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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 19 December 2024
Introduction
As explored in more detail in Chapter 2 and referenced throughout the book, there are six key principles that underpin Transitional Safeguarding. One of these argues that the design, development, and embedding of Transitional Safeguarding must be evidenceinformed, which means drawing on research, practice wisdom, and expertise from lived experience. Another of the principles asserts that Transitional Safeguarding must be developed and delivered in ways that are highly participative. Young people and those who care about them are experts within their own lives and are an essential source of wisdom, critique, and challenge. For Transitional Safeguarding to be congruent with the aims it seeks in practice – that is, a rights-based, relational, and empowering approach to help young people be and feel safe – then the design process must mirror these tenets.
In keeping with this recognition that young people's expertise is a vital part of the Transitional Safeguarding knowledge base, this chapter is co-authored by four young people, each with experience of being in care and of being supported by other professional services. These young people are active members of the Care Leavers National Movement, a participation and influencing group attached to the National House Project. Their ages span 17 to 22. This group explored a number of issues relating to the transition to adulthood and changes they feel would help young people make this transition well. Their insights are drawn from their own experiences; however, this chapter does not focus on their individual personal stories.
These young people make a powerful argument for holistic support services and structures which afford young people not only practical skills development, but also a sense of relational and psychological security. Their insights highlight the importance of ensuring that needs and risks do not escalate in later adulthood, and that this requires an approach which is preventative, personcentred, and non-stigmatising.
What adulthood means
As mentioned earlier, taking an evidence-informed approach is one of the six key principles that underpin Transitional Safeguarding. These sources of knowledge do not exist in separate siloes, but rather interact with each other and may co-exist within individuals.
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