Expectations for practice

a graphic of a person speaking about growth

To deliver on our commit to promote care-experienced young people’s independence, the following actions should be a part of everyone’s practice:

  • Engaging with young people early on about their interests and aspirations for the future, and putting those at the heart of our work with them
  • Nurturing young people’s relationships with their family and friends safely and in a way which builds trust with them
  • Building trust proactively between young people and the adults around them, including their workers and carers. We do this by working restoratively, having an awareness of the power-dynamics in different relationships and tackling any stigma or discrimination
  • Supporting young people to take up opportunities at school and in the community
  • Discussing early on with young people their options for the future, including what is realistic and achievable in the short term, and the steps they need to take to get to where they want to be
  • Identifying the strengths and capabilities that each young person has and supporting them to recognise those and build on them
  • Working with young people to build their resilience and live healthy lives
  • Involving young people in the planning and decision-making affecting their lives at every stage, which should always start from their individual strengths, needs and interests
  • Acknowledging, understanding and respecting the individual identities and experiences of young people, including how they may shape their future
  • Helping young people engage safely, meaningfully and constructively with their identity and sense of belonging through practices like life-story work
  • Making sure young people are able to make their voice heard and influence the decisions that are made about their lives, through participation and advocacy
  • Encouraging and supporting young people to try new things and take healthy risks, which are safe and rewarding
  • Identifying the specific skills that the young person needs in order to get to where they want to be, and supporting them to develop those skills

 

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