On average young people now live in their family home until the age of 23. However, for more than 10,000 young people who leave the care system every year, the expectation is that they become independent at the age of 18, or sometimes even younger. By the age of 19-21, one in three (35%) of care leavers live independently.
Children who have been in local authority care generally have poorer outcomes than their peers. They are already amongst the most vulnerable in our society, having often experienced abuse or neglect at an early age. At 18 they are often faced with a ‘cliff-edge’ as support drops off. 4 in 10 care leavers aged 19-21 years are not in education, employment or training, they are more likely to be homeless and to take their own life.
Our new report, No Place Like Home - based on the direct voice and experience of care leavers in England - sheds new light on the reality of leaving the care system. A safe and stable home is vitally important in laying the foundations for positive outcomes in all areas of a young person’s life. However, care leavers are too often placed in unsafe and unsuitable accommodation – ranging from extreme mould to exposure to abuse.