At Safe Hands Liverpool, we have a front-row seat to the challenges faced by care leavers in the UK. Our experiences supporting young people navigating the critical transition from childhood into adulthood underscore the urgent need for sustained support post-18. Time and again, we hear the voices of young people expressing their deep-seated anxiety about turning 18, at which point they are at risk of being cut off from the consistent support systems they have relied on for so long. Their concerns are not unwarranted. The sudden shift to independence often leaves them grappling with emotional and practical challenges without the safety net they need.

In the UK, care leavers are expected to step into independence much sooner and more abruptly compared to their peers who haven’t been in care. According to the Department for Education, approximately 11,440 young people aged 16 and above ceased to be looked after in 2020-2021. Out of these, nearly 39% were not in education, employment, or training after leaving care. This data highlights a concerning trend—one that paints a stark picture of the difficulties faced by care leavers who embark on adulthood without adequate preparation and support.

To bridge this gap, we are advocating for the UK Government to guarantee a comprehensive Care Leaver Support Package up to the age of 25. Such a package would grant these young individuals continued access to vital services that provide emotional, educational, and employment-related support. Extending this support acknowledges the value of a gradual transition, allowing young people time to build pivotal life skills and fostering their ability to become self-sufficient, confident adults.

A legislative commitment to extend this support would not only represent a lifeline for care leavers facing uncertain futures but also serve as a testament to our collective commitment to nurturing and supporting vulnerable youth into successful adulthood. It’s an investment into their futures and, by extension, the future of our communities. This policy change could break cycles of disadvantage and pave the way for a brighter, more equitable society.

It is imperative that the government acts now to create an inclusive safety net for care leavers. Your voice can make a real difference in the lives of thousands of young people in the UK. Please join us in urging the UK Government to implement and support this critical initiative. Sign this petition today to help ensure that every care leaver has a fair chance at a successful transition into adulthood.