Preparing For Independence

The purpose of our independence training programme is to enable young people to make informed choices and decisions.  It will provide them with life skills and experience enabling them to lead a successful life beyond care.

The 24/7 independence programme is designed to be followed in modular form by all young people in preparation for adulthood.

The programme offers the young people the opportunity to:

• develop personally, socially, educationally and emotionally;
• become empowered to take control of their own lives during their transition to adulthood;
• find effective ways of identifying and overcoming the self-imposed limitations with which they surround themselves

Semi Independent and Independent Living

At 16 years of age, our young people are educated and assisted within the home in the development of full life skills enabling them to fully integrate with and become part of their local community.  They will be expected to undertake budgeting tasks, prepare menus, shop and provide meals for themselves, as well as make a small financial contribution towards the home’s expenses.

At the age of 17, our young people can be moved to a self-contained provision which, although still within the realms of 24/7, is established as an independent living environment.  At this stage the young people are responsible for all their own budgeting, shopping, payment of bills and will be expected to undertake college courses, employment or alternative studies or apprenticeships.

Leaving Care Support and Contact

At 24/7, we take great pride in our ability to break down barriers that looked after young people construct to protect themselves from rejection.

We strive to continue the positive relationships we make with young people on an outreach basis and ensure that all young people that have left our care are invited to attend festivals and activities.

Having finally left care many young people maintain contact with team members at 24/7.  They may seek assistance or support on many levels, from financial or practical assistance (such as furnishing accommodation or completion of a job application form) to basic emotional support.

At 24/7, we strive throughout a young person’s placement to provide a nurturing family environment.  Upon their leaving care, we do our utmost to emulate the support a family would offer a young person leaving home whilst continuing to encourage the development of their independent living skills.