What Support Is Available for Care Leavers When They Turn 18?

Turning 18 is a significant milestone for any young person. However, for those leaving care, it can also bring questions about housing, finances, education and what support will still be available.

The good news is that reaching 18 does not necessarily mean that support suddenly comes to an end.

In England and Wales, local authorities have responsibilities to support eligible care leavers as they transition into adulthood. While the support available can vary depending on individual circumstances and the local authority involved, there are several key areas of support that care leavers may be able to access.

For more information about support when leaving care in England, you can also read the GOV.UK guidance for care leavers.

Here are six important forms of support available to care leavers.

1. A Personal Adviser

Care leavers may be allocated a Personal Adviser, often referred to as a PA.

Their role is to provide practical advice and ongoing support as a young person moves towards independent adulthood.

A Personal Adviser may be able to help with:

Finding suitable accommodation
Managing money and budgeting
Applying for benefits
Accessing education, training or employment
Developing independent living skills
Accessing other relevant services and support

For many care leavers, having a dedicated person to turn to can make the transition to independent living feel less overwhelming.

2. A Pathway Plan

Before leaving care, eligible young people should have a Pathway Plan.

This is designed to set out the support they need and the steps involved in preparing for adulthood and independent living.

A Pathway Plan may cover areas such as:

Where the young person will live
Education, employment and training
Financial support
Health and wellbeing
Independent living skills
Relationships and support networks

The plan should be reviewed regularly to make sure it continues to reflect the young person’s circumstances and needs.

3. Help with Housing and Accommodation

One of the biggest concerns for many young people leaving care is where they will live.

Local authorities can provide support to eligible care leavers with finding and maintaining suitable accommodation.

Depending on individual circumstances, this may include:

Supported accommodation
Help moving into independent accommodation
Assistance with managing a tenancy
Support with deposits or essential household items

Some young people may also be able to remain living with their former foster carers after turning 18.

In England, this arrangement is commonly known as Staying Put, while in Wales the equivalent arrangement is known as When I Am Ready.

4. Financial Support

Moving into independent living can be expensive, particularly when a young person is responsible for setting up and maintaining their own home for the first time.

Care leavers may be entitled to financial assistance or practical support to help with this transition.

Depending on their circumstances and local authority, this could include help with:

Essential household items
Setting up a home
Managing bills and budgeting
Accessing benefits
Education or training costs
Travel and employment-related expenses

The level and type of support available can vary, so it is important for care leavers to check their local authority’s Local Offer.

5. Support with Education, Training and Employment

Leaving care should not mean leaving behind opportunities for education or employment.

Support may be available to help care leavers continue their education, access training or take their first steps into employment.

This could include support with:

College or university
Apprenticeships
Careers advice
Finding employment
Training opportunities
Certain education and accommodation costs

The aim is to help young people develop the skills and opportunities they need to build an independent future.

6. Additional Support in Wales

Care leavers in Wales may also have access to additional support depending on their circumstances.

This can include initiatives designed to help care-experienced young people with the transition into adulthood, as well as potential financial assistance and local authority support.

Welsh Government guidance also confirms the important role of Personal Advisers and Pathway Plans for care leavers in Wales.

Care leavers should speak to their Personal Adviser or local authority to understand what specific support and entitlements may be available to them.

Support Does Not Have to End at 18

Turning 18 can bring significant change, but care leavers should not feel that they are expected to navigate adulthood completely alone.

Support may still be available with some of the biggest challenges young adults face, including housing, finances, education, employment and independent living.

Every situation is different, and the support available will depend on several factors, including a person’s care history, circumstances and local authority.

If you are a care leaver, or you are supporting a young person who is preparing to leave care, seeking advice early can help you understand what support and assistance may be available.

At Allington Hughes Law, our Family Law team can provide trusted, expert advice on a range of issues affecting children and families, including matters involving Local Authorities and Social Services.

Get in touch with our team to find out how we may be able to help.