Emily Warren, director of The Fostering Network Wales, said: “We’re pleased to see the Enterprise and Business Committee undertake an Inquiry which considers how best to help our young people into work. We believe that care leavers need to remain a priority, but with many not having had the best start in life, some may need extra support. Sadly there are still too many young people leaving care in Wales without qualifications, or the skills and confidence to find sustainable employment.

 

“Each individual needs to be provided with support specifically designed around them, to meet their needs, and to support them into employment. This support should consider both their housing and benefits needs, as well as considering training opportunities to assist them into work, or onto further and higher education.

 

“By prioritising support of care leavers now, we can reduce health, housing, custodial and many other costs in the coming years – but more importantly, we can ensure that young people have a real opportunity to be the best that they can be in whatever field they decide to move into. 

 

“We’re ambitious for them and we believe that with support many can, and will, reach their full potential. Supporting young people from care into sustainable employment should be an important element of the government’s agenda and The Fostering Network is keen to work with Government and local authorities to achieve better outcomes for our care leavers.”

 

You can read our full response to the consultation on The Fostering Network’s website.