Former Care Recipient Aids Young People Transitioning from System

A 24-year-old woman, Elle Johnson, who described herself as “terrified” upon exiting the care system at the age of 18, is now assisting other young individuals facing a similar transition. Ms. Johnson provides support to approximately 400 young people annually in Cambridgeshire as they leave care, aiding them with securing housing, education, and employment. Hailing from Downham Market, Norfolk, Ms. Johnson explains that local authorities function as “corporate parents,” providing support to young people who lack a family network. She stated, “It’s really helpful for me to say to the young person, I’ve been there, I’ve done this, it’s going to be okay.” She added, “You’re not going to be just dropped into your house and forgotten about.” Having been raised within the care system, Ms. Johnson mentioned she was “really scared” about the idea of attending university. However, she found it beneficial to have a personal adviser who guided her through the available support she could access. She recalled having many questions, including practical concerns like where she would reside during academic breaks. “I had several conversations about what it was going to look like – it’s perfectly natural to be scared of these things,” she further commented. Individuals leaving care are assigned a personal adviser to assist them in their transition to adulthood. This assistance can encompass locating financial aid, relocating to a new residence, securing work placements, or preparing for job interviews. Ms. Johnson stated, “[I’ll] help with your boxes and help you put up some of your decorations and take a houseplant to you as your mum, dad, guardian carer would do.” She added, “As corporate parents that is our responsibility and that’s a good bit of the job.” Both Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council have indicated recent enhancements to their support for care leavers, which includes updating details on available local assistance. Dennis Jones, the leader of Peterborough City Council, mentioned that their local provisions have been “dramatically improved,” citing the recruitment of additional personal advisers and efforts to connect with young people who are more challenging to engage. He commented, “We are proud corporate parents to all the children and young people in our care and just like any other parent we have high aspirations for our children.” Support can be requested at any time by young individuals aged 16 to 25 who have previously resided in a care environment, should they require it. For news from the East of England, follow BBC Beds, Herts & Bucks, BBC Cambridgeshire, BBC Essex, BBC Norfolk, BBC Northamptonshire or BBC Suffolk on X, Instagram and Facebook. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external sites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.