Do it for care experienced young adults on their journey to independence
Staying Close is a national initiative which provides an enhanced support package for care experienced young people. It is designed to be a comparable offer to Staying Put (for 18-24 year olds who wish to remain with their foster carers). Staying Close provides an offer of move-on accommodation, alongside a package of practical and emotional support to develop emotional health and wellbeing alongside the confidence and skills for independent living.
We strive to improve the life chances of young people living in and leaving local authority care. To ensure that care experienced young people are supported and encouraged to make informed life choices which enable them to lead successful adult lives.
Together with the young person, we will craft a personalised independence plan to guide and support them on their path to self-sufficiency. This plan will provide comprehensive assistance in the following areas:
Accommodation Stability
Independent Living Skills
Relationships and Support Networks
Health and Wellbeing
Education, Training and Employment
With homes in Mid and East Devon and Exeter, we offer a supportive environment where a personal advisor will help each young person develop their skills and empower them to navigate life’s challenges to unlock their full potential, while providing a safety net.
Our Mission
We are passionate about restorative ways of working and remain person centred in our practice when providing support and guidance.
Our Vision
A service which empowers and supports positive outcomes and independence for care experienced young people, with a focus on practical and emotional needs and the long term wellbeing of our young people.
Careers in Devon’s Staying Close Service
Service Manager
The Service Manager leads the team of Personal Advisors and oversees the management of multiple premises across Devon. The maintain an up to date knowledge of legislation, guidance and regulatory standards pertaining to the involvement of Children and Young People in the service. They are fully focused on the needs and experience of Care Experienced young adults on their journey to independence.
Personal Advisor – Level 1
The Level 1 Personal Advisors manage and monitor a caseload of young people, aged 18 – 24 years old, who have varied and often complex levels of needs. They ensure that Care Experienced young people, and those transitioning into adulthood, are placed at the centre of the service and treated courteously and fairly. They ensure the voices of the young people are heard. They are led by the individual needs of each young person and help them to build a bespoke plan to work towards their independence. They oversee the day to day running of the supported accommodation and other practical support for young people, providing referrals and solutions where necessary.
Personal Advisor – Level 2
The role of the Level 2 Personal Advisors is similar to the role of the Level 1 Personal Advisor, in that they support the running of the shared accommodation and support the young people in planning for and working towards their independence goals. However, they are also coaches and mentors for less experienced staff in the team, or those working with particularly complex young people. They lead on specific areas of practice and service development, linking closely with the Staying Close Service Manager to ensure the individual needs of the young people are met.
Residential Support Worker
The role of the Residential Support Worker is to support young people with aspects of day to day life within their home and in the community. To help them work towards the outcomes they set with the help of their Personal Advisor, learn valuable life skills and to aid the building of positive relationships with the other young people in the shared accommodation. This is all to help support their transition into adulthood.
Support Services for Young People
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