Assisting Young People in Care

Una Foye, Emily Satinsky, Camilla Rosan and Josefien Breedvelt - Community Practitioner

This paper examines the My Life, My Future programme that was set up to boost the emotional wellbeing and resilience of looked-after young people.

Research Summary

Significant inequality in levels of attainment, employment and exclusion from school exist between young people in care and the general population.

  • The My Life, My Future project was set up in 2015 to support young people in care (or looked-aft er children) in Sutt on, south London.
  • The 18-month programme aimed to increase their confidence in themselves and their abilities, to maintain their emotional wellbeing and resilience, and to promote development of their aspirations.
  • My Life, My Future had a positive impact on participants’ wellbeing, with increased confidence, aspirations, more positive family relationships and personal development.
  • By teaching them skills to navigate challenges in their lives, the programme improved participants’ resilience and their sense of identity.
  • Further research with larger and more diverse sample sizes is required.