Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 73
73
Accepted in Part
Care leavers face unacceptable financial hardship compromising their education upon turning 18.
Conclusion
It is unacceptable that young people are left to support themselves financially on turning 18 while still in full-time education and face having to reduce time spent in education or drop out completely to support themselves. No responsible parent would allow this and the state in its role as parent should be no different. All care leavers deserve to have the same opportunities to stay in education as their peers without enduring financial hardship as a result. (Conclusion, Paragraph 192)
Government Response Summary
The government will introduce a national Staying Close support package via the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill to help care leavers with accommodation and independent living. It also notes ongoing cross-government work to improve adult care support.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
The Committee highlighted poor outcomes for care leavers. We will address the cliff-edge that young people experience when they leave care, by providing a national Staying Close support package as set out in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. Staying Close will support care leavers to find and keep suitable accommodation, including an offer of practical and emotional support to enable them to live independently. There is cross government activity underway to improve support for care experienced adults.