If you are a young person in care, your pathway plan is a very important document which sets out how your local authority and children’s services will help you on your journey to independence.
It says what you want to do, what support you need and how children’s services will provide that help until you turn 21 (or up to 25 if you are still in education or training).
Who has a plan?
The law in Wales says that you MUST have a plan if you:
- Are over 16
- Have been in care for at least 13 weeks since you turned 14 (these don’t have to be in one go, but they can’t include respite care)
- Have been in care for at least one day since you turned 16.
What should be in your plan?
Usually your pathway plan is written, with your input and based on an assessment by your local authority, at around the time you turn 16. Here are the main things it should include:
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What are your career goals and how will you be supported to achieve them?
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How you will be helped to build and keep good relationships with the people who are important to you.
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How much money you are entitled to and what help you will be given to budget and save for the future.
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Do you have all the ID documents you need and do you know how to access the files about you?
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Do you need any extra support around language, religion, ethnicity and sexual orientation?
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Where you’ll live.
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How your mental and physical wellbeing will be supported.
It’s your plan!
A pathway plan is about YOUR future, so you need to make sure that your opinions and ideas are listened to. Your personal advisor will be supporting you in writing the plan so you need to make sure that they put your views at the heart of all the options and decisions.
But, it’s not just your voice that needs to be heard. Lots of other people (like your foster carers, your parents, your school or college) know you well and will have a good idea of the support you will need to be able to transition into independent living.
Time to review
Your pathway plan should be reviewed at least every six months, but you can ask for it to be reviewed any time, especially if there’s been a big change in your life. And don’t forget to make sure you get a copy of the updated plan so that you can check everyone is sticking to it.
If you are not happy with the support you are getting, or think you are not being listened to, then an advocate might be able to help you.
If you need an advocate contact:
NYAS Cymru 0808 808 1001 or help@nyas.net
Or Tros Gynnal Plant 0800 111 6880 or admin@tgpcymru.org.uk
