Coventry’s pioneering work to build lifelong links to support young people as they leave care was highlighted in TV programme Kids this week.
The second episode of the series focused on two young people preparing to take the next step in their lives.
Bayley is turning 18 and about to leave her children's home for good, and Byron was shown as he prepares to strike out on his own away from his foster carers.
The episode is part of a three-part series on Channel 4 taking a close-up look at teenagers and their families in the care system in Coventry – and those working to help and support them.
The two moving stories this week helped to show the work of the Council’s Lifelong Links programme, which is accredited by the Family Rights Group.
It was developed as part of a national scheme in response to evidence that young people who experience periods in local authority care remain significantly more likely to experience adverse outcomes in adulthood than others.
They are more likely to:
- become isolated,
- be subject to exploitation,
- suffer poor mental and physical health,
- experience homelessness,
- use drugs and alcohol,
- become involved criminal activity, resulting in risks to their personal safety and time being spent in prison.
The transition to adulthood, is recognised as a time of vulnerability for young people, who have been in care. Young people will often lose key relationships, their home and significant levels of both practical and financial support.
The risks of young people developing feelings of being adrift and lonely are high and can result in poor decision-making and exploitation by others.
Lifelong Links is an innovative approach for children and young people in the care system aimed at establishing strong and long-lasting relationships between the young people and those who matter most to them.
Back in 2017, Coventry was an innovative trial site and one of the first in the UK to offer Lifelong Links. It is now a vital part of the work to protect and support young people in care.
Cllr Patricia Seaman, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Coventry City Council, said: “Lifelong Links is a living testimony of all the hard work, enthusiasm and knowledge invested by our team on a day-to-day basis, making it possible for the children and young people we work with to achieve positive, life-changing experiences.
“The whole process has the child and young person’s voice central to delivering the work from start to finish and ensures that a child in care has a positive support network around them to help them during their time in care and in adulthood.”
An independent Lifelong Links coordinator works with a child in care to find out who is important to them, who they would like to be back in touch with and who they would like to know, such as former teachers, carers or family friends.
The coordinator searches for these people, using a variety of tools and techniques and then makes a plan with the young person to ensure these relationships continue to grow.
The plan helps the young person to learn more about their history and have a sense of identity, to have relationships they can depend upon, and to know who to turn to for practical and emotional support.
It will help in areas such as being invited to family events, holidays, having telephone calls, sending emails, cards, going on outings or getting support with work experience.
In Coventry figures show:
- every young person who had received the Lifelong Links service, has established direct contact with a supportive adult that was not previously happening
- Lifelong Links has resulted in relationships being repaired for 60% of the young people, this includes relationships being rebuilt with former foster carers
- a fifth of young people are now having overnight stays with family members and other supportive adults, that previously was not happening at all
- 30% of children and young people have an increased knowledge of their family history and had increased their sense of identity and belonging.
One young person on the scheme said simply: “There should be more services like this. Lifelong Links It’s brilliant!”
You can see more about the series and the Council’s work in caring for children and young people at www.coventry.gov.uk/kids
The show airs on 10, 17 and 24 May and is also available on All4.
Are you passionate about making a difference to the lives of young people and interested in exploring Social Worker opportunities? The Council is hosting an Open Evening for Social Workers at the Council House on Thursday 25 May, from 4pm to 8pm.
This is a wonderful opportunity for you to connect with individuals featured in the TV show, discover more about Coventry, our current initiatives, and the fantastic opportunities available to join our exceptional team. Why not attend and find out more? Kindly complete a brief form to let us know you'll be joining us.