Leaving home is a challenging time for any child however for children who have grown up in care the process can be more difficult by the unique challenges they face.
From the age of 16, a young person in the foster system has the option to leave care but is not legally obliged to. But, by the age of 18, the young person is no longer the legal responsibility of the UK Government. Some of them move out of the foster home or care home they were living in and find their own accommodation. In doing so, they become known as a ‘care leaver’.
Care leavers face a range of challenges following their departure from care. These challenges include education, mental health, unemployment, crime and homelessness.
#CareDay23 takes place on 17 February 17 2023 and celebrates the positive experiences and contributions of the wonderful children and young people who have grown up in care. The theme this year is: ‘don’t judge a book by its cover, embrace our stories instead’.
Hertfordshire Community Foundation is proud to manage the St Albans Care Leavers Fund which provides Care Leavers Grants in the region of £500 to individuals aged 16-25 who have previously been in care in St Albans, Hertfordshire.
The fund provides the grants to purchase items that may have been purchased by a parent and to date has helped care experienced young people to purchase bicycles to get to work, replaced broken washing machines and for flooring and carpeting to ensure a warm home environment.
Applications should come from someone who supports the young person in a professional capacity, for example a Personal Advisor, social worker, or someone who works for a college or university.
To find out more or to make an application
click here.