Supported care

Host families are families who offer support to young people aged 16-21 through the Supported Carers Service of Family Connections. These families provide a safe living environment and help young people develop skills for independent living as they transition into adulthood.

To become host families, there is an assessment process lasting between 3 to 6 months. If they meet the criteria, they are registered with the Supported Carers’ Panel. This service is regulated as an Adult Support Service by the Care Inspectorate.

Host families receive regular support from their designated social worker, who offers supervision, guidance, and assistance. Additionally, families can access support from the Family Connections duty worker if their assigned worker is unavailable. Emergency support outside regular hours is provided by the Emergency Social Work service.

Training is provided regularly, and Family Connections supplies necessary equipment such as furniture and bedding for the care of the young person.

Host families are granted individual membership to the Fostering Network, an independent organisation offering training and advice to carers and professionals.

Host families receive a weekly allowance of £270 per young person in their care, paid every two weeks. Carers are considered self-employed, which might impact their eligibility for certain benefits.

Unaccompanied asylum-seeking young people placed with host families also receive support from their social worker from the Continuing Care and Aftercare Team. This team supports care-experienced young people aged 16-26 and ensures their basic needs are met, including access to education, healthcare, housing, and counselling services. They also work with partners such as the Scottish Guardianship Service to help unaccompanied young people navigate the asylum process and connect with other unaccompanied young people.

The Continuing Care and Aftercare team operates seven days a week, except for four weekends per year. They are based in a community hub in Blantyre and offer various support services and drop-in sessions, including lunch clubs, substance misuse support groups, housing assistance, employability information sessions, skills development services, trauma recovery support, sexual health clinics, and advocacy services. These services aim to enhance support for the care-experienced population in South Lanarkshire.