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MPs must not 'wash their hands' of children in care living independently

1 min read Social Care
Three charities have written to MPs asking them to think about children in care who are expected to live independently years earlier than their peers.

The Adolescent and Children Trust, the Fostering Network and the British Association for Adoption and Fostering have sent a postcard to MPs asking them to sign up to an Early Day Motion (EDM).

The postcard says: "Children in care are among the most vulnerable people in the UK.  They face greater challenges than other young people but with fewer opportunities. Don't wash your hands of these young people."

The EDM 1413 says Department for Children, Schools and Families statistics show young people in care are moved into independent living when they are 16 or 17 while other young people do so at 24-years-old.

It calls for the government to take steps to ensure children in care have access to effective support, including the opportunity to remain with foster carers until they are 21.

Tact chief executive Kevin Williams said: "Most looked-after children leave their foster placement before their 18 birthday, sometimes when they are as young as 16.

"These vulnerable teenagers find themselves exposed to debt, isolation, depression, and other threats, while their peers remain supported into their mid-twenties.

"We are campaigning for a fairer start to independent life for children in care."

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