Resources and information specifically for and about young people transitioning from the care system.
As the Director of Looked After Child Limited, I have spent over seven years on the frontline—from NVQ Level 4 leadership to the daily realities of managing a residential home. I have seen the "paper trail" of a child's life fail them repeatedly during transitions. In 2026, we are finally moving...
What is the Care Leaver Covenant? The Care Leaver Covenant is a national inclusion programme in England designed to support young people aged 16 to 25 as they transition from the care system to independent living. It is a formal "promise" made by private, public, and voluntary sector organisations...
As someone who has walked this path, I know that being "in care" can sometimes feel like a label that limits your future. But I’m here to tell you—and show you—that your history is not your destiny. Being in care does not stop you from achieving greatness; in fact, the resilience you develop can...
Growing up in care comes with a unique set of challenges, but it also gives you a chance to build incredible inner strength. Building resilience in care means developing the ability to bounce back from difficult situations, manage stress, and keep moving forward toward your goals. While it might...
"Staying Put" is an arrangement that allows a young person to continue living with their former foster carers after they turn 18. Instead of being required to move out into independent living on their 18th birthday, this arrangement enables them to remain in a stable, familiar environment until...
As someone who has navigated the care system both professionally and through lived experience, I know that the word "Ofsted" can spark a mix of anxiety and hope. Whether you are a social worker preparing for a visit or a parent trying to understand if a children's home is the right place for your...
A Personal Advisor (PA) is a dedicated professional who provides practical and emotional support to young people as they transition from being "looked after" to living independently. Acting as a bridge between the care system and adulthood, a PA helps care leavers navigate everything from finding...
In the social care sector, we talk a lot about "child-centered practice." But there is a massive difference between talking about children and letting them lead the conversation. Here is why this step isn't just a "nice to have"—it is a fundamental necessity for modern fostering, and why I, as a...
If you are reading this, you are likely worried about a child. Maybe you are a parent watching your son retreat into himself, a foster carer dealing with trauma responses you can't quite soothe, or a social worker trying to secure funding for a placement. I know that feeling in the pit of your...
The "Local Care Offer" (officially known as the Local Offer for Care Leavers) is a document or website that every local authority in England must publish by law. It lists all the services, support, and entitlements available to young people aged 16 to 25 who have been in care. Think of it as your...
Introduction: Being a looked after child can have a profound and lasting impact on a young person's life. While every experience is unique, there are common challenges and long-term effects that care leavers often face. This article aims to shed light on these effects, emphasizing the importance...
What is Pupil Premium? Pupil Premium is a government funding initiative designed to assist schools in supporting looked after children and those who have left care. This funding is allocated to schools based on the number of students they have who are eligible for the program. How Does Pupil...
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