Preparation for Adulthood and Our Leaving Care Service (LCS)

As a community, we recognise that turning 18 can be a challenging time for anyone especially for care experienced children. As a result, we make sure that all children cared for across Polaris are well prepared for independence and that support doesn’t stop at the age of 18.

Leaving Care Solutions (LCS) has been part of the Polaris community since 2018. It provides semi-independent accommodation and support for young people leaving care, with a range of shared houses and flats with support workers.

LCS offers flexible, bespoke packages of support for young people from well trained, and professionally supervised, support workers.

Ofsted are currently preparing to commence regulating supported accommodation. We support this movement and are proud to say that LCS is currently part of this pilot further evidencing our commitment to offering safe, high quality care for those that leave care.

Some of the ways we prepare and support children for independence and adulthood across Polaris include:

Work Experience

Advocacy support

‘Leaving Care Ready’ scheme

Workshops on finance/ money

CV Workshops

Cooking lessons

Support with job applications

In 2022, there were 79 children on Staying Put arrangements

Due to the commitment and nurture of our dedicated foster parents, many children in our fostering homes remain past 18 on staying put arrangements.

FCA care leaver William was fostered from the age of 11, through to his late teens. Named 2019 Rock Star Entrepreneur of the Year, William is incredibly inspirational and speaks very openly and positively about his time in care with FCA. In recent months he has become interested in competing in F100 motorsport and FCA have agreed to sponsor his upcoming racing season.

Within FCA, there is a Preparing for Independence Booklet that is given to young people 15+ for them to work through on their own or with the help of their foster parent, to increase their independence skills and prepare them for independent living. The booklet includes information and tasks on topics such as:

• Managing Money

• Household Tasks

• Food Hygiene

• Looking after yourself

• Personal Hygiene

• Internet Safety

• Moving Home

• Useful Contacts

“I have found that the key is to talk about whatever is bothering you no matter how upsetting or angry it will make you feel because no matter what, talking will always make things a little more bearable.”

One of our young people from Fosterplus Scotland, Tyler was recently given the opportunity to take part in an intense cadet programme with Scottish Fire and Rescue in Darvel, North Ayrshire.

This is something Tyler is considering as a vocation and he jumped at the opportunity. The course delivers training in first aid, team work, building confidence, using the equipment and following command.

Tyler’s leaders were very impressed with his achievements and have assured him they will provide him with a glowing reference as he makes his way in the world.

It is definitely is a big part of his CV now!