The following explanation of what the Throughcare & Aftercare service is comes from the "Pathways" handbook
Throughcare is the on-going preparation and support for young people who have been looked after and may soon be making the transition to live more independently.
It is not possible to put an age on when throughcare support and preparation should begin and end. This should depend on the young person and their individual needs. It can depend on a young person's own circumstances, their level of maturity and emotional development.
If throughcare preparation and life skills development start at a younger age, it is better than leaving it until it is too late for a young person to develop a range of independent living skills. It is also important that they feel emotionally ready to move on.
Service providers and carers should try to create a positive throughcare culture and approach, where young people are prepared and clear plans are made, well in advance of any move.
It can mean supporting young people in practical matters such as setting up home, budgeting skills, seeking employment, continuing education and can offer encouragement for developing their own social networks and interpersonal skills.
Ideally, some aftercare should continue to be offered by the workers or carers from the place where the young person has just moved from or from a specialist team. These people are often the ones with whom the young person has built relationships and feel comfortable with.
Aftercare should meet a young person's identified needs by providing a suitable package of support for as long as required..
The Supported Lodgings Project aims to provide young people with the opportunity to move out of care into a supportive environment, in preparation for moving onto independent living. Accommodation would be offered for varying periods of time, dependant on the young person’s needs and progress. During these placements both the provider and the young person will continue to be supported by workers from the Moray Aftercare Service.
Moray Throughcare & Aftercare Team
The Moray Council
6, Moss Street
Elgin
IV30 1LU
Tel: 01343 563578
Email: through.aftercare@moray.gov.uk