The types of support you might receive vary, depending on which type of care leaver you are.
Types of Care Leaver
This table explains what support the different types of Care Leaver can expect.
| Type of Support | Eligible | Relevant | Former Relevant (18-20) | Former Relevant (21 - 25) | Qualifying | Post 25 Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| An assessment of your needs to help understand what advice, support is needed. | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Pathway plan and 6 monthly reviews (we review and update this with you regularly, including when your circumstances change) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (if you have a LCW and you are still receiving a Leaving Care service) | No | No |
| A Personal Advisor (Social Worker pre 18 or Leaving Care Worker post 18) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (if your assessment tells us you need one) | Yes (if your assessment tells us need one | No - 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. |
| Provide suitable accommodation | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Financial support for day to day living | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Help with your education, training and employment | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Advice and guidance | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Regular visits and contact from your Social Worker/ Leaving Care Worker (or re-establish contact with you) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (if needed) | Yes (if needed) | No |
| Reviews 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. | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| An initial health assessment by a qualified medical practitioner, then a review health assessment every 12 month until you are 18 | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| Support for education and training (including financial support as agreed in your pathway plan) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Setting 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 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| A 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. | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Birthday and Festival Allowances | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |