As families across Britain gather for Christmas, the government has announced a major new support package for tens of thousands of young people who have grown up in care, acknowledging this time of year can be particularly difficult for them.
A Lifeline for Young Adults Leaving Care
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting has declared that all young people leaving the care system in England will receive free prescriptions, dental treatment, and eye care until they turn 25. The new policy, set to begin from the end of 2026, is a central part of a wider plan to transform the prospects of care leavers.
In a piece for The Mirror, Streeting highlighted the profound challenges these young adults face. "Care leavers have already overcome more challenges by the age of 18 than most of us face in a lifetime," he wrote. He pointed out that without adequate support, they are at a higher risk of homelessness, unemployment, and mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Beyond Healthcare: A Holistic Support Package
The government's strategy extends beyond health costs. It includes launching a mental health pilot to provide timely support for vulnerable children in care and their families. To combat unemployment, the NHS will offer guaranteed interviews and paid internships specifically for care leavers.
Recognising that support must begin earlier, new safeguarding measures will be introduced. These will ensure GPs are automatically alerted when a young patient is in care, enabling doctors to better understand their circumstances and work alongside social workers and teachers.
The initiatives follow expert recommendations from Josh MacAlister, the government's first Children’s Social Care Advisor. A former teacher and social care expert, MacAlister was tasked with focusing attention on this often-overlooked group.
Long-Term Reform and Investment
These changes are framed within a broader commitment to overhaul children's social care. The government has pledged to invest £500 million in family help services. Furthermore, the forthcoming Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill aims to put children's futures at the heart of policy, overhaul social care, and protect vulnerable children from unsafe homes.
"These aren't just policy changes," Streeting emphasised. "They're about recognising that children in care deserve the same opportunities as everyone else and sometimes need more support to achieve them." The government's mission, he stated, is to break down barriers and ensure every child in Britain has the chance to thrive, regardless of their background.
