FOSTER carers in Warwickshire have been learning about the next steps available to the young people they look after.
They found out all about The House Project at a Q&A workshop run by Warwickshire County Council.
The House Project was set up in Warwickshire in 2018 and since then has worked with 49 care leavers. The team work very closely with youngsters moving out of care to help them identify the learning and support they need to move into their own homes and become independent and responsible adults.
The project offers continued support to care leavers in their own homes encouraging them to maintain and sustain their tenancies by developing a community of support around them. Support includes advice about education, employment, training and they are taught skills such as learning to cook a variety of meals, managing budgets through financial training, and help around maintaining their home.
Warwickshire care leavers aged 16 or over can be referred, by their social worker or foster carer, to the House Project for support and advice to move into their own homes.
WCC children and families spokesperson Coun Sue Markham said: “The Q&A workshop from the Warwickshire House Project team was a great way for our foster carers to learn about the wider help and support on offer to our young people when they are ready to leave care.
“Our foster carers play an important role in our community, looking after our children in care and giving them support as they grow up. Understanding the work of the House Project allows them to help young people prepare for the next step in their lives and move forward with dedicated support towards independent futures.
“We want Warwickshire to be the best it can be for our care leavers, offering a great place for them to live, learn and grow. The work of Warwickshire House Project supports our Child Friendly Warwickshire initiative and the team work hard to ensure care leavers’ voices are heard, they are engaged in all aspects of their lives, and they are empowered to reach their full potential.”
To learn more about the Warwickshire House Project,visit https://warwickshire.thehouseproject.org/
