Building a Foundation for the Future: A Deeper Look at Supporting Care Leavers
For the over 105,000 young people in the UK under the care of local authorities, the journey to adulthood is often marked by instability and disruption. Unlike their peers who benefit from the continuous support of a family network, these young people, who are in the state’s care “in loco parentis” (in place of a parent), often face a steep transition into independence with little emotional or financial safety net. A key indicator of this struggle is the high NEET rate (Not in Education, Employment or Training), which for care leavers is disproportionately high. Recent research from the University of York and the Rees Centre at the University of Oxford indicates that care leavers in England are over ten times more likely to be NEET in their 21st year compared to their peers.
The “Care Cliff” and its Aftermath 📉
The challenges for care leavers don’t end when they turn 18. Many face what is often referred to as the “care cliff”, a sudden reduction in the support and services they’ve relied on. This can lead to a range of severe outcomes:
Mental Health: A study by Barnardo’s found that nearly half of care leavers had been identified as having a mental health concern, and of those, a significant majority were not receiving any services. The trauma and instability of their past, combined with the stress of navigating independence, can lead to serious issues with anxiety, depression, and loneliness.
Housing Instability: One of the most immediate challenges is finding a stable home. A report from the National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS) highlighted that one in three care leavers experience homelessness within the first two years of leaving care, often due to a lack of a guarantor, discrimination from landlords, and an inability to afford rent.
Precarious Employment: A significant number of care leavers who do find work are in precarious employment—jobs that are short-term, low-paying, and part-time. This can create a cycle of financial insecurity that makes it nearly impossible to build a stable life.
Beyond Traditional Support: The Need for Attitudinal Transformation
The traditional welfare approach, which provides funding and resources on an as-needed basis, is not enough to counter these deep-seated issues. What is needed is a focus on attitudinal transformation—a fundamental shift in mindset that empowers young people to believe in their own potential and take a proactive role in shaping their future. This is a gradual process that involves building essential life skills and a sense of earned achievement.
Our work at The Share Foundation has shown that linking skills development to incentivized learning is a highly effective way to achieve this. By providing young people with opportunities to earn as they learn, we help them build a sense of ownership and accountability. This is a core principle of our Stepladder Plus program, which moves beyond just providing a safety net to building a springboard for success.
The Power of a Forward-Looking Mindset ✨
Our Step 4 of the Stepladder Plus program is a powerful example of this in action. It’s not just about a writing assignment; it’s about a young person actively creating a personal vision for their future. We see this as a form of self-creation—the process of using their own voice to articulate their goals and dreams. This act itself is transformative, shifting their focus from the problems they’ve faced in the past to the possibilities that lie ahead.
In a world where we can outsource our thoughts to AI, the emphasis on using one’s own voice becomes even more critical. It’s how they build confidence, develop planning and decision-making skills, and practice the professional communication needed for future success. It’s also why our performing arts course, Stepping Forward, is so valuable. It helps build confidence and collaboration skills without the pressure of traditional academic achievement.
Breaking the Cycle of Disadvantage
The evidence is clear: the challenges faced by care leavers are systemic and require a holistic response. The goal must be to equip them with the resources, life skills, and inner determination to overcome the barriers that have held them back. As one researcher from the University of York put it, “the legacy of earlier disadvantages, such as childhood trauma or disruptions to schooling, gets cemented in early adulthood.”
By providing stepping stones for attitudinal transformation, we can help disrupt this cycle. We can give every young person, regardless of their upbringing, the chance to unlock their full potential and build a stable, fulfilling life for themselves and for future generations.