Leaving Care

Leaving Care is a division of the Keys Group which offers bespoke individual support packages to young people aged 16-23 years old and our service aims to provide a positive experience for young people as they grow and develop into young adults.

Keys 16+ Leaving Care are committed to assisting and supporting young people who are making the transition into independent living and using the keys independent training programme, our young people can learn the necessary life skills to achieve positive outcomes and aid them in the journey into adulthood.

We offer a combination of packages, including, accommodation, individually tailored support hours, mentoring, advocacy and guidance for education, training, development and housing applications.

A bespoke placement proposal is implemented based on detailed planning and multi-agency working with all professional’s involved and allows for a smooth transition for all young people.

We have a range of support level options and these are designed to be on a phased reduction plan, this provides reassurance that outcomes and targets are achievable for the young person and incentive-based goals are realised.

We are in a fortunate position to provide a holistic person-centred approach to transition, whereby we can be proactive with links to our services and this can then enable a young person to be supported through their journey from residential or fostering provisions, whilst maintaining joint partnership working within the keys children’s staff team and minimising on the anxiety that derives from change in provision.

Our ultimate aim for our Leaving Care Young People is to enable them to live totally independent and to sustain their own tenancy and be a responsible member of the community, alongside realizing their personal dreams and ambitions.

Leaving Care objectives

All YP’s are supported in developing their independent living skills from the start of placement.

Keys 16+ Leaving care support staff are experienced in encouraging young people, through gentle coaching and suggestion to enter into routines in completing general household tasks such as; meal planning, budgeting, shopping, meal preparation, cleaning, washing, financial services and ensuring they are receiving appropriate financial support.
We aim to maximise a young person’s full potential and to build confidence and self-esteem.
We use a comprehensive Life Skills Journal that provides guidance towards attainable skills and allows young people to be able to record their achievements in these areas.
We aim to promote emotional well-being and Support which positive responses can be made to the social, cultural, developmental and psychological problems experienced by any young person.
To identify and access where applicable external support agencies linked to substance and alcohol misuse, self- injury and mental health agencies.
Enable and actively support the young person to develop positive peer group relations and appropriate relationships with authority figures.
To maximize the development of each individual, working with them to build or rebuild positive self-esteem;
To provide a safe, stimulating environment in which positive responses can be made to the social, cultural, developmental and psychological problems experienced by any young person;
To restore, encourage and maintain the highest standards of personal, physical and mental health and hygiene for all the young people;
To provide a programme to enhance moral, cultural, social, educational, spiritual, religious and overall development of all individuals who are placed with us;
To encourage young people to acquire skills through learning formally and informally, and to use those skills to procure further learning and employment opportunities;
To assist, support and encourage self-development and the acceptance of duties associated with being a responsible member of our society;
To help young people to refrain from unproductive behaviour and to participate in activities which are conducive to their short and long-term goals;
To support young people to challenge or overcome problems associated with rejection, frustration and persecution on any grounds (i.e. age, gender, sexual orientation, and race);