Pathfinders is committed to “a young person’s rights and entitlements”, as set out in the Children’s Act 1989. All young people are informed of their care leavers rights and entitlement, Pathfinders advocate on their behalf with their supporting local authority workers to ensure they have the most up to date information.

Our local offer for care leavers | East Sussex County Council

Young people have a right to be treated fairly, have their views, wishes and feelings listened too, considered and actioned when agreed with. Every young person has right of self-determination, choice, responsibility, value and dignity.  

On admission, all young people receive a young people’s handbook, in it it explains Pathfinders complaint procedure, staff also talk through how young people can make a complaint and ensure that all young people understand how to raise concerns and who to raise concerns with. All young people will be assured and will know that all complaints or concerns will be investigated, and young people will be informed of the outcomes as per the complaints policy.

 

All young people will have the right in relation to complaints to be

 

• Supported throughout the complaints process

• Be reassured that staff will treat them consistently and without prejudice

• That complaints are viewed by the organisation as an opportunity to address any issue and potentially improve

• They will be updated at all points in line with timescale

• They will have further information on other organisations who can assist them if they are not content with outcome

• A record of the complaint and outcome will be recorded for them

 

All young people are made aware of how to access Asphaleia, the East Sussex advocacy contracted organisation, Childline, NSPCC, local authority complaints officer.

 

Pathfinders have extensive opportunities for young people to provide feedback and have their say on their future and plans. We ensure children’s rights are at the centre of what we do, and this is actioned through:

 

• Placement commencement/planning meeting

• Local authority My Voice Matters meetings – ensuring local authority care leavers rights and the care offer is revisited

• Daily log recordings

• Residents meeting

• Key work sessions

• Pathfinders My support plans

• Incentive schemes

• Placement stability meeting