Mental health of young people leaving council care is affecting their future prospects

A report to be presented to the borough’s children’s health, care and education overview and scrutiny committee tomorrow said: “A significant and emerging number of young people are NEET due to poor mental health which has been evident through their adolescence and into adulthood.

“One of these young people has been impacted by her father’s terminal illness, her daughter is subject to a Child Protection plan and she has just come out of a domestic violence relationship. This is just one example of the complex challenges our young people are experiencing.”

According to the figures more young people aged 18 to 25 who are leaving the care of the borough council are in work or education and training than those who are jobless, but only just.

Numbers for the end of March show that of 194 care-leavers in Swindon, 104 are in education or jobs or apprenticeships or training. There are 90 who are not. It means that 53.6 per cent of the group are in work or education – putting Swindon slightly ahead of the 53 per cent national average.

“Over the last six months there has been an increase in the number of children accessing education beyond A Level; accessing employment and training; apprenticeships and those engaged in part-time education or training.

"There has been a decrease in those engaged full-time in education other than higher education and an increase in those unable to engage due to parenting commitments and with an illness or disability, more noticeably since the beginning of the New Year.”

Most of the young people in work or education are full-time education below university level - 41, another 12 are at college or university. There are 21 in full-time employment or training, four apprentices, seven in part-time higher education, one part-time apprentice and 15 in part-time work or training.

Of the 90 care leavers who are not in work, education, or training, 17 are in that situation because of illness or disability, 12 have parenting commitments and the vast majority - 61 - for reasons that aren't listed.

The report said: “There is an increased focus on traineeships including drop-in zoom sessions for people who want to find out more about the traineeships before a face-to-face meeting. This is helpful to anyone who may have anxieties around entering a new education setting/surroundings and meeting new people. The numbers of care leavers taking up apprenticeships is very low. Traineeships will provide a pathway to an apprenticeship.”

New College Swindon runs, in conjunction with the council, a Get Ahead programme with a focus on ensuring young people, including care leavers do not find themselves dropping out or work or training or education and the council is extending its YEET hub pilot to provide support to young people at risk of dropping out.

The meeting starts at 6pm at the council offices. Members of the public can attend - those who do must sign in and wear a mask while indoors at all times.