Q. What is Semi-Independent accommodation?
Semi-independent Accommodation is for young people who are 16 plus years. It is supported accommodation and is a placement that is a ‘half-way’ stage helping young people develop the skills needed to live independently.
Connexions is a service based in Brunswick House on Union Street. It is their job to provide all young people in Oldham age 13-19 with a personal adviser to help them make the right life choices i.e. careers, education etc.
Q. Who can act as an advocate to help me?
An advocate is someone who can help me to put forward my views. Examples of who may advocate for you are – After Care Workers, Personal Advisers, Children’s Rights Officer.
Q. Where might I live when I am 17?
This could be in a whole variety of places and does not mean you have to move if you are in care.
You may live with foster carers, post 18 scheme, supported lodgings, children’s homes, mother and baby unit, semi-independence unit, supported flat, own tenancy, hostel etc.
Q. What is a Leaving Care grant?
The leaving care grant is for young people who have been in care. It is a setting home allowance, based on need, to help a person set up in their own accommodation.
Q. What financial help will I get from the Leaving Care Team?
If you are an eligible young person i.e. someone who is 16/17 years and in the care of local authority the After Care Team supports you financially until you are 18 years as you are not entitled to claim DSS benefits (unless you are a single parent or disabled) However if you are in education you will also be entitle to support financially.
Q. What are Supported Lodgings?
Supported lodgings is a scheme that provides accommodation for young people. The lodgings provider offers a room to young people to rent. The providers are approved.
Q. If I am Looked After and I have a child, is my child classed as being in care?
The simple answer is no. As a child born to a young person in care is not classed as being in care but may be accommodated or be made the subject of a are order depending on the circumstances. This would only be in cases there are serious concerns about parenting issues.
Under the leaving care Act 2000 the law says you should have a Pathway Plan. This is a Plan, which says where you want to be and what you want to be doing over the next four years. The plan looks at Accommodation, Health, Education/Employment, Training, Personal Support, Financial Support, Leisure.