Support Unit for Autonomy
About this good practice
This project aims to prepare young people for the responsible management of their daily lives through the acquisition of skills such as organization and management of spaces, domestic management, time management, social resources and support, and emotional management/regulation.
The intervention aims to provide essential tools for the structured detachment from care through collaboration with the community, enhancing full autonomy. Therefore, the main objectives of this project are:
- To provide constructive and secure support in the realization of personal projects for autonomous life in this transition phase towards full autonomy;
- To mediate processes of life autonomy and active participation of young people, minimizing risks of social exclusion;
- To develop individual processes of psychosocial, professional, and personal support and counseling;
- To promote specific training programs aimed at the development of personal, social, educational, and professional skills of young people;
- To share and establish coordinated intervention with community services in order to facilitate the transition of young people into adulthood;
- To prepare young people for the difficulties and realities of life in society after leaving the Care Home;
- To promote a safe and responsible transition from care to full autonomy, minimizing the impact of the transition.
Resources needed
To carry out refurbishment works of the physical spaces, construction of a kitchen (furniture and household appliances), furniture, dishes, towels, cutlery, pots, simple and welcoming decoration to facilitate the management of daily life for the young people, budget of €19,660.64 was required
Evidence of success
There is a need for targeted intervention aimed at eradicating and minimizing the damage caused by the trauma of the fostered children/young people, self-regulation, self-organization, and consolidation of a sense of family belonging, preparation for economic, domestic, and autonomous life management. Furthermore, this project allowed CAF to pioneer the creation of a specific response with an impact on post-foster care and the prevention of endless cycles of social exclusion.
Potential for learning or transfer
The Autonomy Support Unit project started in September 2018 for 13 young people in foster care. In March 2021, the project was replicated in a 2nd unit for another 13 young people in foster care, given the positive results of the initial wing.
Considering the relevance of this intervention, a new Decree was issued on December 22, 2023, establishing the operating and installation regime for foster homes for children and young people, highlighting the importance of current institutions organizing themselves into family models with common facilities (kitchen, laundry, living room, and dining room) similar to a common family household, thus guaranteeing the participation of children/young people in the dynamics
Further information
Good practice owner
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