You will get care experienced support and a named personal adviser if you are:
- aged between 16 to 21/25 years
- an eligible, relevant or former relevant young person
You will have a named personal adviser from the age of 16 to 21 (and beyond where you would like this). You will have the option to continue this support at 21 and up to your 25th birthday (and beyond if you are in higher education).
If you do not want the support when you reach 21, we will contact you yearly to see if your circumstances have changed and if you need further support.
You can contact us at any time up to the age of 25 to resume support. We will work with you and depending on what is needed, provide you with a personal adviser and pathway plan.
Role of a personal adviser
Personal advisers will provide support, advice and guidance in all areas relating to your transition from being cared for to care experienced, and into adulthood and independence.
To support you in developing your life skills and becoming more independent, your personal adviser will work with you and:
- your social worker
- your foster carer
- your keyworker
- other people who are important to you
We will always try to keep you with the same personal adviser.
How much support you will get from your personal adviser
The amount of support that you receive from your personal adviser will depend on your needs and circumstances. They will try to meet with you at least every 8 weeks.
Your personal adviser will work with you to consider all the support you may need and if there are any extra areas of assistance that may be helpful. You might, for example, need extra support because you:
- have special educational needs or a disability
- are an unaccompanied asylum seeking child (UASC), and your immigration status is unclear
- are in or leaving custody or you have had contact with the criminal justice system
- have health needs and/or are leaving hospital
- are also receiving an adult service
- are a young parent
- are going through a difficult time in your personal life
If your personal adviser is not available, you can email a duty personal adviser.