Types of care leavers
We have a legal duty to provide care leavers up to the age of 25 with certain things and to make sure you are prepared for adulthood and independent living.
Things like your age, when and how long you were in care for, can affect what you are entitled to.
‘Eligible’ care leavers
- Are aged 16 or 17
- Were looked after by children’s services for a period of 13 weeks since the age of 14
- Are currently looked after
‘Relevant’ care leavers
- Are aged 16 or 17
- Were looked after by children’s services for a period of 13 weeks since the age of 14
- Were looked after for a period of time after their 16th birthday
- Are no longer looked after
‘Former relevant’ care leavers
- Are aged between 18 and 25
- Were previously an ‘eligible’ and/or a ‘relevant’ care leaver
‘Qualifying’ care leavers
- Are aged between 16 and 25
- Were looked after by children’s services on, or after, their 16th birthday and are no longer looked after
- Spent less than 13 weeks in care since their 14th birthday, i.e. they do not fulfill the criteria for ‘eligible’ or ‘relevant’ child
If you are unsure about which of these applies to you, speak to your Personal Adviser, or use this handy tool.
If you are disabled or are an adult with special needs you may be entitled to services from the Children with Disabilities team or Adult Services.