Kwikstart – An (Information Focused) Application for Young People Leaving Care

Hooray! You are 18! For most young people a fantastic event. Mature, driving a car, voting, making your own choices. For young people with youth care experiences turning 18 means much more. Changing a place with supervision for complete independence. At first, party time, since they are allowed to make choices independently. Secondly, often a tragedy, since many bills and paperwork from official bodies are landing on the doormat….. In case there is a doormat*……. (*Note: unfortunately lots of careleavers end up homeless).

One stable factor is almost always present in the lives of young people. The mobile phone has become a loyal companion and young people are often 24 hours a day online. Young people themselves came up with the idea of developing an app where you can find information about everything you need to deal with when you turn 18. A handy digital to-do-list is also part of the app so young people can easily check what they already did and what they still have to do. Careleaver and co-creator Michelle: "When I turned 18 I was still in high school. I had no idea what my rights were related grants, health care benefits or how I had to apply for those grants. My classmates and friends also knew little about it. Shortly thereafter I had to leave the institution and rent a room because I went to university. Fortunately I received some aftercare from a social worker who supported me on a voluntary base. Besides that I’m luckily quit talented in organizing things. I think it`s very important that young people are well informed about their rights and the things they have to organize. Kwikstart helps them to work towards an independent future”.

The app was an idea of young people and is made together with young people. During this presentation you get an insight in the application, the development process and future plans.