A report said that 'catch-all' targets to encourage young care leavers into education and training were not right for everyone: some would not be ready to take up the challenge until later in their lives, and these should instead be supported to approach it when they felt ready in some cases, not until their mid to late 20s.
Source: Jennifer Ward, Tracking Careleavers as they Move to Independence, Economic and Social Research Council (01793 413000)
Links: ESRC press release
Date: 2003-Dec
A report made a series of recommendations for improving the treatment of young people in care. It said that young people should be given more information about placements prior to moving, and that more choice of placement should made available; that a national review of the complaints procedures should be carried out; that all young people should be fully informed about their leaving care entitlements prior to their 15th birthday; that a national minimum amount of 1,400 should be set for the leaving care grant; and that there should be better housing options for care leavers. ('A National Voice' is an organisation run by young people with personal experience of care.)
Source: The AMPLIFY Report, A National Voice (0161 237 5577)
Links: Summary of recommendations | Guardian report
Date: 2003-Oct
A study examined what factors helped and hindered young people leaving care and their involvement in education, training or employment. Few young people did well at school. Financial concerns often deterred young people from continuing with or revisiting their education. Young people who had a stable care history or who were able to achieve some stability in their personal circumstances on leaving care were more likely to enter and remain in employment, training or study. Professional and informal support was crucial to the young person's success.
Source: Maggie Allen, Into the Mainstream: Care leavers entering work, education and training, York Publishing Services for Joseph Rowntree Foundation, available from York Publishing Services Ltd (01904 430033)
Links: Report (pdf) | JRF Findings 053
Date: 2003-Oct
The Scottish Executive published draft guidance proposing improved services for young people leaving care, including improved assessments of young people s needs; closer involvement of young people in the throughcare and aftercare process; and strengthened follow-up contact.
Source: Supporting Young People Leaving Care in Scotland, Scottish Executive (0131 556 8400)
Links: Consultation document (pdf) | SE press release
Date: 2003-Jul
A study examined young care-leavers patterns of drug misuse (the average age was 18 years). The group reported higher levels of drug use than the general population. One third said they smoked cannabis every day. 15 per cent had used ecstasy in the last month, and 10 per cent cocaine. Around a tenth reported taking heroin or crack cocaine at some time in their lives.
Source: Jenni Ward, Zoe Henderson and Geoffrey Pearson, One Problem among Many: Drug use among care leavers in transition to independent living, Research Study 260, Home Office (020 7273 2084)
Links: Study (pdf) | Findings (pdf)
Date: 2003-Feb