We are still here for you
Just because you are leaving care, or have already left care and are becoming more independent, it does not mean we stop caring about you. We are still here for you. We want you to feel safe, supported, and confident about where to go and who to talk to if you need advice or help.
We want you to feel positive and excited about your future. This website is here to help you think about things like where you might live, finding a job or training, managing money, staying healthy, building relationships, and knowing the right people to talk to.
Care leavers helped us create the information on this site. We will always listen to what you have to say and use your views to make sure the support we offer is right for you.
Who is a care leaver and what support you can get
A care leaver is a young person who has been in care before. If you were in care with Somerset Council, we will support you because we are your corporate parent. This means we still have a responsibility to care about you and help you as you move into adulthood. The support you get depends on when you came into care and how long you were with us.
You can get full support from the Leaving Care Service if you have:
- been in care for at least 13 weeks between the ages of 14 and 16 (including your 16th birthday), or
- been in care for at least 13 weeks after you turned 16.
If you came into care after you turned 16 and only for a short time, you will still get support, but not the full package. The support you receive will be based on what you need. This is also the case if you lived with carers under a Special Guardianship Order before you turned 18. If you are aged 21 to 25, you may still be able to get support if you need it. This depends on your situation.
If you are not sure what support you can get, just ask your Leaving Care Worker or phone us on 0300 123 2224. We are here to support you and make sure you are not dealing with things on your own.
Types of care leaver and your rights
There are four types of care leaver. Which type you are depends on when you were in care and how long you were there. Each type has different rights and support under the law.
It is important to know which type of care leaver you are, so you understand what support is available to you.
You can find more information about the different types of care leaver on the Coram Voice website, including:
Types of Support
The types of support you might receive.
| Types of support | Eligible | Relevant | Former relevant (18 to 20) | Former relevant (21 to 25 | Qualifying | Post 25 support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Types of supportAn assessment of your needs to help understand what advice, support is needed. | EligibleYes | RelevantYes | Former relevant (18 to 20)Yes | Former relevant (21 to 25Yes | QualifyingYes | Post 25 supportNo |
| Types of supportPathway plan and 6 monthly reviews (we review and update this with you regularly, including when your circumstances change) | EligibleYes | RelevantYes | Former relevant (18 to 20)Yes | Former relevant (21 to 25Yes (if you have a LCW and you are still receiving a Leaving Care service) | QualifyingNo | Post 25 supportNo |
| Types of supportA Personal Advisor (Social Worker pre 18 or Leaving Care Worker post 18) | EligibleYes | RelevantYes | Former relevant (18 to 20)Yes | Former relevant (21 to 25Yes (if your assessment tells us you need one) | QualifyingYes (if your assessment tells us need one | Post 25 supportNo – but you will be able to continue to contact your previous LCW if they remain in the service to ask advice, guidance and update them on your progress. If they are not, then you can contact a duty worker. |
| Types of supportProvide suitable accommodation | EligibleYes | RelevantYes | Former relevant (18 to 20)No | Former relevant (21 to 25No | QualifyingNo | Post 25 supportNo |
| Types of supportFinancial support for day to day living | EligibleYes | RelevantYes | Former relevant (18 to 20)No | Former relevant (21 to 25No | QualifyingNo | Post 25 supportNo |
| Types of supportHelp with your education, training and employment | EligibleYes | RelevantYes | Former relevant (18 to 20)Yes | Former relevant (21 to 25Yes | QualifyingYes | Post 25 supportNo |
| Types of supportAdvice and guidance | EligibleYes | RelevantYes | Former relevant (18 to 20)Yes | Former relevant (21 to 25Yes | QualifyingYes | Post 25 supportYes |
| Types of supportRegular visits and contact from your Social Worker/ Leaving Care Worker (or re-establish contact with you) | EligibleYes | RelevantYes | Former relevant (18 to 20)Yes | Former relevant (21 to 25Yes (if needed) | QualifyingYes (if needed) | Post 25 supportNo |
| Types of supportReviews of your pathway plan at least every 6 months. It will be chaired by your IRO whilst you remain looked after – then by either you, or your Personal Adviser after that. | EligibleYes | RelevantYes | Former relevant (18 to 20)Yes | Former relevant (21 to 25No | QualifyingNo | Post 25 supportNo |
| Types of supportAn initial health assessment by a qualified medical practitioner, then a review health assessment every 12 month until you are 18 | EligibleYes | RelevantNo | Former relevant (18 to 20)No | Former relevant (21 to 25No | QualifyingNo | Post 25 supportNo |
| Types of supportSupport for education and training (including financial support as agreed in your pathway plan) | EligibleYes | RelevantYes | Former relevant (18 to 20)Yes | Former relevant (21 to 25Yes | QualifyingYes | Post 25 supportNo |
| Types of supportSetting Up Home Allowance (SUHA) legally known as a Leaving Care Grant of up to £3,000 (usually when you are setting up on your own, and you are still in your final placement | EligibleYes | RelevantYes | Former relevant (18 to 20)Yes | Former relevant (21 to 25Yes | QualifyingNo | Post 25 supportNo |
| Types of supportA higher education bursary of £2,000 per year (£6,000 over the duration of the course), if in higher education. If the duration is longer than 3 years, the £6,000 does not increase but can be spread evenly. | EligibleNo | RelevantNo | Former relevant (18 to 20)Yes | Former relevant (21 to 25Yes | QualifyingYes | Post 25 supportNo |
| Types of supportBirthday and Festival Allowances | EligibleYes | RelevantYes | Former relevant (18 to 20)Yes | Former relevant (21 to 25No | QualifyingNo | Post 25 supportNo |