How can social workers and agencies best support young people as they make the transition from care to independent living? This authoritative study investigates the successes and failures of care services for young people, identifying factors that hinder effective transition from care and the types of support that help to promote positive life choices.
Analysing current policy and drawing on the findings of past research, the authors explore the experiences of young people leaving the care of three very different Scottish local authorities to demonstrate how support works in practice. They address the impact of throughcare and aftercare services, and argue for a more gradual transition towards independence, combined with more consistent and ongoing support after young people leave care.
This book draws on the Scottish context to offer valuable lessons that are important reading for all students and practitioners in the fields of social care and social policy, and other professionals interested in the development of childcare practice.
Spis treści
Acknowledgements. 1. Introduction and Background. 2. Throughcare and Aftercare Service in Three Authorities. 3. The Young People and their Experiences of Care. 4. Throughcare: Preparation for Leaving Care. 5. Moving on From Care: The Leaving Care Experience and Early Post Care Destinations. 6. Supporting Young People: Aftercare. 7. Working Together: Inter-agency Planning and Professional Support. 8. What Makes a Difference? Outcomes for Young People Leaving Care: the Follow-up Study. 9. Conclusion: Developing Throughcare and Aftercare Services. Appendix: Methodology. References. Index.
O autorze
Jo Dixon is a Research Fellow in the Social Work Research and Development Unit (SWRDU), University of York. She has worked on a number of large-scale social research studies involving vulnerable children, young people and families.