This resource bravely sets its stall out as being all things to all people - students, workers in leaving care, carers, young people, managers, trainers.
Its value will be for staff new to the area, trainers, young people and students.
The book is logically laid out to reflect the statutory areas of a pathway plan. Each chapter is from a different author, enabling the resource to combine a wealth of expertise covering the majority of practice areas - from personal support to accommodation, sustaining family relationships, health needs and legal matters.
While the different styles may make it seem disjointed, its value lies in the ability to use it as a working tool, dipping in and out as necessary.
Usefully, the copyright allows photocopying of forms and handouts, creating a live resource rather than another book collecting dust in busy offices.
I was glad to see a focus on developing resilience, self-esteem and mental health issues. Unlike employment or training, it is an intangible area that is hard for practitioners to measure. Yet, as we all know, it is vital if young people's life chances are to be enhanced.
These chapters focus on how to practically involve young people in the development of their social and emotional skills. There are useful examples of young people's feelings and exploration of the factors that can prevent young people developing these skills and what can be done to redress this.
A real benefit in these sections is the direct work that practitioners can do with young people through the use of worksheets and practical tools.
The resource contains much of the information you would expect to be in a local authority's guide for young people leaving care - budgeting exercises, accommodation check lists, writing a CV, information on higher education and so on. While not new, it draws together a host of practical information and check lists in one place - making them accessible to all.
It contains good additional resources and links to some very useful young people and practitioner web sites. I believe it will indeed provide a useful resource in leaving-care offices and provide another invaluable working tool for practitioners and young people.
- Reviewed by Brigid Robinson, after-care service manager, Lancashire County Council.
The Leaving Care Handbook Edited by Ann Wheal Published by Russell House Publishing Price 29.95 ISBN 1 903855 67 5
