Set income for young people leaving the care system.

Nannan, I think this is an attempt by the Welsh authorities to give young people coming out of care something like the same opportunities as young people with the security and support of a family have, and which care-leavers lack, and which is worth more than any amount of money.

I agree that there needs to be some help offered along with the money, help with budgeting, paying bills, organising your life, the kind of things which parents generally do for their children.

Nannan2

They should give older teens/young adults same amount then, on UC or ESA and/or other disability benefits, which may also help them become more independent too.its only fair to give them the same opportunities, A lot are still having to live with parents well into 20's- 30's- and often beyond simply because they don't have enough to try independent living, nor the practical help they would need. If parents die & they're left on their own, its too late in the day to get them stood on their own 2 feet then isn't it. ?

Are you suggesting that all young people should receive this payment? Where’s that going to come from? Ever heard of those who are able to do so ‘working’?

nannan2, I am not trying to interfere but ask for a carers assessment for yourself anyway x

Nannan2

JaneJudge- I am not ignoring you, it was interesting to know- my sons may need some type of supported housing later- both have disabilities, and live at home, but i would be happier knowing they can have the same kind of help, money, and support the same as care leavers can get if and when they need it- preferably while I'm still around as well to help the transition to independent living.Rather than it be a shock to do so if i was not.

Do your sons have a social worker? If they don't get them referred, if they do it might be worth asking them now what support is available. They wont just tell you as they don't want to pay for it They would be high priority for local authority house or flat, dependant on their disabilities. Then a care assessment would be made.

And ALL of Britain should be doing the same- for care leavers AND young disabled adults- not just one country- we are supposed to be a UNITED kingdom, so why do they persist in letting each coountry have all their own bl**dy policies, rules, and money to do as they wish- whats one rule for one should be same for all- otherwise they might as well disband the whole uk and just leave us as all separate countries with our own rules & regulations, own politics, and own money to apportion.?

Young people leaving care clearly need a lot of support. Emotionally and financially.

So long as they get the support they need to manage this money then it could well make things much better for them. However, if that support is lacking then I worry that they may become targets for "hangers on" who know they have income and take advantage of them.

Ongoing involvement with responsible mentors is vital, and at the moment this seems to be what is missing for so many care leavers.

Saggi didn't say she begrudged this money to help young people, just that she wished she could have the same income.

I'm afraid that, intentionally or not, her post did seem a bit resentful. Sorry if she has been misjudged.

JaneJudge- I am not ignoring you, it was interesting to know- my sons may need some type of supported housing later- both have disabilities, and live at home, but i would be happier knowing they can have the same kind of help, money, and support the same as care leavers can get if and when they need it- preferably while I'm still around as well to help the transition to independent living.Rather than it be a shock to do so if i was not.

Delila

Yes, Saggi may well have a mortgage & I agree her income is low, but I think this particular comparison isn’t a fair one. I can think of many other comparisons on grounds of income that would be fairer.

Many of us could wish to receive this sum of money monthly, and manage on less, but wouldn’t for a minute begrudge this financial support for young care-leavers. Yes, they might find themselves exploited or demotivated, that could happen for all sorts of reasons, but this also gives them the potential to make the right choices and go on to a successful future.

Saggi didn't say she begrudged this money to help young people, just that she wished she could have the same income.

Whilst it is a good idea in principle, I don't always believe that throwing money at a problem is the best solution. There are so many pitfalls with this scheme and I think a far wider approach is needed with much more practical support offered.

They should give older teens/young adults same amount then, on UC or ESA and/or other disability benefits, which may also help them become more independent too.its only fair to give them the same opportunities, A lot are still having to live with parents well into 20's- 30's- and often beyond simply because they don't have enough to try independent living, nor the practical help they would need. If parents die & they're left on their own, its too late in the day to get them stood on their own 2 feet then isn't it. ?

I sympathise with Saggi but don't see how she can compare her situation with that of a young person with no family coming out of the care system. In all likelihood they are still growing and need to replace clothing more often than people of our age. They will have less idea about (and perhaps facilities for) preparing meals and will need to consume more calories than an older, less active person. Saggi's position must be different in so many ways.

I understand about rents differing from area to area but there are standard flat rates for people in supported living schemes, which it sounds like this will be. The rounded amount wont be given to them, it will come out of different pots and some of it may be paid to care providers to support these young people. Its just a universal amount.

There are a variety of transition unit/living schemes anyway that cost money, there just needs to be more of them. It's much better for everyone if vulnerable people are supported properly.

Those who find themselves struggling to manage on less than the amount being proposed for care leavers are blaming the wrong people. If anyone is struggling to cope on a pension, and many are, it is not the fault of care leavers. Too many people punch down when they should punch up.

Yes, Saggi may well have a mortgage & I agree her income is low, but I think this particular comparison isn’t a fair one. I can think of many other comparisons on grounds of income that would be fairer.

Many of us could wish to receive this sum of money monthly, and manage on less, but wouldn’t for a minute begrudge this financial support for young care-leavers. Yes, they might find themselves exploited or demotivated, that could happen for all sorts of reasons, but this also gives them the potential to make the right choices and go on to a successful future.

Saggi, I’m not sure what you mean by running a three-bedroom house (private) - do you mean you own a three-bedroom house, or that you rent it privately? If you own it you have an enormous advantage before you can start comparing your monthly income with that proposed for a care-leaver.

Why?
Saggi might have a mortgage.

Saggi I can understand how you might feel and it sounds as if you are really struggling. Are you entitled to more help, particularly with your DH's medical needs? Can you make enquiries?
I think some responses to Saggi have been unnecessarily harsh.

All she said was that she would appreciate a bit more money - their income has to support two people and all their needs.

JaneJudge

I've posted how much my daughter's rent is on a room in a shared supported living house but you have all chosen to ignore me.

Jane, people always ignore facts which do not suit their own narrow views and opinions.

I’m not sure this has been properly thought through. Many of these young people will struggle to find work which pays this amount. Will it discourage them from seeking work? What happens when the payments end?

Saggi, I’m not sure what you mean by running a three-bedroom house (private) - do you mean you own a three-bedroom house, or that you rent it privately? If you own it you have an enormous advantage before you can start comparing your monthly income with that proposed for a care-leaver.
Young people leaving care have to start from scratch. They have nothing, and this money, with ongoing advice and support, will help them towards a successful independent adult life.

Well done Wales. This is a policy with a heart.

JaneJudge

I've posted how much my daughter's rent is on a room in a shared supported living house but you have all chosen to ignore me.

I think the problem is that rents vary widely according to area, JJ.

Around where I live you could easily rent a 2 up 2 down terraced house for £400 pm. BUT, get anywhere near Durham city (9miles away) and rental charges rocket because of the students. And 'my' terraced house will probably be in a small settlement with no shops, no pub and a rotten, very expensive, bus service.

So it's not very helpful to look at local rates and conclude that these children will be swimming in unearned wealth...

I think it's a brilliant idea. These youngsters have everything stacked against them in life; I don't begrudge them a hand up

I left home to live in a shared flat in London when I was 19, secure in the knowledge of my parents' love and support and that I could go back home at any time. I never did.

I have been aware of the lack of support for children in care once they reached 18 since I was a trainee auditor and I worked on a charity for the blind. One of their projects was a small block of flats providing accommodation for young blind people starting on their adult lives.

It is not the fault of these children that they have had a poor start to their lives and we should be grateful that someone is now addressing the subject.

I've posted how much my daughter's rent is on a room in a shared supported living house but you have all chosen to ignore me.

Mummer

£1600 far too much! Their rent and living costs should not be running to this amount in Wales I would have thought? Plus, support finding a decent startup job or support while in college is better use of funds. I'd love this amount of money having worked for 42years!!! I wonder Which twerps worked out the amount and what they're basing the 'needs' on? Food for one? Really cheap. Rent is probably the biggest costs, how about having single person accomodation for new emergees?

They won’t actually get £1600pm as just over £110pm will be paid in income tax. I assume that as it’s a benefit, they will receive a credit for NI pension.

However with rent of around £500pm it will still leave them with £250 pw to live on - all without the need to work. Let’s hope they receive budgeting lessons beforehand so that this opportunity isn’t wasted.

It must take a special kind of person to resent the most vulnerable young people in the UK getting financial help and support so they can safeguard their future. I don't think people understand how the benefits system works either with respect to people under 25

£1600 far too much! Their rent and living costs should not be running to this amount in Wales I would have thought? Plus, support finding a decent startup job or support while in college is better use of funds. I'd love this amount of money having worked for 42years!!! I wonder Which twerps worked out the amount and what they're basing the 'needs' on? Food for one? Really cheap. Rent is probably the biggest costs, how about having single person accomodation for new emergees?