Leaving Care

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.

• 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.

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.