Who is a care leaver?
A Care Leaver is someone who
- is no different from any other young adult
- should be listened to and respected
- should be given the same opportunities as any other young adult
There is lots of different support available to you including working with a Pathway Advisor. Your Pathway Advisor is here to help you achieve your goals and access support.
What is my Care Leaver’s status?
You will be entitled to support after you have left care but when looking at the best ways of helping you, it is important to be accurate about your status as a Care Leaver.
There are different statuses as a Care Leaver. Each status is entitled to different support.
Eligible
- You are aged 16 or 17
- You are still looked after/in care
- You have been in care over 13 weeks (this time does not need to be continuous) since the age of 14.
- You are 16 or 17 and on a secure remand, in a secure Children's homes, secure training centre or in the Youth Justice System
- If you came into care after the age of 16, it does not affect your status as a Care Leaver
Relevant
- You are aged 16 or 17
- You left care on or after your 16th birthday
- You were in care for a period of at least 13 weeks from the age of 14 for a period of at least 13 weeks (this does not need to be continuous)
Former relevant
- If you are 18 to 21 years old and have previously been ‘Relevant’ or ‘Eligible’
- Your case was closed to Children’s Services at 21 but you are now between 21 to 24 years old and want to have the support of a Pathway Advisor
Qualifying
- You are aged between 16 and 25 years and left care on or after your 16th birthday and who were in care for less than 13 weeks since their 14th birthday (even for one day)
- You were ‘Relevant’ and have returned home for six months or more
Getting in touch
For more information or advice, please contact the Positive Futures team on 01793 466715 or email pfduty@swindon.gov.uk.
