Your Pathway PlanFor care experienced young people and adults

2 You can ask others who support you to help you think about what you want to write and to help you make plans for the future.

Who would you like to include in planning your future?

A parent or family member

A carer

Your GP, CIC Nurse or another health professional

An independent visitor

Youth Offending team

Any other (please specify below)

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Reaching adulthood The first step

From the age of 16 we will support you to start thinking about your journey to independence. Once you turn 18 you will have lots of important decisions to make.

Where will you live when you can no longer stay with your foster carer or in your children’s home? How will you earn money to pay your rent, bills and to do the things you enjoy? Who will support you when you need help?

To help you answer some of these questions your social worker or leaving care worker will help you to fill out this booklet. This is your pathway plan. You can fill it out, keep it and look at it again with your worker when you need to.

Your leaving care worker or social worker is .....................................................................................

You can contact them by ....................................................................................................................

How would you like your worker to contact you? ............................................................................

3

Let’s get to know you

Who are you?

What 3 words best describe you?

1. ......................................................................................

2. ......................................................................................

3. ......................................................................................

Thinking about ethnicity, culture and identity needs what else is important to you?

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How do you self identify?

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How do you cope with angry or stressed feelings?

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What strength or talent or achievement are you most proud of?

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ChecklistIn order for you to access education, training, employment, health support and be financially stable there are some key documents you will need.

Yes No Does Young Person have a copy?

Is a copy saved on case file?

Brief commentary/details (if appropriate)

Birth Certificate

Bank Account

National Insurance Number

NHS Medical Number/Card

Passport/Travel Document

Home Office Number

Driving Licence

Current CV

Has Young Person been provided with a signed copy of their updated Pathway Plan?

Has Young Person given signed consent for CIC Nurse to obtain information for their Health Passport? (If not, please specify date as to when this will be obtained).

5The purpose of this plan is to help you make the most of all the opportunities and support available to you.

This is important so that you can enjoy learning and feel confident. We want to make sure that when you leave our service you can be your own person and will be able to do the things that interest you. At the back of this booklet you will find a star like the one below for you to complete each time you revisit this plan. It will keep us focused on the areas we need to work on to ensure things keep improving for you.

Your Star

1

2

3

4

5

accommodation

work &learning

people &support

how you feel

practical life skills

money & rent

choices &behaviour

1

2

3

4

5

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5

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1

health

4 Getting there with support

3 Trying to sort things out

2 Accepting help

1 Stuck

5 Independent

6

Your work and learningWe want you to have the best possible chance to learn, achieve and fulfil your best hopes for your future. What have you been up to so far?

Educa

tion

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Training

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Employment

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In the space below write down three different careers you might like to learn more about. Then talk to your worker and find out who could help you to find out more about those careers and plan the first step towards the job that suits you best.

Job Contacts When will I get in touch?

Next steps

No. Your work and learning Star Scale descriptionNow

(3)6 mths

(3)

5 I am in training, education or work, or I’m a full-time parent. I am working towards what I want to achieve without support from a service.

4 I am in training, education or work, or I’m a full-time parent. I need support to maintain this, make progress or change direction.

3 I am having a go at training, education, volunteering, work or another activity but find it hard to stick to.

2 I am not in work, training or education but I do want to do something with my time and am talking to someone about it.

1 I am not in work, training or education and don’t want to talk about it.

7

Your relationshipsBeing connected to trusted adults and supportive friends is key in establishing a good circle of support. Those connections will help ensure you grow and achieve in your community.

This scale is about feeling connected and having people to support you when you need it. These might be family, friends, local people, people from your cultural or religious community or people you share interest with. Mark on the scale (right) to show how connected you feel to the people in your life and community.

What steps do I need to take to help me feel more connected?

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Who could support me to do this?

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No. Your relationships (people and support) Star Scale descriptionNow

(3)6 mths

(3)

5 I mostly feel supported and connected. I have friends or other people outside the service who are good for me, so I don’t need professional support in this area.

4 I am getting to know new people or spending more time with people who are good for me, but I need support from workers too.

3 I try to spend time with people outside the service who are good for me but it’s difficult. People knock me back or I miss my old friends.

2 At least one worker in the service is helping me and I feel supported by them. My friends or family are mostly not helpful..

1 You are isolated but don’t want to talk about it.

8

Your healthWe want to make sure all young people in Gloucestershire have good physical, emotional and mental health. Thinking about areas like food, exercise, sleep, doctors, sexual health and mental health.

What is going well for you right now?

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What areas do you need help with?

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What one thing might help you to improve your overall health?

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No. Your health Star Scale descriptionNow

(3)6 mths

(3)

5 I look after my physical, mental and sexual health well enough by myself. I go to the doctor when I need to and mostly have enough healthy food, exercise and sleep.

4 I look after my health well enough in some ways but there are areas where I need reminders or support from the service.

3 I am trying to look after my health better, such as by going to the doctor if I am ill or eating more healthy food. It’s difficult and I often slip back into old habits.

2 I am harming or risking my health but know this needs to change and I am talking to someone about it.

1 I am harming or risking my health by not getting treatment for physical or mental health problems, sexual risk-taking or not eating well enough.

9Do you feel able to talk about your feelings and your sexual or religious identity?

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Who can you or might you talk to about these things in the future?

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Now lets think about how you feel. Your emotional well being and mental health are just as important as your physical health.

No. Your ‘How you feel’ Star Scale descriptionNow

(3)6 mths

(3)

5 I mostly feel confident, know who I am and am happy to be me. I can address any issues around my identity or being accepted without help from the service.

4 I know who I am and mostly feel OK about being me, but need support from the service with some issues or when things go wrong.

3 I have some issues around identity or self-esteem. I am trying to sort them out and I someties feel OK about myself but it’s early days.

2 I feel that I don’t fit in, or I’m confused or stressed, but I am talking to someone and getting some help.

1 I feel that I don’t fit in, or I feel stressed or confused or not accepted for who I am. Or I don’t really know who I am. I mostly feel bad about myself.

10

Your choices and behavioursWe think it is important for you to have the opportunity to participate socially in the pursuit of your talents and interests. Regularly being sociable with others and taking part in physical activity helps to reduce or avoid depression and anxiety. We want you to feel healthy, connected, safe and secure in your daily life. If you are experiencing circumstances that involve a high level of risk your worker must complete a full risk assessment.

DO LESS DO MORE TRY SOON

What would help?

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What would help?

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What would help?

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11No. Your choices and behaviours Star Scale descriptionNow

(3)6 mths

(3)

5 I stay safe, without support, I drink a little or not at all and don’t use illegal drugs. I am not offending or involved in anti-social behaviour.

4 I mostly stay safe and out of trouble but sometimes things go wrong so I need support in this area.

3 I am trying to make positive choices but it’s difficult and things can go wrong.

2 I want to stop being in trouble or am worried about drugs, alcohol or the risky situations I get into. I am talking to someone about making better choices.

1 I get into risky situations or trouble a lot, or am using drugs or drinking too much. I don’t want to discuss my choices or behaviour.

12 There may already have been times when you have run out of money before you’ve received your wage or benefit and had to borrow from others or manage without. This is why it is really important to plan how you will manage the money you have, how you will stretch your budget and how you might save for the future.

Do you currently have a:

Child Trust Fund Savings Fund Pre paid card Bank account Savings account

If you don’t have any of these then your worker can help you to set one up.

Your money Whatever your living arrangements once you turn 18 you will need to look after your own money. This will mean thinking about things like budgeting, saving, banking and paying bills.

No. Your money Star Scale descriptionNow

(3)6 mths

(3)

5 I am confident managing money safely and responsibly. I deal with any rent arrears or debts and can budget, plan ahead and make decisions without support.

4 I manage money OK and can mostly buy the basic things I need and avoid crises, but there are some problems so I need support.

3 I have some regular income and am trying to sort out problems with money. It’s early days and I often end up in chaos or short of money.

2 I am not managing my money or have no regular income. I go along with help to sort this out but am not taking the initiative.

1 I have no regular income or I’m not managing money responsibly or safely. I am not doing anything about this.

How much money is coming in? Amount Weekly Monthly

Wages/Earnings/YPA

Benefits

Student Finance, i.e. (grants/loans/bursaries, etc)

Other

TOTAL

How much money is going out? Amount Weekly Monthly

Food

Electric

Gas

Water

Rent

Council Tax

TV Licence

Contributions to housekeep (if applicable)

Leisure, i.e. (going out, gym membership, etc):

Other, i.e. (transport, smoking, phone/internet, etc)

Debts, i.e. (loans/overdraft, etc)

TOTAL

13When you begin to live independently you will need to think about practical things like

• looking after yourself and staying safe

• keeping your own environment to a good standard of hygiene including cleaning, laundry, and household tasks

• cooking and shopping for healthy nutritious food

• contacting agencies

• making your own health appointments

• attending meetings/appointments on time

• reporting repairs and complaints

• knowing how to access local facilities, and act as a responsible member of the community

• asking for support when needed

Your life skillsHelping you to live independently.

Which of these things do you feel you might need help to get the hang of?

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No. Your life skills Star Scale descriptionNow

(3)6 mths

(3)

5 I am able to live independently. I am confident with shopping, cooking, cleaning, laundry and other practical tasks.

4 I manage OK with most practical tasks but need support in one or two areas.

3 I am trying to learn to cook or to gain other practical skills I need to live independently but it’s early days and there’s a lot to take in.

2 I am not able to shop, cook, clean or do laundry or other tasks well enough to look after myself. I go along with support in this area but don’t take the initiative.

1 I am not able to shop, cook, clean or do laundry or other tasks well enough to look after myself. I don’t have or don’t accept support in this area.

14 Where do you live now?

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Where would you like to live in the future?

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What are the three most important things about where you live?

1. ......................................................................................................................................................

2. ......................................................................................................................................................

3. ......................................................................................................................................................

If you already hold a tenancy what are your main responsibilities as a tenant?

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Your home

We want to make sure you have accommodation that is stable, safe and appropriate for your needs. We have prepared a separate tool called “Your journey to independence”. You can find it at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/voice-gloucestershire

No. Your home Star Scale descriptionNow

(3)6 mths

(3)

5 I live independently and manage well enough without support from a service. I know how to get help if I need it.

4 I have somewhere stable to live, or am applying for a place. I mostly manage OK but need some support with the tenancy agreement, sharing with people or other issues.

3 I have somewhere to live, with support, and am not at risk of eviction. I am taking steps to live independently in the future but it’s early days.

2 I am at risk of eviction, staying somewhere unsuitable, homeless or in custody. I engage with support but don’t take the initiative.

1 I am at risk of eviction, staying somewhere unsuitable, homeless or in custody. I don’t have or don’t accept support.

What will need to

happe

n if

you

can

no lo

nger li

ve in the accommodation you are staying in at the mom

ent?

What w

ill n

eed

to h

appe

n if th

ere are unexpected problems with any of your relationships?

15

What will need to

happe

n if

you

can

no lo

nger li

ve in the accommodation you are staying in at the mom

ent?

Your back up plansLet’s think about how you would cope if your circumstances changed suddenly.

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What w

ill n

eed

to h

appe

n if th

ere are unexpected problems with any of your relationships?

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Wha

t will

need to happen if you lose your educational placement or job?

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Wha

t will

nee

d to happen if there are unexpected problem

s with your health?

Wha

t will

nee

d to

hap

pen if you have no money?

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16

Time to complete your starFor each area there is a five point scale which will help you track what you are doing, how you feel and what is changing for you. This is called the journey of change. Go back through this booklet now. Take your scores from each section and mark them on the star

1

2

3

4

5

accommodation

work &learning

people &support

how you feel

practical life skills

money & rent

choices &behaviour

1

2

3

4

5

1 2 3 4 512345

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2

3

4

5

5

4

3

2

1

5

4

3

2

1

5

4

3

2

1

health

4 Getting there with support

3 Trying to sort things out

2 Accepting help

1 Stuck

5 Independent

17

The Journey of ChangeWhich step are you on?

L

L

L

L

L

1 Stuck

2 Accepting help

3 Trying to sort things out

4 Getting there with support

5 Independent

18

Action Plan It’s time to choose which area of your life you will focus on in the coming months. You and your worker should agree some goals and actions for you to work on to ensure you are moving closer towards independence.

Priority area and stage step Goal Action

By who?

By when? (date)

Signatures:

Young person ................................................................................ Date .........................................................

Worker ........................................................................................... Date: .........................................................

19

Keeping in touch

Workers pledgeAs your leaving care worker I promise to keep in touch regularly.

We have agreed that for you this means ..................................................................................................................................................................

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I promise to support you by ........................................................................................................................................................................................

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You can ask for your pathway plan to be reviewed and updated at any time particularly if your circumstances change (e.g. you move to a new address). At a minimum your pathway plan should be updated every 6 months.

This means your pathway plan will be reviewed again no later than ................................................................................................................

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Signed (Worker) Date

Care experienced young person or adult’s pledge

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Signed (Care experienced young person or adult) Date

Prepared by Gloucestershire County Council Children and Families Commissioning Team Shire Hall, Westgate Street, Gloucester GL1 2TG

Tel: 01452 425000

Other servicesBarnardos – Be Heard advocacy and participation supportTel: 01452 422020

Care Leavers’ Foundation www.thecareleaversfoundation.org Tel: 01678540598

Citizens Advice Bureau: 0345 404 0506

Coram Voice – Always HeardFreephone 0808 800 5792 or WhatsApp +44 (0)7758 670369 to find out about your rights or to get support, or to be listened to.

Gloucestershire Royal Hospital: 0300 422 2222

Job Centre Plus 0345 604 3719

Let’s Talk - Are you stressed, anxious or depressed? 0800 073 2200

NHS: 111

Police (non emergency): 101

Samaritans: 116 123

Shelter (for housing support): 0808 800 4444

Talk to Frank (for support with substance misuse): 0300 123 6600

Young Gloucestershire (for general advice): 01452 501008

Your important contactsUseful web site addresses for help and support

Youth Support TeamLeaving care workers are based in four different offices in Gloucestershire. Your worker will let you know where they are based.

Cheltenham Youth Support TeamGrosvenor Hall, Grosvenor Street, Cheltenham, Glos GL52 2SG Tel: 01242 262695

Gloucester South Youth Support TeamWindsor House, 40 Brunswick Road, Gloucester GL1 1HG Tel: 01452 551276

Gloucester North Youth Support Team48 London Road, Gloucester GL1 3N2 Tel: 01452 547540

Stroud Youth Support Team Ryeleaze Road, Stroud, Glos GL5 1JE Tel: 01453 763993

District CouncilsGloucestershire County Council: 01452 425000Cotswolds District Council: 01285 623000Stroud District Council: 01453 766321Forest of Dean District Council: 01594 810000 Tewkesbury Borough Council: 01684 295010 Gloucester City Council: 01452 396396Cheltenham Borough Council: 01242 262626

Glo

uces

ter

shire Children and Families

• Commissioning Hub •