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Cheshire West and Chester Council logoCheshire West and Chester

Support for 16 to 24-year-olds

Support for 16 to 24-year-olds

No one should have to navigate adulthood alone. We want Care Leavers to have access to trusted relationships and ongoing support that helps them feel connected, valued and confident, knowing there are people who will continue to listen, guide and empower them as they grow and thrive. 

Strong relationships and a sense of belonging are vital for wellbeing, confidence and success in adulthood. We are committed to supporting Care Leavers to build and maintain positive, enduring relationships with the people who matter most to them, including family members, friends, carers and professionals. 

We also provide opportunities for Care Leavers to take part in community life through participations groups, for example:

We also run a number of events and opportunities that recognise and celebrate the amazing things Care Leavers accomplish. 

By helping young people develop supportive networks and meaningful connections, we aim to ensure that every Care Leaver feels valued, included and is able to thrive within their community.

Before you turn 18

You will meet with a Personal Adviser so that they can go through this Local Offer with you as part of your transition to adulthood.

If you are a Looked After Child, your Personal Adviser will work with you alongside your social worker until you are 18.

If you are no longer a Looked After Child, and are a Care Leaver, your Personal Adviser will work alongside your social worker if you have one and with those who are caring for you.

After you turn 18

Your Personal Advisor will try to see you at least every 8 weeks, and will see or speak with you much more often than that at times when you need us more.

Your Pathway Plan

You will have a Pathway Plan that is updated at least every six months. We would love you to lead on the information and decisions within the plan, as much as you would like to. Your Pathway Plan looks at where you live, your finances, your physical and emotional health, your options for education, employment or training, your relationships with people who are important to you and the support that you have or need.

As part of Pathway Planning, we will review your journey towards independence with you and can offer you advice, support and training as needed.

What is the role of the Personal Adviser (PA)?

Each Local Authority must appoint a person to support a care leaver, once they are no longer looked after by the Local Authority. In the law, the term Personal Adviser (PA) is used.

The law says that this person acts as a focal point to help ensure you have the right kind of support.

Key expectations

You should know who your PA is and know how to contact them.

Functions

  • to provide advice (including practical advice) and support, e.g. information about practical living skills, managing day-by-day finances, housing options, developing confidence, opportunities for education, employment and training, positive health and wellbeing and leisure opportunities
  • to participate in assessment and preparation of Pathway Plan, ensure regular review of the Pathway Plan and liaise with others about implementing it
  • to coordinate provision of services and try to help you make use of services
  • to keep informed about your progress and wellbeing
  • to keep full, accurate and up-to-date records of contacts with you and services provided

If you don’t want any support

Some of you sometimes ask for us not to be in touch saying that you don’t want any connection with Children’s Social Care. If this is your view, we will respect your choice.

However, as we do have a statutory duty to your care as corporate parents, we will discuss things like:

  • how we might be able to know that you are still of the same view as time goes by;
  • how we know that things are going well for you; and
  • to make sure that you have as much confidence as possible in the support being here for you should you need or want it

We will try to work with you on reflecting this in the Pathway Plan. We have a statutory duty to keep the Pathway Plan open and active until at least your 21st birthday.