Services for family and friends care leavers

Some children living with family and friends (kinship) carers may be eligible for leaving care services. This will depends on:

• If they were in the care of the local authority, such as in foster care or residential care
• How long they were in the care of the local authority
• How old they were when they entered and left the care of the local authority

The level of support we can give a child, depends on their care leaver status.

Find out the care leaver status of the child in your care.

Support for care leavers

Pathways plan

A pathway plan is a personal plan that helps care leavers in their transition to adulthood. It outlines the support they will receive. 

Staying put arrangements

Some care leavers may have the option of staying put. This means that they continue to live in their foster home or other accommodation, even after turning 18. 

Financial support

Care leavers are entitled to financial support, including:

• Financial support for housing. This includes a leaving care grant to help with furnishing accommodation.
• Financial support for housing

Joint housing protocols

Local authorities may have joint housing protocols in place. This is to ensure that care leavers have suitable homes and support. 

Corporate parenting

Local authorities have a duty to act as corporate parents to care leavers. This means ensuring that we meet their needs and that they have the opportunity to thrive. 

Specific needs

We take into account the specific needs of care leavers, such as:

• Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children
• Young parents
• Young people who have had contact with the criminal justice system

Further information

Go to the Local care offer for care leavers for further information and guidance.