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Children and Young Persons Bill [HL]

The transitional stage of care is often one of the most difficult stages. Indeed, this stage of life can be a time of confusion, uncertainty and frustration for young people who enjoy considerable advantages, let alone for young people in care. During this time, when a child faces the vast insecurities of an uncertain future, we are uneasy that that support is stripped away. We do not want help to disappear just when it might be needed most. How many young people between the ages of 18 and 25 will be eligible for visits under this proposal? The noble Baroness, Lady Meacher, talked about desolation, and I could not agree with her more. I very much take on board what she has said about being professionally trained, being known to a child and knowing what to do. However, under this section on independent visitors, there is a place for a long-term mentor. I know that Chris Waterman’s pamphlet deals with this. A mentor can go well beyond the age of 25 and be part of a young person’s life as he grows into adulthood with all the wonderful things that might happen to him. The training that is given to mentors is very important, and the Government are doing quite a lot in this area.