On October 29 2013, the government launched its strategy to help young people leaving care. Covering education, employment, financial support, health, housing the justice system and on-going support, the cross departmental strategy outlines the actions the government is taking to support care leavers to live independently. Introducing the strategy Edward Timpson MP, Children’s minister, noted:

As someone who grew up alongside foster children, I know how important and difficult the transition into adulthood can be for children in care and I am committed to improving their outcomes […] We want to see care leavers receiving high quality services that meet their needs and support them make the transition into adulthood.

The Care Leaver Strategy states that care leavers should receive the same level of care and support that other young people receive from their parents, outlining holistic support from mainstream and specialist services.

Care leavers leave home at a younger age than their peers with approximately 10,000 16-18 year olds in England leaving care each year and a large number of care leavers living independently at age 18. Care leavers have distinct needs with regard to housing, in response to this the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) worked with voluntary sector organisations and local authorities to develop a Positive Youth Accommodation Pathway for individuals such as care leavers who are unable to stay within their family network. This pathway approach requires that local Authorities offer tailored accommodation options and a supportive transition to adulthood.

Within the justice system, the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) and Home Office (HO) acknowledge that young adults and who have been in care and are in the justice system are especially vulnerable. They are also vulnerable to both being drawn into crime as well as becoming victims of crime, including in some cases falling victim to grooming and exploitation online or offline.

Care leavers often lack the networks of support outside of their Local Authority and before and after they turn 18, they require support and guidance. The Department of Education’s (DfE) regulations and guidance, Transitions to Adulthood, outlines the expectation that local authorities stay in touch and provide support young people when they leave care through pathway planning until the young person reaches 21, and later if they are in education.

In response to the strategy, Martina Milburn, Chief Executive for The Prince’s Trust, said:

The transition from adolescence into adulthood is a daunting time for young people, bringing new responsibilities and pressures as they become fully independent. Without the support networks that their peers come to rely on, these vulnerable young people are more likely to face unemployment, leave school with few qualifications and struggle with mental health problems – and so this commitment from the government is hugely important to prevent this group from slipping through the net and into a life on benefits.

We wholeheartedly welcome this cross-government strategy that will see departments work collaboratively to ensure better, all round support for this vulnerable group. The Prince’s Trust, along with members of Access All Areas, will continue to work closely with these departments to ensure the strategy is implemented.

The government will continue to discuss how support to care leavers can further be improved over the next 12 months and intends to publish a report to coincide with Care Leavers Week in 2014.

Read the full strategy here