I'm starting this petition to share an all-too-common yet heartbreaking story—my 19-year-old son is fighting a terrifying battle with severe psychosis. This crisis could have been entirely prevented. The government's lack of support for care leavers has abandoned him and countless others like him. My son is a care leaver, and when he turned 18, he hit what many term the "care cliff." The vital, structured support he relied on vanished almost overnight. Instead of being guided safely into adulthood, he was left to navigate the bewildering maze of adult services on his own. It’s a heavy burden for anyone to bear, especially for young people who have already faced significant adversity.

Statistics reveal a harsh reality: one-third of homeless young people are care leavers, and they are five times more likely to experience mental health disorders than their peers. This isn’t just a number; it's a call to action. The transition to adulthood is challenging for all young people, but for care leavers, without adequate support, it is often disastrous. They face higher risks of homelessness, unemployment, and mental health issues.

The solution can be clear and actionable. Local authorities and the government must commit to extending support for care leavers until they are 25 years old. This should include guaranteed safe housing, continued mental health support, and access to education and employment services. This continuity can dramatically improve their life outcomes and provide them with the stability they desperately need.

Countries such as Scotland have already introduced extended support for care leavers until 26, setting a precedent that we must follow. It's time for our decision-makers to acknowledge the gap in the system and address it. We have the power to tell them "enough is enough."

Let us rally together to ensure that care leavers do not fall off the cliff at such a critical juncture in their lives. We owe it to our children and to our society to support them fully. Please sign and support this petition to demand action from our government and local authorities to guarantee safe housing and comprehensive support for all care leavers until age 25. Together, we can pave the road towards stability and opportunity for those who need it most.