Innovative and ambitious or unrealistic and risky? Initial professional perspectives on the basic income for care leavers in Wales pilot

Abstract The Welsh Government’s Basic Income for Care Leavers in Wales pilot has been subject to public and political debate. While proponents applaud the ambitious nature of the policy and its intent to strengthen support for young people leaving care, critics have raised concern about its design and questioned its potential for positive impact. This article contributes to the debate by detailing the views and early experiences of professionals with direct responsibility for implementing the policy and supporting recipients. Online focus groups were conducted with forty-one professionals of varying seniority. Analysis of the data revealed a range of different and often contrasting perspectives. This included differences of opinion between participants, as well as individuals feeling personally conflicted. Whilst participants recognized the potential of the basic income pilot to reduce disadvantage and bolster young people’s future prospects, they were simultaneously concerned about differences in the needs, circumstances and characteristics of young people leaving care and the risk of harm for those considered vulnerable. The mixed views are considered in relation to the policy and practice context, whereby professionals have responsibilities as ‘corporate parents’ and devolution has resulted in partial rather than full transfer of powers from the central UK Government.