Leaving Care: Throughcare and Aftercare in Scotland

This authoritative study investigates the experiences of young people as they move on from care towards independent living. Highlighting the successes and failures of care services for young people, Leaving Care identifies the specific factors that hinder successful transition from care and the types of support that help to promote positive life choices. Analysing current policy and the findings of past research, the authors focus on case studies of three local authorities to demonstrate how support for young people leaving care works in practice. They address the impact of throughcare and aftercare services, and argue for a more gradual transition towards independence, combined with more consistent and ongoing support after young people leave care. This book draws valuable lessons from the Scottish context which will prove an enlightening read for any student and practitioner in the fields of social care and social policy, and for any professional with an interest in the development of childcare practice.

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgements. 1. Introduction and Background. 2. Throughcare and Aftercare Service in Three Authorities. 3. The Young People and their Experiences of Care. 4. Throughcare: Preparation for Leaving Care. 5. Moving on From Care: The Leaving Care Experience and Early Post Care Destinations. 6. Supporting Young People: Aftercare. 7. Working Together: Inter-agency Planning and Professional Support. 8. What Makes a Difference? Outcomes for Young People Leaving Care: the Follow-up Study. 9. Conclusion: Developing Throughcare and Aftercare Services. Appendix: Methodology. References. Index.

About the Author :
Jo Dixon is a Research Fellow in the Social Work Research and Development Unit (SWRDU), University of York. She has worked on a number of large-scale social research studies involving vulnerable children, young people and families. Mike Stein is Professor of Social Work and Director of the Social Work Research and Development Unit at the University of York. He was involved in the preparation of the Guidance on Leaving Care for the Children Act 1989 and the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000, and has been consulted by government, local authorities and voluntary organisations on the development of leaving care services in the UK and internationally.

Review :
It is an essential read for those involved in public care and not one which should dishearten and prevent us from promoting change. It brings forth clear messages, not just from research, but also from the young people themselves. Since the 1980's Mike Stein and colleagues have played a big part in putting the issue of leaving care on the policy agenda and keeping it there. They have produced an excellent body of published work on the topic, to which this book (co-authored with Jo Dixon) provides a valuable addition…The book is very clearly organised and presents its findings in an accessible way. The book is well structured. Services are examined first from the local authority's perspective and then backed up (or not) by testimonies from care leavers. There is quantitative data from the research questionnaire, which provides statistical backup throughout…Throughcare and aftercare in Scotland is a useful reminder of the role of the throughcare and aftercare sevices in intervening, as most parents would, to help facilitate positive outcomes for young people leaving care. As with Mike Stein's other work, this is a rigorous, well-written and accessible study that includes important points for policy and practice. I could see no noticeable weaknesses. Young people's own views are well represented and it makes a valuable contribution to services in Scotland and elsewhere.