dwp social justice conference presentation for care leavers - west london

Life of a Care LeaverON THE FRONT LINE

The things every DWP professional needs to understand about being a Care Leaver.

The key that doesn’t fitLeaving care is like taking that stray key you have siting in the kitchen draw, picking it up and putting it in a different place. There is not much from it being totally disregarded.

Finding the ‘fit’ – our perspectiveWhat we are looking for whether we are aware of it or not:

Not just ‘a job’ but a career that encourages interest and develops skills, that as a result creates the state of being stable.

Not much different from everyone else…

How to Believe in YourselfNurture Positive Views

Recognize Your Skills

Meet Goals

Learn from Failure

Try, even when you feel like you can’t or shouldn’t

Talk to People that Love You

Rest when you need to

Do something you believe in

The crux of it – 2013Outlined by a report by the Centre for Social Justice:

9,900 Young People formally left the care of Local Authorities in England

55% suffer from depression

A third misuse drugs and alcohol within a year of leaving care

A third of those living on the streets have a background in care

23% of the adult prison population have previously been in care

and... obviously a disproportional number of young people who are ‘NEET’ are Care Leavers

Sourced: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmselect/cmeduc/516/516vw13.htm

Why hardship doesn’t workIt’s not a Tracy Beaker story and never has been.

The worst of its outcomes are that we:

‘starve for days on end’

‘feel forced to sell ourselves’

‘rough sleep as our only option’

‘thieve if we have to’

The SanctionAnd its lovely outcomes:

- No Food

- No Warmth

- No Communication

- No Electric

- No Hygiene

- DebtRepossessions, bailiffs, etc.

Individual errors/failings/mistakesWe are young and expected to bump our heads along the way.

Common failings:

- Not calling premium rate numbers

- Not regularly connecting to the internet

- Missing appointments

Levels of capabilityLess likely to be:

Determined

Motivated

Equipped

in managing all aspects of their lives

Independence antonym: DependenceThe individual needs to create a sense of belonging and a network of interdependence.

The ‘Osborne’ experience It feels like I have had four lifetimes already…

Before Care

Going into Care and settling

Leaving Care and settling

Being independent and maturing into a responsible life

The ‘Osborne’ experience continued… Take notes if you want

Solutions • Young care leavers need dedicated and professional

employment and skills support. This could be achieved by integrating support into the Work Programme to ensure young care leavers benefit from long term support with a focus on improving outcomes.

Solutions• Care Leavers need to be interviewed on their full set of

circumstances and examined by a specialised trained advice worker.

Solutions• Entering Further Education should not require the choice

‘study and starve, or stay on benefits’.

Solution finale! Care Leavers need to be identified on a local level with much more intensive support. Make the local authorities cooperate with the DWP in making the journey to work ‘fit’ the individual.

Thank you for your timeQuestions?