The life-outcomes for the vast majority of young people who need residential care are very poor. In Clackmannan, not one young person who has been looked after in residential settings has ever made it through 6th year at school. Jane is set be the first thanks to the work of The Venture Trust and its Inspiring Young Futures programme that supports young people who care for family members or who are, or who have been, in care to think about the direction they want to take and work towards clear goals.
Having spent the majority of her life being looked after in residential care, Jane said: "I wanted to go on to college after school, but early in my 6th year I had few friends, was feeling isolated and didn’t fit in. I saw little point in continuing and decided to drop out."
Through the Inspiring Young Futures programme, Jane was linked up with a personal development advisor (PDA) who provided tailored support, and also attended an outdoor course in Applecross, Wester Ross. Attending a tough course in winter months meant that Jane was forced out of her comfort zone. What she found were positive relationships with like-minded people and a place that really challenged and supported her to reflect on her life-choices and the consequences of them.
"I was excited and a bit apprehensive about doing this course, but Applecross gave me time away from home and a place that let me feel positive about myself," said Jane. "My self-esteem, confidence and sense of self-worth all grew, and I’ve been able to confront my fears and follow my action plan with the support of my PDA."
Jane has returned to school and, in doing so, is set to become the first young person who has been looked after in residential care to complete her schooling and her Higher exams. Speaking about this achievement, the Lead for Education Services in Clackmannan said: "It is credit to Venture Trust and the work of the PDA that Jane has re-engaged with school. The turnaround has been remarkable and we are set to achieve an important milestone in this young person’s life, which would otherwise not have been achieved."