If you're in care, we need to work out what your needs are and how we can support you to live independently.
We will do an assessment and work with you to create a plan. This is called your pathway plan.
Your pathway plan is about your needs and what we all need to do to ensure your successful transition to adult life. You will continue to have a pathway plan until you're 21 (or longer if you're in education or training).
There are different areas that will be covered in your pathway plan, these include:
For your pathway plan to be effective it will be based on an up to date needs assessment (an assessment we carry out to find out what support you need). It will set out the support that will be offered to you to achieve your aspirations. We aim to fully involve you in the development of your pathway plan. It's really important that you contribute. Remember this is your plan so get involved, the plan will confirm what support will be provided so remember to ask for a copy.
Your pathway plan is written by your personal adviser after consultation with you and important people in your life. It sets out your needs, views and future goals, and identifies exactly what support you will receive from us.
We will review your pathway plan with you regularly so that it is kept up-to-date. We must review your plan every 6 months, or earlier if there is a change of circumstance like moving into different accommodation.
The ASDAN Living Independently short course helps looked after young people and care leavers prepare for living independently.
You will get a copy of the ASDAN Living Independently book no later than your 16th Birthday. Your personal adviser or social worker will be able to give you more information on this.
To help you prepare for living independently and managing your own tenancy the ASDAN-Living Independently book covers areas such as:
You can do anything from 10-60 hours. Once completed, the work you have done is accredited and you will get a certificate. Ask your social worker or personal adviser for more details.
The care leavers local offer has more information about support available to you as a care leaver and preparing for independence.
Other organisations that provide information and advice: