Dial On Tv (Leaving State Care)
Our DIAL (Developing Independent Active Living) Service featured prominently on “AfterCare” which was broadcast on RTE 1 on the 9th of February, 2015. The programme followed two of our clients over the period of a year to explore what life is like for those leaving state care at the age of 18 years.
On reaching their 18th birthday, young people no longer benefit from the care of the state and must now fend for themselves in the world. For many this is a daunting task and simple life-skills can be an enormous challenge. Whilst in residential care many young people will have everything done for them. Although this sounds like nirvana to many it is in fact counterproductive for this group when they have to look after themselves. It is not unheard of that young people accessing DIAL cannot carry out the most basic of household duties such as boiling a kettle, making a sandwich, ironing clothes and even locking doors behind them.
DIAL works with young people between the age of 18 and 23 to address these issues and each resident has a bespoke life skills programme designed around their needs. It is conditional that each resident engages with education. This can involve studying for Junior/Leaving Certificates, attending Further Education Courses or Institutes of Technologies and Universities. As well as internal expertise we also link with other service providers to ensure that all needs are addressed over the two year residency period.
If you would like further information on DIAL or any of our other services please contact us on 061-370325.
