BLOG

There are many who argue that resettlement is an incredibly complex business. Whilst I do understand the complexity of the disadvantages that exist for young custody leavers returning to the community, I don't think it's half as complex to fix as some make out. The imperatives are easily identifiable - the willingness to dig deep into the relevant budgets and provide the services seems to be the big sticking point.

The similarities that exist between the needs of young people leaving care and those leaving custody (and many belong to both groups) brings clarity and understanding as to what post-custodial support services for young people should probably look like. It was these similarities that prompted the questions in the Leaving Care - Leaving Custody (2007) report:

• If looked after young people are so in danger of becoming socially excluded, then how much more are those who have experienced or are experiencing custody?
• If the cost in terms of damaged lives, wasted potential and wasted material resources is so great for care leavers, then how much more expensive is it for custody leavers?

 Agencies such as the National Care Advisory Service have already seen a degree of national success in their work with local authorities and other stakeholders to improve the prospects of looked after young people. They too state that as a basic package of support, 'safe, suitable and affordable accommodation is the foundation on which young people can manage the challenges of adulthood and realise their aspirations'.

A theme running through a number of the more recent judicial reviews, is that without access to suitable and permanent accommodation, a young person does not have a solid and stable foundation base from which to build other areas of their lives. A robust pathway plan that includes age appropriate accommodation, a realistic level of support, and activities that help personal development, are the three fundamentals. We know this not just from documented research over the last decade, but because young people have told us, over and over again.