CARE LEAVERS COVID LEARNINGS

We are all experiencing COVID-19 differently. There are different transmission patterns, rules, attitudes and behaviours across countries, states and provinces. It is also now much clearer that there are also significant variations in who this virus impacts in terms of:

  • age

  • health

  • occupation

  • ethnicity

  • socio-economic status and

  • circumstances. 

As a child welfare essential worker, agency manager or specialist, you’ll know that more than most. All of the NGOs and government agencies that I talk with have risen, and continue to rise, to the COVID-19 challenge. I have heard many heart-warming stories of staff and carers “going the extra mile”, as well as some impressively swift and innovative organisational responses. For many this pandemic has also brought greater clarity on their purpose and what’s really important, as well as a strengthened appreciation of the essential nature of the work that they do. Some jurisdictions have also introduced ‘moratoriums’ on young people having to ‘age out’ of care.

However with our worlds, both professional and personal, changing so much in a few short months, it’s all too easy to lose track of our experiences and learning. As well as helping care leavers to manage the health risks and not contract the virus, more broadly what are you learning from this experience about care leavers? Here are ten questions which may help.

1. Thoroughness of preparation, emotional as well as practical, for leaving care?

2. Strength of community and family connections (and device/internet access)?

3. Safety of accommodation?

4. Stability of employment, training and education?

5. Security of income?

6. Availability, and take-up, of extended care to 21 years?

7. Access to, take-up of, and preferences on, informal and formal support?

8. Day-to-day life, any loneliness, and coping strategies?

9. Overall well-being?

10.   Any opportunities for growth?

Iain Matheson