012) Young peoplersquos views on care
and aftercare Office of the Childrenrsquos Rights Director London
Ofsted
Mulvey T (1977) lsquoAfter-care ndash who caresrsquo Concern No 26
London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Munro E Lushey C and Ward H (2011) Evaluation of the
Right2BCared4 Pilots Final report (NCAS) London Department
for Education
38
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2011) Making the Cut
Planning Transitions for Care Levers in an Age of Austerity London
NCAS
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2012) [Online] Statistical
Briefing Looked after children and care leavers 2012 Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads0e9a6e4f266b8e96ad7c8e25
7bd53982pdf (Accessed 30 March 2015)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2013)
[Online] The NICE quality standard on the health and wellbeing of
looked after children and young people Available at
httpwwwniceorgukguidanceQS31chapterQuality-statement-8-
Support-to-move-to-independence (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Office for National Statistics (2014) [Online] Large increase in 20 to
34-year-olds living with parents since 1996 Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20160105160709httpw
wwonsgovukonsrelfamily-demographyyoung-adults-living-with-
parents2013sty-young-adultshtml (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board (2016) [Online] Child J ndash
Domestic Homicide Review and Serious Case Review (combined)
Available at httpwwwoscborgukwp-contentuploadsChild-J-
OSCB-Overview-Reportpdf (Accessed 25 February 2016)
Page R and Clark G (eds) (1977) Who Cares Young People in
Care Speak Out London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Puffett N and Orfford A (2016) [Online] Increasing numbers of
care leavers in unsuitable accommodation Children and Young
People Now Available at
httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1155917increasing-numbers-of-
care-leavers-in-unsuitable-accommodation (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Samuels G M and Pryce J M (2008) ldquoWhat doesnrsquot kill you
makes you strongerrdquo Survivalist self-reliance as resilience and risk
among young adults aging out of foster care Children and Youth
Services Review Vol 30 (10) pp 1198-1210
Stein M (2002) Young People Leaving Care A Research
Perspective In A Wheal ed The RHP Companion to Leaving Care
Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing pp 28-33
39
Stein M (2004) What works for young people leaving care
Barkingside Barnardos
Stein M (2006) lsquoYoung people aging out of care The poverty of
theoryrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 28 (4) pp 422-434
Stein M (2012) Young People Leaving Care Supporting Pathways
to Adulthood London Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Stein M and Carey K (1986) Leaving Care Oxford Blackwell
Stein M and Ellis S (1983) Gizza Say Reviews and Young People
in Care London NAYPIC
Stein M and Maynard C (1985) Irsquove Never Been So Lonely
London NAYPIC
Stone M (1990) Young People Leaving Care A study of
management systems service delivery and user evaluation UK The
Royal Philanthropic Society
The Who Carersquos Trust (2014) [Online] Leaving Care Available at
httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpagesleaving-care-what-
happens-post-16html
Wade J (2011) lsquoPreparation and transition planning for
unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee young people A review
of evidence in Englandrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol
33 pp 2424-2430
Wade J and Dixon J (2006) lsquoMaking a home finding a job
investing early housing and employment outcomes for young people
leaving carersquo Child and Family Social Work Vol 11 (3) pp 199-208
Wade J Mitchel F and Baylis G (2005) Unaccompanied asylum
seeking children The response of social services London BAAF
40
Appendix
1) httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf page 25
Karenrsquos story
2) httpwwwnhsukConditionsAttention-deficit-hyperactivity-
disorderPagesIntroductionaspx
3) Email received in response to a request for Mr Timpson (Minister
of State for Children and Families) to answer three questions
regarding care leavers
Dear MsthinspThompsonthinsp
I am writing on behalf of the Minister of State for Children and
Families to thank you for your email of 9 February about your
dissertation
I am sorry but the department receives so many requests like yours
that we are unable to respond to them other than to point you to
sources of information I would therefore suggest that you look at the
departmentrsquos website
at httpswwwgovuksearchq=care+leavers+strategy
I hope you find this link helpful and that you are able to find the
information you need
Your correspondence has been allocated reference number 2016-
0008179 If you need to respond to us please
visit httpswwweducationgovukcontactus and quote your
reference number
As part of our commitment to improving the service we provide to
our customers we are interested in hearing your views and would
welcome your comments via our website
at httpswwweducationgovukpcusurvey
Yours sincerely
Kelly Walkerthinsp
Ministerial and Public Communications Division
Web
[httpswwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovuk]https
wwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovukgt
Twitter httpswwwtwittercomeducationgovuk
Facebook httpswwwfacebookcomeducationgovuk
41
[httpswwweducationgovukimages2irisdfepng]
4) httpwwwgisdaorgengamdanom-nihtml
5) httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga198941section20
6)httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrut
iny20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20Whe
n20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf
7)httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachme
nt_datafile201015Staying_Put_Guidancepdf
8) httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpageswhats-a-pathway-
planhtml
9) httpjobscommunitycarecoukarticlecoventry-tops-london-in-
the-best-place-to-live-league-tablescmpid=EMP|JOBS|SCJOB-
2016-0224-CH|READMORE-COVampcmpid
10) httpwwwconwygovukdocaspcat=4800ampdoc=19742
11)httpresearchbriefingsparliamentukResearchBriefingSummary
SN06705
42
i) Interview Guide
Generic areas of question
Age upon leaving care
Staying put scheme
Financial help
Choice of housing
Suitability of accommodation
Geographical position of accommodation
Further education
Access to support eg Personal Advisor social worker
Input with Pathway plan
Being listened to
Transition
Keeping in touch
Difference with peers
43
36
Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200035pdfsukpga_20000035_
enpdf (Accessed 19 March 2015)
Children and Young Persons Act (2008) [Online] Available at
httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga200823contents (Accessed 02
October 2015)
Community Care (2014) [Online] Councils struggling to retain social
workers in face of high caseloads and competition over pay
Available at httpwwwcommunitycarecouk20140130councils-
struggling-retain-social-workers-face-high-caseloads-competition-
pay (Accessed 22 February 2016)
Courtney M Terrao S and Bost N (2004) Midwest evaluation of
the adult functioning of former foster youth Conditions of youth
preparing to leave state care Outcomes at age 19 Chicago Chapin
Hall Centre for Children at University of Chicago
Daly F (2012) lsquoMy voice has to be heardrsquo Research on outcomes
for young people leaving care in North Dublin Dublin EPIC
Dixon J and Baker C (2012) lsquoThe Housing Experience of Young
People Leaving Care in England What helpsrsquo Developing Practice
The Child Youth and Family Work Journal Issue 32 National Care
Advisory Service (NCAS)
wwweducationgovuk [Online]
Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20130123124929httpw
wweducationgovukresearchandstatisticsstatisticsa00195573
Family Rights Group (2014) [Online] Support for Young People
Leaving the Care System Available at
httpwwwfrgorgukimagesAdvice_Sheets16-support-for-young-
people-leaving-carepdf (Accessed 29 September 2015)
The Fostering Network (2014) [Online] Staying Put Available at
httpswwwfosteringnetall-about-fosteringprovidersstaying-put-
updateVg5D-PRdX1Y (Accessed 02 October 2015)
Godek S (1976) Leaving Care Barkingside Barnardorsquos
Gwynedd Council (2014) [Online] lsquoWhen I Am Readyrsquo scheme
Available at
httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrutin
y20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20When
37
20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf (Accessed
22 February 2016)
Harris R J (1982) Institutionalized Ambivalence Social Work and
the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 British Journal of Social
Work Vol12 pp 247-263
Higgs L (2011) [Online] Housing crisis around the corner for care
leavers experts warn Children and Young People Now Available
at httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1050066housing-crisis-
corner-care-leavers-experts-warn (Accessed 17 February 2016)
Hiles D Moss D Thorne L Wright J and Dallos R (2014) ldquoSo
what am Irdquo ndash Multiple perspectives on young peoplersquos experience of
leaving care Children and Youth Services Review Vol 41 pp 1-15
House of Commons (1968) Report of the Committee on Local
Authority and Allied Personal Social Services London HMSO
Hutchinson D (2013) [Online] Catch 22 National Care Advisory
Service (NCAS) Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads9b7793d8be6ffc05a501df3df
4a1ef5fpdf
Jackson S and Cameron C (2012) lsquoLeaving Care Looking ahead
and aiming higherrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 34 (6)
pp 1107-1114
Mendes P and Moslehuddin B (2006) lsquoFrom Dependence to
Interdependence Towards Better Outcomes for Young People
Leaving State Carersquo Child Abuse Review Vol15 pp 110-166
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2006) Young peoplersquos views on leaving
care Newcastle Commission for Social Care Inspection
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2012) Young peoplersquos views on care
and aftercare Office of the Childrenrsquos Rights Director London
Ofsted
Mulvey T (1977) lsquoAfter-care ndash who caresrsquo Concern No 26
London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Munro E Lushey C and Ward H (2011) Evaluation of the
Right2BCared4 Pilots Final report (NCAS) London Department
for Education
38
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2011) Making the Cut
Planning Transitions for Care Levers in an Age of Austerity London
NCAS
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2012) [Online] Statistical
Briefing Looked after children and care leavers 2012 Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads0e9a6e4f266b8e96ad7c8e25
7bd53982pdf (Accessed 30 March 2015)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2013)
[Online] The NICE quality standard on the health and wellbeing of
looked after children and young people Available at
httpwwwniceorgukguidanceQS31chapterQuality-statement-8-
Support-to-move-to-independence (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Office for National Statistics (2014) [Online] Large increase in 20 to
34-year-olds living with parents since 1996 Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20160105160709httpw
wwonsgovukonsrelfamily-demographyyoung-adults-living-with-
parents2013sty-young-adultshtml (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board (2016) [Online] Child J ndash
Domestic Homicide Review and Serious Case Review (combined)
Available at httpwwwoscborgukwp-contentuploadsChild-J-
OSCB-Overview-Reportpdf (Accessed 25 February 2016)
Page R and Clark G (eds) (1977) Who Cares Young People in
Care Speak Out London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Puffett N and Orfford A (2016) [Online] Increasing numbers of
care leavers in unsuitable accommodation Children and Young
People Now Available at
httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1155917increasing-numbers-of-
care-leavers-in-unsuitable-accommodation (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Samuels G M and Pryce J M (2008) ldquoWhat doesnrsquot kill you
makes you strongerrdquo Survivalist self-reliance as resilience and risk
among young adults aging out of foster care Children and Youth
Services Review Vol 30 (10) pp 1198-1210
Stein M (2002) Young People Leaving Care A Research
Perspective In A Wheal ed The RHP Companion to Leaving Care
Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing pp 28-33
39
Stein M (2004) What works for young people leaving care
Barkingside Barnardos
Stein M (2006) lsquoYoung people aging out of care The poverty of
theoryrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 28 (4) pp 422-434
Stein M (2012) Young People Leaving Care Supporting Pathways
to Adulthood London Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Stein M and Carey K (1986) Leaving Care Oxford Blackwell
Stein M and Ellis S (1983) Gizza Say Reviews and Young People
in Care London NAYPIC
Stein M and Maynard C (1985) Irsquove Never Been So Lonely
London NAYPIC
Stone M (1990) Young People Leaving Care A study of
management systems service delivery and user evaluation UK The
Royal Philanthropic Society
The Who Carersquos Trust (2014) [Online] Leaving Care Available at
httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpagesleaving-care-what-
happens-post-16html
Wade J (2011) lsquoPreparation and transition planning for
unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee young people A review
of evidence in Englandrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol
33 pp 2424-2430
Wade J and Dixon J (2006) lsquoMaking a home finding a job
investing early housing and employment outcomes for young people
leaving carersquo Child and Family Social Work Vol 11 (3) pp 199-208
Wade J Mitchel F and Baylis G (2005) Unaccompanied asylum
seeking children The response of social services London BAAF
40
Appendix
1) httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf page 25
Karenrsquos story
2) httpwwwnhsukConditionsAttention-deficit-hyperactivity-
disorderPagesIntroductionaspx
3) Email received in response to a request for Mr Timpson (Minister
of State for Children and Families) to answer three questions
regarding care leavers
Dear MsthinspThompsonthinsp
I am writing on behalf of the Minister of State for Children and
Families to thank you for your email of 9 February about your
dissertation
I am sorry but the department receives so many requests like yours
that we are unable to respond to them other than to point you to
sources of information I would therefore suggest that you look at the
departmentrsquos website
at httpswwwgovuksearchq=care+leavers+strategy
I hope you find this link helpful and that you are able to find the
information you need
Your correspondence has been allocated reference number 2016-
0008179 If you need to respond to us please
visit httpswwweducationgovukcontactus and quote your
reference number
As part of our commitment to improving the service we provide to
our customers we are interested in hearing your views and would
welcome your comments via our website
at httpswwweducationgovukpcusurvey
Yours sincerely
Kelly Walkerthinsp
Ministerial and Public Communications Division
Web
[httpswwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovuk]https
wwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovukgt
Twitter httpswwwtwittercomeducationgovuk
Facebook httpswwwfacebookcomeducationgovuk
41
[httpswwweducationgovukimages2irisdfepng]
4) httpwwwgisdaorgengamdanom-nihtml
5) httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga198941section20
6)httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrut
iny20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20Whe
n20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf
7)httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachme
nt_datafile201015Staying_Put_Guidancepdf
8) httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpageswhats-a-pathway-
planhtml
9) httpjobscommunitycarecoukarticlecoventry-tops-london-in-
the-best-place-to-live-league-tablescmpid=EMP|JOBS|SCJOB-
2016-0224-CH|READMORE-COVampcmpid
10) httpwwwconwygovukdocaspcat=4800ampdoc=19742
11)httpresearchbriefingsparliamentukResearchBriefingSummary
SN06705
42
i) Interview Guide
Generic areas of question
Age upon leaving care
Staying put scheme
Financial help
Choice of housing
Suitability of accommodation
Geographical position of accommodation
Further education
Access to support eg Personal Advisor social worker
Input with Pathway plan
Being listened to
Transition
Keeping in touch
Difference with peers
43
37
20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf (Accessed
22 February 2016)
Harris R J (1982) Institutionalized Ambivalence Social Work and
the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 British Journal of Social
Work Vol12 pp 247-263
Higgs L (2011) [Online] Housing crisis around the corner for care
leavers experts warn Children and Young People Now Available
at httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1050066housing-crisis-
corner-care-leavers-experts-warn (Accessed 17 February 2016)
Hiles D Moss D Thorne L Wright J and Dallos R (2014) ldquoSo
what am Irdquo ndash Multiple perspectives on young peoplersquos experience of
leaving care Children and Youth Services Review Vol 41 pp 1-15
House of Commons (1968) Report of the Committee on Local
Authority and Allied Personal Social Services London HMSO
Hutchinson D (2013) [Online] Catch 22 National Care Advisory
Service (NCAS) Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads9b7793d8be6ffc05a501df3df
4a1ef5fpdf
Jackson S and Cameron C (2012) lsquoLeaving Care Looking ahead
and aiming higherrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 34 (6)
pp 1107-1114
Mendes P and Moslehuddin B (2006) lsquoFrom Dependence to
Interdependence Towards Better Outcomes for Young People
Leaving State Carersquo Child Abuse Review Vol15 pp 110-166
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2006) Young peoplersquos views on leaving
care Newcastle Commission for Social Care Inspection
Morgan R and Lindsey M (2012) Young peoplersquos views on care
and aftercare Office of the Childrenrsquos Rights Director London
Ofsted
Mulvey T (1977) lsquoAfter-care ndash who caresrsquo Concern No 26
London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Munro E Lushey C and Ward H (2011) Evaluation of the
Right2BCared4 Pilots Final report (NCAS) London Department
for Education
38
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2011) Making the Cut
Planning Transitions for Care Levers in an Age of Austerity London
NCAS
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2012) [Online] Statistical
Briefing Looked after children and care leavers 2012 Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads0e9a6e4f266b8e96ad7c8e25
7bd53982pdf (Accessed 30 March 2015)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2013)
[Online] The NICE quality standard on the health and wellbeing of
looked after children and young people Available at
httpwwwniceorgukguidanceQS31chapterQuality-statement-8-
Support-to-move-to-independence (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Office for National Statistics (2014) [Online] Large increase in 20 to
34-year-olds living with parents since 1996 Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20160105160709httpw
wwonsgovukonsrelfamily-demographyyoung-adults-living-with-
parents2013sty-young-adultshtml (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board (2016) [Online] Child J ndash
Domestic Homicide Review and Serious Case Review (combined)
Available at httpwwwoscborgukwp-contentuploadsChild-J-
OSCB-Overview-Reportpdf (Accessed 25 February 2016)
Page R and Clark G (eds) (1977) Who Cares Young People in
Care Speak Out London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Puffett N and Orfford A (2016) [Online] Increasing numbers of
care leavers in unsuitable accommodation Children and Young
People Now Available at
httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1155917increasing-numbers-of-
care-leavers-in-unsuitable-accommodation (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Samuels G M and Pryce J M (2008) ldquoWhat doesnrsquot kill you
makes you strongerrdquo Survivalist self-reliance as resilience and risk
among young adults aging out of foster care Children and Youth
Services Review Vol 30 (10) pp 1198-1210
Stein M (2002) Young People Leaving Care A Research
Perspective In A Wheal ed The RHP Companion to Leaving Care
Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing pp 28-33
39
Stein M (2004) What works for young people leaving care
Barkingside Barnardos
Stein M (2006) lsquoYoung people aging out of care The poverty of
theoryrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 28 (4) pp 422-434
Stein M (2012) Young People Leaving Care Supporting Pathways
to Adulthood London Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Stein M and Carey K (1986) Leaving Care Oxford Blackwell
Stein M and Ellis S (1983) Gizza Say Reviews and Young People
in Care London NAYPIC
Stein M and Maynard C (1985) Irsquove Never Been So Lonely
London NAYPIC
Stone M (1990) Young People Leaving Care A study of
management systems service delivery and user evaluation UK The
Royal Philanthropic Society
The Who Carersquos Trust (2014) [Online] Leaving Care Available at
httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpagesleaving-care-what-
happens-post-16html
Wade J (2011) lsquoPreparation and transition planning for
unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee young people A review
of evidence in Englandrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol
33 pp 2424-2430
Wade J and Dixon J (2006) lsquoMaking a home finding a job
investing early housing and employment outcomes for young people
leaving carersquo Child and Family Social Work Vol 11 (3) pp 199-208
Wade J Mitchel F and Baylis G (2005) Unaccompanied asylum
seeking children The response of social services London BAAF
40
Appendix
1) httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf page 25
Karenrsquos story
2) httpwwwnhsukConditionsAttention-deficit-hyperactivity-
disorderPagesIntroductionaspx
3) Email received in response to a request for Mr Timpson (Minister
of State for Children and Families) to answer three questions
regarding care leavers
Dear MsthinspThompsonthinsp
I am writing on behalf of the Minister of State for Children and
Families to thank you for your email of 9 February about your
dissertation
I am sorry but the department receives so many requests like yours
that we are unable to respond to them other than to point you to
sources of information I would therefore suggest that you look at the
departmentrsquos website
at httpswwwgovuksearchq=care+leavers+strategy
I hope you find this link helpful and that you are able to find the
information you need
Your correspondence has been allocated reference number 2016-
0008179 If you need to respond to us please
visit httpswwweducationgovukcontactus and quote your
reference number
As part of our commitment to improving the service we provide to
our customers we are interested in hearing your views and would
welcome your comments via our website
at httpswwweducationgovukpcusurvey
Yours sincerely
Kelly Walkerthinsp
Ministerial and Public Communications Division
Web
[httpswwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovuk]https
wwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovukgt
Twitter httpswwwtwittercomeducationgovuk
Facebook httpswwwfacebookcomeducationgovuk
41
[httpswwweducationgovukimages2irisdfepng]
4) httpwwwgisdaorgengamdanom-nihtml
5) httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga198941section20
6)httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrut
iny20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20Whe
n20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf
7)httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachme
nt_datafile201015Staying_Put_Guidancepdf
8) httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpageswhats-a-pathway-
planhtml
9) httpjobscommunitycarecoukarticlecoventry-tops-london-in-
the-best-place-to-live-league-tablescmpid=EMP|JOBS|SCJOB-
2016-0224-CH|READMORE-COVampcmpid
10) httpwwwconwygovukdocaspcat=4800ampdoc=19742
11)httpresearchbriefingsparliamentukResearchBriefingSummary
SN06705
42
i) Interview Guide
Generic areas of question
Age upon leaving care
Staying put scheme
Financial help
Choice of housing
Suitability of accommodation
Geographical position of accommodation
Further education
Access to support eg Personal Advisor social worker
Input with Pathway plan
Being listened to
Transition
Keeping in touch
Difference with peers
43
38
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2011) Making the Cut
Planning Transitions for Care Levers in an Age of Austerity London
NCAS
National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) (2012) [Online] Statistical
Briefing Looked after children and care leavers 2012 Available at
httpresourcesleavingcareorguploads0e9a6e4f266b8e96ad7c8e25
7bd53982pdf (Accessed 30 March 2015)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2013)
[Online] The NICE quality standard on the health and wellbeing of
looked after children and young people Available at
httpwwwniceorgukguidanceQS31chapterQuality-statement-8-
Support-to-move-to-independence (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Office for National Statistics (2014) [Online] Large increase in 20 to
34-year-olds living with parents since 1996 Available at
httpwebarchivenationalarchivesgovuk20160105160709httpw
wwonsgovukonsrelfamily-demographyyoung-adults-living-with-
parents2013sty-young-adultshtml (Accessed 01 October 2015)
Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board (2016) [Online] Child J ndash
Domestic Homicide Review and Serious Case Review (combined)
Available at httpwwwoscborgukwp-contentuploadsChild-J-
OSCB-Overview-Reportpdf (Accessed 25 February 2016)
Page R and Clark G (eds) (1977) Who Cares Young People in
Care Speak Out London National Childrenrsquos Bureau
Puffett N and Orfford A (2016) [Online] Increasing numbers of
care leavers in unsuitable accommodation Children and Young
People Now Available at
httpwwwcypnowcoukcypnews1155917increasing-numbers-of-
care-leavers-in-unsuitable-accommodation (Accessed 17 February
2016)
Samuels G M and Pryce J M (2008) ldquoWhat doesnrsquot kill you
makes you strongerrdquo Survivalist self-reliance as resilience and risk
among young adults aging out of foster care Children and Youth
Services Review Vol 30 (10) pp 1198-1210
Stein M (2002) Young People Leaving Care A Research
Perspective In A Wheal ed The RHP Companion to Leaving Care
Lyme Regis Russell House Publishing pp 28-33
39
Stein M (2004) What works for young people leaving care
Barkingside Barnardos
Stein M (2006) lsquoYoung people aging out of care The poverty of
theoryrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 28 (4) pp 422-434
Stein M (2012) Young People Leaving Care Supporting Pathways
to Adulthood London Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Stein M and Carey K (1986) Leaving Care Oxford Blackwell
Stein M and Ellis S (1983) Gizza Say Reviews and Young People
in Care London NAYPIC
Stein M and Maynard C (1985) Irsquove Never Been So Lonely
London NAYPIC
Stone M (1990) Young People Leaving Care A study of
management systems service delivery and user evaluation UK The
Royal Philanthropic Society
The Who Carersquos Trust (2014) [Online] Leaving Care Available at
httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpagesleaving-care-what-
happens-post-16html
Wade J (2011) lsquoPreparation and transition planning for
unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee young people A review
of evidence in Englandrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol
33 pp 2424-2430
Wade J and Dixon J (2006) lsquoMaking a home finding a job
investing early housing and employment outcomes for young people
leaving carersquo Child and Family Social Work Vol 11 (3) pp 199-208
Wade J Mitchel F and Baylis G (2005) Unaccompanied asylum
seeking children The response of social services London BAAF
40
Appendix
1) httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf page 25
Karenrsquos story
2) httpwwwnhsukConditionsAttention-deficit-hyperactivity-
disorderPagesIntroductionaspx
3) Email received in response to a request for Mr Timpson (Minister
of State for Children and Families) to answer three questions
regarding care leavers
Dear MsthinspThompsonthinsp
I am writing on behalf of the Minister of State for Children and
Families to thank you for your email of 9 February about your
dissertation
I am sorry but the department receives so many requests like yours
that we are unable to respond to them other than to point you to
sources of information I would therefore suggest that you look at the
departmentrsquos website
at httpswwwgovuksearchq=care+leavers+strategy
I hope you find this link helpful and that you are able to find the
information you need
Your correspondence has been allocated reference number 2016-
0008179 If you need to respond to us please
visit httpswwweducationgovukcontactus and quote your
reference number
As part of our commitment to improving the service we provide to
our customers we are interested in hearing your views and would
welcome your comments via our website
at httpswwweducationgovukpcusurvey
Yours sincerely
Kelly Walkerthinsp
Ministerial and Public Communications Division
Web
[httpswwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovuk]https
wwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovukgt
Twitter httpswwwtwittercomeducationgovuk
Facebook httpswwwfacebookcomeducationgovuk
41
[httpswwweducationgovukimages2irisdfepng]
4) httpwwwgisdaorgengamdanom-nihtml
5) httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga198941section20
6)httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrut
iny20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20Whe
n20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf
7)httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachme
nt_datafile201015Staying_Put_Guidancepdf
8) httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpageswhats-a-pathway-
planhtml
9) httpjobscommunitycarecoukarticlecoventry-tops-london-in-
the-best-place-to-live-league-tablescmpid=EMP|JOBS|SCJOB-
2016-0224-CH|READMORE-COVampcmpid
10) httpwwwconwygovukdocaspcat=4800ampdoc=19742
11)httpresearchbriefingsparliamentukResearchBriefingSummary
SN06705
42
i) Interview Guide
Generic areas of question
Age upon leaving care
Staying put scheme
Financial help
Choice of housing
Suitability of accommodation
Geographical position of accommodation
Further education
Access to support eg Personal Advisor social worker
Input with Pathway plan
Being listened to
Transition
Keeping in touch
Difference with peers
43
39
Stein M (2004) What works for young people leaving care
Barkingside Barnardos
Stein M (2006) lsquoYoung people aging out of care The poverty of
theoryrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol 28 (4) pp 422-434
Stein M (2012) Young People Leaving Care Supporting Pathways
to Adulthood London Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Stein M and Carey K (1986) Leaving Care Oxford Blackwell
Stein M and Ellis S (1983) Gizza Say Reviews and Young People
in Care London NAYPIC
Stein M and Maynard C (1985) Irsquove Never Been So Lonely
London NAYPIC
Stone M (1990) Young People Leaving Care A study of
management systems service delivery and user evaluation UK The
Royal Philanthropic Society
The Who Carersquos Trust (2014) [Online] Leaving Care Available at
httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpagesleaving-care-what-
happens-post-16html
Wade J (2011) lsquoPreparation and transition planning for
unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee young people A review
of evidence in Englandrsquo Children and Youth Services Review Vol
33 pp 2424-2430
Wade J and Dixon J (2006) lsquoMaking a home finding a job
investing early housing and employment outcomes for young people
leaving carersquo Child and Family Social Work Vol 11 (3) pp 199-208
Wade J Mitchel F and Baylis G (2005) Unaccompanied asylum
seeking children The response of social services London BAAF
40
Appendix
1) httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf page 25
Karenrsquos story
2) httpwwwnhsukConditionsAttention-deficit-hyperactivity-
disorderPagesIntroductionaspx
3) Email received in response to a request for Mr Timpson (Minister
of State for Children and Families) to answer three questions
regarding care leavers
Dear MsthinspThompsonthinsp
I am writing on behalf of the Minister of State for Children and
Families to thank you for your email of 9 February about your
dissertation
I am sorry but the department receives so many requests like yours
that we are unable to respond to them other than to point you to
sources of information I would therefore suggest that you look at the
departmentrsquos website
at httpswwwgovuksearchq=care+leavers+strategy
I hope you find this link helpful and that you are able to find the
information you need
Your correspondence has been allocated reference number 2016-
0008179 If you need to respond to us please
visit httpswwweducationgovukcontactus and quote your
reference number
As part of our commitment to improving the service we provide to
our customers we are interested in hearing your views and would
welcome your comments via our website
at httpswwweducationgovukpcusurvey
Yours sincerely
Kelly Walkerthinsp
Ministerial and Public Communications Division
Web
[httpswwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovuk]https
wwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovukgt
Twitter httpswwwtwittercomeducationgovuk
Facebook httpswwwfacebookcomeducationgovuk
41
[httpswwweducationgovukimages2irisdfepng]
4) httpwwwgisdaorgengamdanom-nihtml
5) httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga198941section20
6)httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrut
iny20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20Whe
n20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf
7)httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachme
nt_datafile201015Staying_Put_Guidancepdf
8) httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpageswhats-a-pathway-
planhtml
9) httpjobscommunitycarecoukarticlecoventry-tops-london-in-
the-best-place-to-live-league-tablescmpid=EMP|JOBS|SCJOB-
2016-0224-CH|READMORE-COVampcmpid
10) httpwwwconwygovukdocaspcat=4800ampdoc=19742
11)httpresearchbriefingsparliamentukResearchBriefingSummary
SN06705
42
i) Interview Guide
Generic areas of question
Age upon leaving care
Staying put scheme
Financial help
Choice of housing
Suitability of accommodation
Geographical position of accommodation
Further education
Access to support eg Personal Advisor social worker
Input with Pathway plan
Being listened to
Transition
Keeping in touch
Difference with peers
43
40
Appendix
1) httpwwwbarnardosorgukcosts_of_care_leaverspdf page 25
Karenrsquos story
2) httpwwwnhsukConditionsAttention-deficit-hyperactivity-
disorderPagesIntroductionaspx
3) Email received in response to a request for Mr Timpson (Minister
of State for Children and Families) to answer three questions
regarding care leavers
Dear MsthinspThompsonthinsp
I am writing on behalf of the Minister of State for Children and
Families to thank you for your email of 9 February about your
dissertation
I am sorry but the department receives so many requests like yours
that we are unable to respond to them other than to point you to
sources of information I would therefore suggest that you look at the
departmentrsquos website
at httpswwwgovuksearchq=care+leavers+strategy
I hope you find this link helpful and that you are able to find the
information you need
Your correspondence has been allocated reference number 2016-
0008179 If you need to respond to us please
visit httpswwweducationgovukcontactus and quote your
reference number
As part of our commitment to improving the service we provide to
our customers we are interested in hearing your views and would
welcome your comments via our website
at httpswwweducationgovukpcusurvey
Yours sincerely
Kelly Walkerthinsp
Ministerial and Public Communications Division
Web
[httpswwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovuk]https
wwweducationgovuklthttpswwweducationgovukgt
Twitter httpswwwtwittercomeducationgovuk
Facebook httpswwwfacebookcomeducationgovuk
41
[httpswwweducationgovukimages2irisdfepng]
4) httpwwwgisdaorgengamdanom-nihtml
5) httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga198941section20
6)httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrut
iny20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20Whe
n20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf
7)httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachme
nt_datafile201015Staying_Put_Guidancepdf
8) httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpageswhats-a-pathway-
planhtml
9) httpjobscommunitycarecoukarticlecoventry-tops-london-in-
the-best-place-to-live-league-tablescmpid=EMP|JOBS|SCJOB-
2016-0224-CH|READMORE-COVampcmpid
10) httpwwwconwygovukdocaspcat=4800ampdoc=19742
11)httpresearchbriefingsparliamentukResearchBriefingSummary
SN06705
42
i) Interview Guide
Generic areas of question
Age upon leaving care
Staying put scheme
Financial help
Choice of housing
Suitability of accommodation
Geographical position of accommodation
Further education
Access to support eg Personal Advisor social worker
Input with Pathway plan
Being listened to
Transition
Keeping in touch
Difference with peers
43
41
[httpswwweducationgovukimages2irisdfepng]
4) httpwwwgisdaorgengamdanom-nihtml
5) httpwwwlegislationgovukukpga198941section20
6)httpsdemocracycyngorgwyneddgovukDataServices20Scrut
iny20Committee20140619Agenda09_01_Report20on20Whe
n20Im20Ready20Leaving20Care20Schemepdf
7)httpswwwgovukgovernmentuploadssystemuploadsattachme
nt_datafile201015Staying_Put_Guidancepdf
8) httpwwwthewhocarestrustorgukpageswhats-a-pathway-
planhtml
9) httpjobscommunitycarecoukarticlecoventry-tops-london-in-
the-best-place-to-live-league-tablescmpid=EMP|JOBS|SCJOB-
2016-0224-CH|READMORE-COVampcmpid
10) httpwwwconwygovukdocaspcat=4800ampdoc=19742
11)httpresearchbriefingsparliamentukResearchBriefingSummary
SN06705
42
i) Interview Guide
Generic areas of question
Age upon leaving care
Staying put scheme
Financial help
Choice of housing
Suitability of accommodation
Geographical position of accommodation
Further education
Access to support eg Personal Advisor social worker
Input with Pathway plan
Being listened to
Transition
Keeping in touch
Difference with peers
43
42
i) Interview Guide
Generic areas of question
Age upon leaving care
Staying put scheme
Financial help
Choice of housing
Suitability of accommodation
Geographical position of accommodation
Further education
Access to support eg Personal Advisor social worker
Input with Pathway plan
Being listened to
Transition
Keeping in touch
Difference with peers
43
43
Top Related