Leaving care

Being in care doesn’t last forever – the time will come when you leave your carers and move on.

The change from being ‘in care’ to living independantly should be slow and gradual – not a big shock.

Throughout your time in care, your social worker and carers should be helping you get ready for independence by giving you a lot of support to make you feel comfortable and confident about what’s ahead!

When you are nearly 16, we will make a plan with you to help you leave care, although you won’t actually leave care until you are 18.

At 16 years old your case will move to the Learn2Live Team (Barking and Dagenham’s Leaving Care Team), and a young person’s adviser will be chosen for you – this person is exactly like a social worker. (If you have long-term care needs, you are unlikely to go to the Learn2 Live Team.

You will stay with the Disabled Children’s Team. Your Social Worker will start to work with you on your transition plan to move you to adult services when you reach 18).

Your plan will be discussed with you at your review – it is important that you say what you think.

You may not always get what you want, however, we will help and support you with any changes.

It is important to remember that you are not alone and you will have a young person’s advisor to help you become independent.

Useful documents

Contact

Noel Heron
Team Manager

Phone: 020 8227 5496
Email: noel.heron@lbbd.gov.uk