Pathway plans

What is a pathway plan?

This page briefly explains what a pathway plan involves, the different types of young people and how the pathway plan is an essential tool for focusing on a young person's achievements, goals and the support that may be needed to achieve these goals.

A pathway plan is about the young person's immediate and long term future which follows from a needs assessment.

This should cover:

• Accommodation
• Education/training and employment
• Family and social relationship
• Practical skills
• Leisure activities
• Health
• Finances such as personal allowances, training money
• Life skills
• Transitional skills

A personal advisor or social worker will establish a good relationship with the young person and will work alongside them to help achieve their goals.

Eligible young person

An eligible young person is a person who is still looked after. He or she will have a pathway plan and a statutory review.

Relevant young person

A relevant young person (no longer looked after) who is between the ages of 16 to 18 will have a pathway plan. This will end at age 21, unless the young person is in higher education, in which case this can continue until the age of 24. A relevant young person will be paid allowances from the 16+ Service.

Former relevant young person

A former relevant young person is someone (no longer looked after) who is between the ages of 18 and 21. He or she will have a pathway plan, which would stop at 21 unless the young person is in higher education, in which case this can continue until the age of 24. A former relevant young person will need to claim job seekers allowance and other benefits which their personal advisor or social worker will assist with.

Qualifying young person

A qualifying young person (no longer looked after) who is between the ages of 16 and 21. He or she will have a pathway plan, which will stop at 21. Young people fall into this category if they have returned home to live with parents for longer than six months. The 16+ Service is able to assist and befriend the young person giving advice and guidance where needed.