Pathway Plans
Every young person looked after by a local authority needs a pathway plan. It is one of the most important documents on the journey to adulthood. At Oak Care Home, we make sure every young person understands their plan and has a real say in it.
What is a pathway plan?
A pathway plan is a personal document, usually started around a young person's 16th birthday. It sets out what the young person wants to achieve, the support they need and how their local authority will help them prepare for independent living. It is required under the Children Act 1989 and the Leaving Care Act 2000.
Most importantly, the plan records the young person's own wishes and feelings, and it must take their views into account.
What does a pathway plan cover?
Health
Support to manage any health needs and to live a healthy lifestyle.
Education, training and employment
Clear goals, and the support (including financial support) to reach them.
Emotional wellbeing
How the young person feels, and what could help.
Family and social network
Healthy relationships, positive family contact and people to turn to.
Identity
Support around culture, language, religion, ethnicity and sexual orientation, plus access to ID documents and personal records.
Practical skills
The skills needed to live independently, such as cooking, budgeting and looking after a home.
Money
A clear statement of the financial support and benefits the young person is entitled to, and how to access them.
Where I live
Whether current and future accommodation is suitable, and the plan for moving on to independent living.
Reviews
A pathway plan should be reviewed at least every six months. A young person can ask for a review at any time, and a review should take place after any major change in their life. After each review, the young person and their social worker or personal adviser should sign the plan, and the young person should receive their own copy.
Your rights at a glance
- It's your plan, and it's about your life.
- You must be involved in creating it.
- It should explain how your local authority will support you.
- You should always have your own copy.
- You can raise concerns or disagreements, and these should be recorded.
How Oak Care Home supports you
We work alongside you, your social worker or personal adviser and other professionals to help you:
- Understand your plan and what it means for you.
- Work towards your goals day to day.
- Build the skills you need to live independently.
- Prepare for your reviews and share your views.
Need independent advice?
Become, the charity for children in care and care leavers, runs a free Care Advice Line.
Get in touch
Questions about pathway plans? Speak to your key worker or contact the Oak Care Home team.
Contact Us