Ready or Not! leaving care

Ready or Not: Preparing Young People for Life After Care

Our recent webinar explored key insights from Ofsted research into the experiences of care leavers, highlighting what is working, what is not, and what professionals can do to better support young people transitioning out of care.

The Reality of Leaving Care

Many care leavers reported feeling unprepared for independence, with over a third saying they left care too early. Transitions were often described as rushed, with limited involvement in decision-making and little time to develop essential life skills.

Preparation Must Start Earlier

Effective preparation is not something that can be done in the final weeks before a young person leaves care. It requires consistent, early planning that includes practical skills, emotional readiness, and clear communication about what comes next.

Life Skills Are Critical

While some young people were taught basic skills like cooking and cleaning, many lacked the knowledge needed to manage money, pay bills, or navigate everyday responsibilities. Financial literacy was highlighted as a major gap, with some care leavers experiencing debt or hardship shortly after leaving care.

The Importance of Relationships

Ongoing relationships with trusted adults play a crucial role in a successful transition. Care leavers valued being able to stay in touch with staff and having a place to return to for support. Where these relationships ended abruptly, young people often felt rejected and isolated.

Feeling Safe and Supported

Only around half of care leavers reported feeling safe after leaving care. Concerns around money, living alone, and unfamiliar environments contributed to feelings of fear and vulnerability. Emotional wellbeing was often overlooked in transition planning.

Involving Young People in Decisions

A significant number of care leavers felt their voices were not heard. Being excluded from decisions about housing, location, and future plans led to frustration and disengagement. Involving young people meaningfully can improve outcomes and build confidence.

Understanding Entitlements and Support

The “Local Offer for Care Leavers” provides vital support, but awareness and access remain inconsistent. Ensuring young people understand what they are entitled to—and how to access it—is essential.

What’s Changing in 2026

New government measures aim to improve outcomes for care leavers, including extended access to free healthcare services up to age 25 and improved mental health support through integrated services.

What Can We Do Differently?

• Start planning transitions earlier and involve young people throughout
• Ensure every young person has access to a Personal Adviser
• Focus on financial education and real-life skills
• Support ongoing relationships beyond leaving care
• Prioritise emotional wellbeing alongside practical preparation
• Help young people understand and access available support

Final Thoughts

Preparing young people to leave care is not only about independence, but rather ensuring they have the skills, support, and confidence to thrive. As one care leaver put it: sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is simply listen.

The Madlug Foundation

The Madlug Foundation is a powerful initiative supporting children and young people in care. Their mission is simple but impactful: for every bag purchased, a pack-away bag is provided to a child in care.

This helps ensure that no young person has to carry their belongings in bin bags when moving placements, a practice that can be both distressing and dehumanising. By providing proper luggage, the foundation aims to restore dignity and improve the experience of transitions within the care system.

Incorporating initiatives like Madlug into your approach can make a meaningful difference to how young people experience leaving care, helping them feel valued, respected, and supported.