Your adviser journey
Your personal adviser is there to help you to prepare to live independently and to offer advice and support after you leave care.
Personal advisers will talk to you about what support you need and record this information in your pathway plan.
Age 16-18
Your personal adviser is there to help you to prepare to live independently and to offer advice and support after you leave care. Personal advisers will talk to you about what support you need and record this information in your pathway plan.
On your 16th birthday you'll be allocated a personal advisor. They will give you advice and guidance and help prepare you for living independently (along with your carer and social worker).
This will include a plan to help you make the transition from care to independent life – called a pathway plan. Your personal advisor will work alongside your social worker and will visit you at least once every 12 weeks. They will work to build a relationship with you in preparation for when you leave care at 18 years old.
Age 18-21
Once you turn 18, in most cases, you'll no longer have a social worker. Your personal adviser will make sure you get the services you need and help co-ordinate your pathway plan and reviews.
Your personal advisor will keep in touch with you at least once every 8 weeks, how they keep in touch will be in line with your needs, wishes and feelings however, your personal advisor will always try and work with you so that they can visit you regularly.
It is important that we keep in touch so we understand what support you need and that your relationship with your personal advisor continues to be as positive as possible.
Age 21-25
Ordinarily, our support will end on your 21st birthday, however if you require on-going support from your personal advisor, we can continue to work with you and support you up until your 25th birthday.
If personal advisor involvement ends on your 21st birthday, we will continue to make contact with you at least once per year to review your needs and remind you that we are here to support you if needed.
You can also make contact with the team at any time following your 21st birthday if you feel you need advice, guidance or support from a personal advisor. You do not need to wait until we make contact with you. Call us on 01229 408100.
Extra support
Your leaving care team will consider with you what extra support you may need. Here are some examples of care experienced young people who might need extra help. We've provided some links for more information too.
Young people with special educational needs or a disability
For more information, there is also a special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) local offer.
Unaccompanied asylum seeking young people
For more detailed information see the migrant children section of the Coram Children's Legal Centre website.
Young parents
If you are a young parent, we will support you to do the best for your children. We will help you arrange childcare, if this is what you want. Talk to your personal adviser about the different support groups in the area you live.
Independent support
You have a right to request support from an independent advocate if you want to challenge decisions about the support we give you.
Independent advocates can inform you about your rights and help you to be heard in meetings. They are separate from Children’s Services and are available to care experienced young people up to the age of 25.
You can request an advocate from the National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS).