Information for care leavers
If you:
- are 16 to 25 years old, and
- were 'Looked After' by Peterborough City Council (in care) for 13 weeks or more following your 16th birthday
you are entitled to care leavers' support.
You can also qualify for support, if
- you were ‘looked after’ before a Special Guardianship Order was made
- you were privately fostered after the age of 16.
Support from your personal adviser
You can ask for support from your Personal Adviser up to the age of 25. Your Personal Adviser can help you to become independent, and offer information, advice, and support when you leave care. Sometimes, the role of the Personal Adviser is undertaken by a Social Worker. The support you will receive will be recorded in a Pathway plan.
- For Care Leavers aged 16-17 - the Local Authority must provide accommodation as well as support from a Personal Adviser. This does not apply once you are over 18.
- For Care Leavers aged 18-20 - there is a duty on the Local Authority to a Personal Adviser, create a Pathway Plan and visit you every 8 weeks.
- For Care Leavers aged 21-24 in Education - the support provisions remain the same as they are when you were 18-20.
- For Care Leavers aged 21-24 not in Education - you will need to request our support, our Leaving Care team will assess your needs. It may be that it is more suitable to help you access other organisations that can help you.
If you would like to speak to someone or need advice, please contact your Personal Adviser. If they are not available, or if you do not have a Personal Adviser or social worker, please call the duty worker. Telephone: 07773 576 469 (9am to 5pm).
If an emergency occurs out of office hours, call the Emergency Duty Service. Telephone: 01733 234724. (out of office hours)
Care Leavers Covenant
Each Local Authority will look at using its own resources and making links in the community to support you as you turn 18 and become more independent, but there is also a national organisation called The Care Leavers Covenant, who work to encourage companies, charities, and other government organisations to pledge to support you further.
This could be ring-fenced job opportunities, work experience, or free or discounted goods and services.
Feedback and complaints
If you are unhappy about any aspect of the support you receive, please talk to your Personal Adviser / Social Worker. They will want to help sort it out. If you would rather talk to someone else, you can ask to speak to their manager.
Alternatively, you can contact:
The Central Complaints Office
Sand Martin House
Bittern Way
Fletton Quays
Peterborough
PE2 8TY
Telephone: 01733 296331
Fax: 01733 345090
Email: childrenssocialcarecomplaints@peterborough.gov.uk
NYAS is an independent organisation. To request a NYAS advocate to assist you with a complaint or other concern, call 0800 808 1001 or email help@nyas.net or look on the NYAS website
Pathway plans
Every looked-after child will start working on a Pathway Plan - usually around the age of 16. It is a legal requirement that sets out:
- what you want to achieve
- what support do you need
- how the Council will work with you to get it.
It gives you the chance to make sure your views are heard.
Who is who
Your transition from care can be daunting. You will be introduced to many different people who can help you. Here is a guide of the people you may meet and what they do.
If you are in care you will have a Social Worker. They make decisions about your care and manage your care plan. They will be in regular contact with you and visit you at least every six weeks.
They will listen to you and include your wishes and feelings in your care plan. They will explain decisions and ensure you know how to get your voice heard. You will have your social workers details if you ever need to contact them.