The five-year By Degrees study found that the 2000 Act, which placed a duty on councils to provide financial support and accommodation for young people leaving care and entering full-time education, had prompted more to establish procedures and written protocols.
But guidance published in 2003 does not specify how much support councils need to provide, so provision still varies across the country, said Gerri McAndrew, director of the Frank Buttle Trust, which commissioned the research.
The final report also highlights the role that foster carers have played in supporting the young people. "Where young people have been able to make positive relationships, their carers do stick with them," said McAndrew.
The study, carried out by the Thomas Coram Research Unit, followed three successive groups of 50 care-leavers.
