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Commissioning: Transition from care

Councils need to develop a more flexible leaving care process, says Danny Wilson, head of children's residential at Bedspace.
The Bedspace pathway provides different levels of accommodation to help care leavers achieve full independence. Picture: Africa Studio/Adobe Stock
The Bedspace pathway provides different levels of accommodation to help care leavers achieve full independence. Picture: Africa Studio/Adobe Stock

More than 10,000 young people each year transition from being a child in care to a care leaver. The decision to leave care is decided for most children when they turn 16, often with a lack of consideration as to whether the individual will be able to cope with the transition. The recent rises in the cost of living are increasing the obstacles that children in care and care leavers are facing, with more support needed to guide this transition to give young people the best possible chance of successful independent living.

Existing process

The transition between being in care and becoming a care leaver has often been abrupt and sudden for many young people, predominantly because too little time is factored into preparing individuals with the necessary life skills ahead of their 16th birthday. Starting the transition process too late can hinder the individual's chances of being able to live independently, as they are not fully prepared for the significant life changes.

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