ENGLAND

Young people in England can leave care from the age of 16. However,there has been a reduction in the number of children leaving at thatage, with more staying in care until older.

Children leaving care are entitled to support. Under the Children(Leaving Care) Act 2000 young people are entitled to be supported bytheir local authority until the age of 21, unless they are in education,in which case they will be supported until their course ends. However,local authorities decide their own policies, services and support forcare leavers within the legislation.

Finally, the Care Matters green paper is looking at allowing youngpeople to stay in care longer, including remaining in foster care untilthe age of 21.

SCOTLAND

In Scotland, the age for leaving care is 18 if it is in the child's bestinterests, although there are some exceptions. For example, if thelooked-after child was the subject of a care supervision order, thenthat often ends when the child is 16 years old.

As each case is individual, the council, acting as corporate parent,will look at each case in turn to ensure the child is getting the rightsupport. Councils also have a duty to prepare young people for leavingcare; they should provide individual guidance and financial support isallowed if the young person is going onto further education.

The rules covering care leavers are contained within the SupportingYoung People Leaving Care in Scotland regulations.

WALES

The Welsh Assembly Government's Children First programme aims to helpcare leavers lead full and successful lives. Children are able to leavecare from the age of 16 and the programme aims to ensure they receiveeffective support.

The Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 applies to children in Wales, whichmeans young people leave care when they are ready and prepared. Theyalso have better support once they have left care and improved financialarrangements.

The assembly government is to consult on its strategy for children inneed, which includes care leavers, in late summer. For care leavers thiswill focus on supporting them to access further and highereducation.

NORTHERN IRELAND

In Northern Ireland the framework for care leavers is The Children(Leaving Care) Act (Northern Ireland) 2002. The Act places duties onhealth and social services trusts, which include assessing and meetingyoung people's individual needs.

Whether or not they stay in care from the age of 16 young people shouldhave personal advisers and a "pathway plan" up until the age of 21. Careleavers aged 16 and 17 should also be provided with personal support andsuitable accommodation.

In addition, the Act means that young people should not leave care untilthey are prepared and ready to do so.