THE WILD BLUE YONDER

 Ok, there's a lot wrong with this country.

But there's a lot more that's right with the UK, only it doesn't make the headlines.

Take, for example, the way the state cares for looked after children when their time in fostering comes to an end.

18 years of age is not grown-up enough to head out and try for a job, accomodation, and all the paraphanalia that amounts to independence.

No matter how a looked-after child has matured in fostering, it would be a disaster to send them on their way.

So. We don't. Not here anyway, I don't know what they do in other countries, but in the UK the young person is coached through the various processes such as job-seeking, flat finding, and all the paperwork that needs attending to in order for them not to end up in a shop doorway.

One fostering friend of mine has a child coming up to 18. She's been telling me about the fantastic things that are in place to help and support the young child.

First off; he doesn't have to leave fostering. His status changes slightly, but if he wants to stay, and the family want him; he does. His call.

If he stays he'll have access to some savings that have been made for him by the local authority, Blue Sky and us. It's not huge, but it's not chickenfeed either, maybe around £5,000.

The local authority step back from their role as the ultimate guardians of the child, and are replaced by a Personal Associate. My friend has met her, and she's perfect; she knows all about the system, and got the young person's confidence instantly.

If the young person makes it to Uni, his PA stays in touch. He'll still have a bedroom in his foster home he can fall back on. If and when he leaves education he'll be entitled to an LA flat at a good rent (£400-£600 pm).

He stays under the wing of the LA  until he's 25. 

And on his 25th birthday, if he wants, he'll have the right to buy his flat.

This young person is a gem. He's recovered from a really unpleasant early childhood, and is determined to make the best of the rest of his life.

But, my friend says, when the local authority and Blue Sky got together around her kitchen table to lay out the plans for him, she says he was absolutely made up.

The sense that one is not alone, and that a whole bunch of good people are on your side takes a lot of beating.

Good for them, and here's to fostering the UK way.

Nobody does it better.