Alice’s responses to questions from Senedd Visit16 June (part of Barnardo’s Group)

If you have left care to live independently, were you given a choice about whether to remain in care?

Yes my foster carer didn't want me to move out; she made it perfectly clear that I did not need to move out.

Did you get support to help you manage leaving care and independently?

No not really as I moved in with an ex- boyfriend, I did not have any contact with social services (through no fault of my own) for 6 months until I was made homeless.

How could leaving care be improved?

I think sometimes we have too much support and then we think everything will be done for us.

What kinds of information, advice and assistance on care and support services do you get at the moment and how could it be improved, for example is the support suitable for you people?

Well I currently don't have a social worker and haven't since January because she is off work due to personal reasons but I can go into the office at any time to see someone for support.

I also have a Personal Advisor she gives me most of the support. If I needed it she would help me with budgeting, cooking & all the life skills. She supports me like a friend would when I have personal problems & if she can't help me she'll find someone who can.

I think having a P.A as well as a social worker is the best idea social have come up with in a long time.

Social workers have too many case loads.

The housing support needs updating big time we need more places to go in nicer areas.