Care leavers demand better support

Young people leaving public care are calling for better support
from local authorities.

Care-leavers’ representatives point out that the average
age for leaving home in England is 24, with one in five 30 year
olds still living with their families. In contrast, young people
leaving care are expected to become independent from as young as
16.

The care leavers’ organisation A National Voice which is
spearheading the campaign says that lack of ongoing support leaves
many care leavers feeling lonely and vulnerable. In a survey of 300
care leavers under 24, one in ten had nowhere to live, and another
one in ten were living in hostels or bed and breakfast.

The No Place Like Home campaign is calling for all care leavers
to be given a good choice of permanent housing, and a comprehensive
package of regular ongoing support from social services.