Preparation for Independence

The Local Authority has a legal duty to provide advice and assistance with a view to preparing a child for when he or she is no longer looked after. Throughcare is the process by which the Local Authority plans and prepares the young person they are looking after for the time when he or she will cease to be looked after. Aftercare is the provision of advice, guidance and assistance when a young person ceases to be looked after.

“Being a carer means that your family keeps growing over the years... including extra grandchildren at Christmas.”
- Angus carer

All young people who will be leaving care after their school leaving date must have a Throughcare and Aftercare plan (pathway plan). This plan sets out the roles and responsibilities of all those involved in preparing the young person for the move including what support will be available on an ongoing basis. Foster carers play a vital role in this process not least by supporting the child to remain in placement until they are mature and ready to move on to their own independent accommodation.

Throughcare support and preparation must include opportunities for the young person to develop self care skills such as cooking and shopping as well as the ability to launder their own clothes. Equally important is the encouragement and support the young person receives to ensure they are considering appropriate opportunities for further education, training or employment. Consideration should also be given to the young person's use of their social and leisure time. Carer's have an important role to help young people address these issues in preparation for living independently.

All young people leaving care must also have an identified support person that will co-ordinate the range of support identified in the pathway plan. This person will come from the Throughcare Aftercare Team.

The availability of a network of supports to young people once they have left care is a crucial factor affecting the extent to which their transition to independent living will successful. The continuing advice, support and friendship carers frequently extend to young people after the end of a foster placement is therefore of great importance.

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