You said
- Supportive housing: to give me more training to manage own tenancy.
- The social workers call me out the blue to check in and see if I am alright.
- Young people wanted someone in their local community for advice on the local area and any local issues they were experiencing.
“Make sure they are always in contact and make the effort to stay in contact with the young person. To make sure that the young person knows they can trust them.” - Care experienced young person talking about corporate parents.
Safe place to live
Before you come into care, fully assess your needs so we understand who is best to care for you.
Wherever you live, ensure it is safe and you have opportunities to have loving relationships with, feel valued and are nurtured by those people.
We visit you regularly and talk to you alone to ask if you feel safe. If you don’t, we will work with you to understand why and what needs to happen next.
Stable home
We continue to work with you and your family during your care journey to see if there are any opportunities for you to safely return home.
If it is not safe for you to return home, ensure that your forever home is planned for quickly.
We only change your school, college or university if we absolutely have to. If there are any concerns identified with your school or college, we will address them quickly.
Sense of belonging
You are supported to build new relationships where you are now living, whilst making sure you can keep in touch with the people who are important to you where you used to live if you are unable to continue living in or near your community.
If you are living outside of Staffordshire, we offer you the same support as if you were living in Staffordshire.
Protecting you from harm
The people who work for us are safe adults.
We provide regular training for our staff, foster carers and residential care workers on how to keep you safe.
We provide information and advice about the risks you may face whilst growing up, such as drugs and alcohol misuse, criminal and sexual exploitation.
You have someone to talk to if you are worried.
You are made safe, as quickly as possible if you are at risk.
Clarity in decision making
When decisions need to be made about you, they are done in a timely way.
The people looking after you know what decisions they can make for you from the moment they start to look after you, such as having a sleepover (delegated authority).
Our staff, foster carers and residential care staff receive a good level of training to help them to understand your needs and have the confidence to make decisions.
Preparation for living independently
You are prepared for adulthood at the earliest opportunity and support you to complete the independence programme as soon as you are ready.
This gives you the skills to live independently. There is a clear plan for your future which allows time for you to get ready for independence.
You are supported to live independently when you leave care. You are provided with opportunities to ‘stay put’ with your foster carer or ‘stay close’ to your residential home when you turn 18.
You are provided with opportunities to move into supported accommodation or your own tenancy.
We continue to work with housing providers to enable you to have a permanent and safe home. We provide a smooth transition to adult services where this is appropriate.
Our care leaver offer remains ambitious and inspirational.