Plymouth City Council has teamed up with charity Barnardo’s for a new project to improve employment prospects, reduce levels of loneliness and increase support for those leaving care.
Barnardo’s is investing at least £1m to develop the Plymouth Care Journey Programme over the next seven years.
The partnership is one of the first of its kind in the UK and signifies a new way of working for both organisations to deliver better outcomes for care-experienced young people, Barnardo’s said.
There are around 420 children and young people living in care in Plymouth where research into the scheme highlighted “a lack of preparation for independent living, finding their way around the complexity of the care system, and not feeling informed and in control”.
Meanwhile, recent government data shows that 39 per cent of care leavers aged 19 to 21 are not in education, employment or training compared with 12 per cent of the age group in the general population.
A strategy to improve support for care leavers, which includes suggestions from care-experienced children and young people, will be announced in the spring.
Councillor Jemima Lang, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “This is a really exciting partnership to be involved in because it means we can begin to make a difference right now in the lives of some of Plymouth’s most vulnerable children and young people.
“Because of the work we’re doing we know that a 14-year-old in care today will have a better chance of a brighter future as an adult than a 21-year-old care leaver. That’s how significant this could be, transforming the life chances of a generation of children in care.”
Barnardo’s chief executive Javed Khan added: “Leaving home is a big adjustment for everyone, but young people leaving care often do so without the support of a loving family.
“On top of this they have often experienced trauma such as bereavement, neglect or abuse. This can make it harder to finish school with good qualifications, enter further or higher education, and to reach the first rung on the career ladder. These young people are at greater risk of poverty and homelessness, and more likely to struggle with isolation and poor mental health.
“Young people have the best understanding of their own situation which is why it was so important that they were involved in this partnership from the outset and will be at the heart of the solutions and service design. Working together, we will address local challenges so young people can face the future with greater confidence and go on to lead fulfilling lives.”
