Access to and uptake of continuing care and aftercare: How do needs assessment processes for accessing aftercare support vary across local areas in terms of thresholds, waiting times, and delivery approaches, and what are the associated resource requirements (including staff time and costs)?
Background
The Promise recognises transitions from care into adulthood as a critical period, where young people can face abrupt changes in support, increased expectations of independence, and heightened risks around housing, finances, health, and wellbeing. It recognises that young people leaving care should not experience a ‘cliff edge’ of support, instead allowing for gradual, flexible transitions that reflect individual readiness, similar to the support available to many of their peers. Secure, trusting relationships and continuity of support are identified as central to positive transitions.
The ideal evidence base would help illuminate how different models of aftercare and continuing care operate in practice, and how they affect outcomes over time. This includes: evidence on the timing, intensity, and duration of support; the role of relationships with carers and professionals; and how support intersects with education, employment, housing, and health systems. Analytical insight is also needed into differential experiences and outcomes across groups.
Next steps
Get in touch with [email protected]
Related UKRI funded projects
-
Carers Assessment Support
**A difficult time to care** Across the UK our social care system is more stretched than ever with increased demand and decreasing budgets. The lack of capacity in the system is placing additional pressures on the unpa...
Funded by: Innovate UK
Lead research organisation: UPSTREAM OUTCOMES LIMITED
Why might this be relevant?
Partially relevant as it focuses on carer support and assessment, but not specifically on aftercare for young people leaving care.
-
CARERS IN THE 21ST CENTURY: DEVELOPING THE EVIDENCE BASE
This innovative and original seminar series will contribute to improved quality of life and health and wellbeing for those in our society who give so much to those who need care and without whom, the delivery of health a...
Funded by: ESRC
Lead research organisation: De Montfort University
Why might this be relevant?
Partially relevant as it discusses carers in the 21st century, but does not specifically address aftercare for young people leaving care.
-
Care leavers' transitions to adulthood in the context of Covid-19: Understanding pathways, experiences and outcomes to improve policy and practice
Care leavers typically leave their foster homes or residential placements at 16-18 years and cannot necessarily rely on receiving as much practical, emotional or family support, once they have moved, as their peers in th...
Funded by: COVID
Lead research organisation: University of Bedfordshire
Why might this be relevant?
Fully relevant as it specifically focuses on care leavers transitioning to adulthood and understanding their experiences and outcomes, including the impact of Covid-19.