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Contents 

1. Context
2. Scope
3. Procedure

1. Context

The Children Act 1989, The (Children Leaving Care) Act 2000 and The Care Standards Act 2000, all place legal emphasis on the need to help and support young people who are leaving care to live independently.

Furthermore, the National Minimum Standards for Children's Homes and Children's Homes Regulations, 2011 (Standard 12) and The (Children Leaving Care) Act, 2000 requires Local Authorities to ensure that there is a comprehensive 'Leaving Care' Plan for young people who are preparing to leave care.

The local context is also relevant and staff should be aware of Looked After Services: Leaving Care and Transition to Adulthood, with reference to the Working Protocol between the Leaving Care Team and WMDC Residential Child Care - To follow.

2. Scope

The above context is particularly appropriate for residential units that work with teenage young people. It is important to remember, however, that all young people, regardless of their particular Placement Plan, need to be helped to gain the necessary life skills, including emotional, social, educational and practical skills.

It is imperative, within the daily life of the Home, that a positive culture is developed from which, opportunities will flow for all young people to gain in self-esteem and confidence.

3. Procedure

1.0	All young people, who are preparing to leave care, should have a comprehensive ‘Leaving Care’ plan which specifies the support and assistance they will receive to enable a successful transition into adulthood.
1.1	The Leaving Care Plan should be consistent with the young person's Care Plan, Placement Plan and Pathway Plan. For more information about Pathway Planning, please see Leaving Care Procedure, Section 2, Pathway Planning.
1.2	The Leaving Care Plan should be implemented into practice for all young people above compulsory school age, or for any young person who is expected, within the next year, to leave care to live independently.
1.3	The Leaving Care Plan clearly outlines the arrangements for: Education, Training & Employment Securing safe & affordable accommodation Financial assistance to set up & maintain Independent accommodation if applicable Claiming welfare benefits- where this is identified as a need General & specialised health education & health care & any other specialised services such as counselling Maintaining existing important networks, as defined by the young person, which may include the Children’s Home Creating, if applicable, new networks of advice & support Appropriate leisure pursuits Seeking advice should problems arise
1.4	The Leaving Care Plan needs to be consistent with the young person’s religious, ethnic, linguistic and cultural background.
1.5	The Plan also needs to take into account any disabilities or particular health issues the young person may have.
1.6	The staff team, through the co-ordination of the Children’s Homes Manager and key worker, should contribute to the assessment for the Pathway Plan. Staff should work in partnership with the young person’s personal adviser in implementing the plan.
1.7	The young person should be actively encouraged to take part in each stage and aspect of the Leaving Care Plan from drawing up the plan through to implementation, evaluation and review.

End