I didn’t end up moving at Christmas. That was good. So many things are changing I needed everyone to speak to each other for to do the right things with me like I think teach me how to manage my cleaning and my money.

Complicated words can make it harder to understand what is going on. Unfortunately, we are not always given very clear explanations – it doesn’t help that language can change between different local authorities. Even though it can feel complicated, it is really good to learn about your rights, so you can make the best decisions for yourself.

There are three terms that are quite similar: continuing care, throughcare and aftercare. Continuing care is for after you have left care and is explained in this guide. Throughcare and aftercare are the support you receive before and after you leave care. We are using the wording ‘leave care’ as a legal description. The Promise have rightly said that care is something you should have all of your life. Support, care and love should not abruptly end with leaving care.

Throughcare describes the support that you should receive before you leave  care to prepare you for independent living. You should have a pathways plan  that clearly lays out how the future looks for you. You have the right to a  wellbeing assessment before you leave care. Most importantly, you have the  right to be involved in any decision.

Anyone who was looked after on or after their 16th birthday can access Aftercare services. Aftercare is relevant if you have been  looked after at home. Aftercare means getting, ‘advice, guidance and  assistance’. You should expect this guidance and support from your council  until your 19th birthday.

You have the right to request that the Aftercare support continues up to  your 26th birthday if you need it. If you were receiving Aftercare support  and it ended and you think that you need it again, you also have the right to  request it up until your 26th birthday. Your council may even continue to  provide support when you are over 26 if they think you need it, although they  do not legally have to.

You have the right to be supported to live more  independently and to build positive meaningful relationships. You should  always be housed appropriately. You should not be put in an unsuitable hostel  or bed and breakfast accommodation. You should not have to become homeless to  access accommodation. You have the right to complain if you are unhappy with  the support you receive, or any decision made.

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If you would like some support from your local authority, remember that it is your right to get that support. It can be hard to reach out, but it will be worth it, as it will make your life easier. There is no shame in asking for support. You can read more about in our guide ‘Who to turn to’.

Think about your current needs and your wishes for your future. Reflecting on that can help you become more involved in the planning. As you grow older, you are allowed to make decisions for yourself. It can be very useful to understand what emotions are driving your decisions.

The Promise is Scotland’s commitment to keep the findings of the Independent Care Review (2020). It recognises that young people need lasting, loving relationships, not just services that “end” when they turn 18, and includes aplan for action to 2030.

New legislation in the form of the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill will impact on formally extending aftercare.

Staf (Scottish Throughcare and Aftercare Forum) is Scotland’s national membership organisation for all of those involved in the lives of young people leaving care. You can find out more or contact Staf here - info@staf.scot / www.staf.scot

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