A care leaver is someone who has spent time in the care system as a child, who is now approaching independent adulthood.
Care leavers can face many barriers when it comes to transitioning out of the care system and into independent adult life. These include housing instability and mental health struggles
Care Leaver Mentors
When a care leaver enters young adulthood, they often leave the system without a support network.
A leading charity has now pioneered a role of care leaver mentor, where people are asked to commit a couple of hours per week, on a voluntary basis. They will offer care, compassion, and support to those who have no reliable family connection upon leaving the system.
The role of the mentor is to provide practical guidance and advice on matters such as housing, relationships, education, and employment.
The wider mission of the charity is to ensure that care leavers are not left on a cliff-edge when leaving the system at 18.
Foster Care Agencies
Foster carers provide temporary care and residence to those who are no longer able to safely live with their own families.
Agencies specialising in foster care Swansea, such as //saferfostering.org.uk/foster-care-wales/swansea/ aim to provide children with a safe, supportive, and therapeutic foster care placement.
If you are interested in having a positive impact on a young person’s life, and becoming a foster carer, then a specialist agency can support you on your journey, offering full training and support, as well as a host of other benefits