Young people have told us that:
finding suitable accommodation in Devon is a real challenge and is their top priority
getting mental health support after they leave care is a struggle
making sure that the young person’s voice is captured in the Home Finding and Hub forms is important
pathway planning needs to better reflect their needs and aspirations as individuals
they want to see ‘care-experienced’ become a protected characteristic in Devon
Young people want us to:
listen more and use language that cares with relationships at the centre – communicate directly, honestly and kindly in a way that young people will understand both directly and on their care records
promote a better understanding of the issues experienced by young asylum seekers and change the way we refer to this group of young people from ‘unaccompanied asylum-seeking children’ (UASC) to ‘young asylum seekers’
ensure that young asylum seekers know what to do if they encounter racism and challenge the wider system around support for young asylum seekers
proactively engage young people in commissioning services, involve and engage young people in consultation and co-production – ensure that young people are involved in the development of the Promise and Local Offer
engage young people in the quality assurance of children’s homes and other provision
close the feedback loop at strategic and individual level – use Mind of My Own and the Single Feedback Form as two ways that young people can express their views and make sure that young people are given contact details for managers so that they can escalate things appropriately if needed
extend the Independent Reviewing Service so that each person’s review considers the voice of the child, ensures that they are aware of their rights and make sure that they have a trusted adult
Get transitions and endings right! Make sure that people appreciate the importance of ‘endings’ even when there may not have been time to plan and when there are ‘big decisions’ that the young people are actively engaged in the planning and understand the reasons behind any decisions made.
Collaborate with partners to make sure that transitions are well planned, and that social workers and personal assistants take time with the young person to prepare them and support the move.
“We don’t like it when workers change all the time – this makes transitions from 16-19 challenging and scary.”