Care leavers rights
and entitlements...
...getting ready to move on
In this booklet we will explain your rights and
entitlements as a young person leaving care.
We aim to show you what is available to you
and what you are entitled to which will benefit
you and your future.
You will receive helpful information on setting
up help with training, education and work
and support when going to appointments
and signing on – if you claim benefits home
allowances and discretionary payment.
Becoming a care leaver can be scary; however
this booklet aims to show what your rights and
entitlements are and show the support that is
available to you. We aim to highlight some of
the things that will positively help you in your
future and prepare you for some big changes
ahead in your life.
What to expect:
If you are 16-18 and living in foster care
If you’re living in foster care you will be expected
to attend education, training or find a job. Your
foster carers will still take on the same role as
before, however you need to start saving for your
future. A pathway plan will be written with you so
you can work towards leaving care.
If you’re in college you are entitled to the 16-19
bursary which can be used for transport and college
equipment.
You need to start learning the basic skills like
cooking, cleaning and doing your washing which
will help you live as an independent adult.
If you are in employment you will be expected to
pay £10 per week as a contribution to get you
familiar with paying bills and budgeting your money.
Residential
If you’re living in residential care you will be
expected to be in college, training or employment
and to follow the independence package set out in
the Pathway plan.
You will be helped to show more responsibility by
cooking your own tea, cleaning, managing your
own money and to show what it takes to run a
home.
You will need a bank account and will be expected
to pay between £5 and £15 a week into it to get
familiar with paying bills and budgeting money.
Training accommodation
There are training flats for those moving on from
residential where an individual support plan will
support you develop skills so your next move will be
more successful. You will be required to contribute
financially. Through Care will provide your personal
allowance. You will be supported to find and
maintain education, training or employment.
16-17 in Supported lodgings scheme
If you’re moving into supporting lodgings
the accommodation provider will be expected
to provide you with a safe and clean standard of
living. You will be expected to pay £10 per week
to contribute and be expected to pay for your
expenses apart from food and utility bills (this
amount various depending on employment).
If you’re not in education, training or working you
will not be entitled to claim benefits. If you are in
education, you will receive a personal allowance
from Through Care.
There may be college funds available to you and
bus riders may be provided if your college funds do
not cover them.
Having a part time job is encouraged as this will
improve your employability and improve your CV.
Over 18
Once you are 18 you will no longer be looked
after and you will be a former relevant care
leaver. Through care does not pay your
personal allowance unless you are in Higher
Education and you are likely to be able to
claim benefits.
Further information
Claiming benefits - You’re encouraged to
apply for benefits if it is relevant to you, if you’re
not eligible Through Care will support you. Your
personal advisor will accompany you to your first
appointment.
Undertaking BOOST training within the council
– Through Care will support you to attend work
preparation and work experience. The project aims
to give you confidence and work experience and is
beneficial in your future.
Setting up a home allowance – This is to help
you set up your first home from leaving care, the
maximum allowance is £2,000. This money is used
for the first deposit and first month’s rent as well as
your first TV licence. The amount you will receive is
dependent on your earnings.
Discretionary allowances ( ones we pay
but don’t have to) – You will receive a birthday
allowances of £40 until you’re 21, Christmas/
festival allowance of £50 until you’re 21. A clothing
allowance in an emergency. This is an allowance
used at the discretion of the service, it will not be
available to everyone.
Driving lessons – Through Care will pay for a
set of 10 lessons for young people aged 17-20.
Once you have passed your theory test you will
get another 10 lessons. People who misuse drugs
and alcohol will not receive this. You must be in
education training or employment to qualify for the
lessons.
Passports/National Document – A passport
will be paid for if required and help will be given to
complete the documentation. For asylum seekers
a contribution will also be made toward Citizenship
papers and you will be expected to pay for a third of
the cost.
Mobile phones – A maximum of one phone will
be purchased from your setting up home allowance
with a £50 limit. You should save money from your
weekly allowance towards a mobile phone.
Emotional support –You will receive on-going
support from Through Care to see you into
independent living and will get help taking you to
some appointments. You’re personal advisor will
make regular visits to you in your placement and
counselling support will be given if needed.
Health – You will receive help towards dental or
optical needs to the age of 21. You will also have
access to help and advice about diet, smoking and
substance use if needed.
Unaccompanied asylum seekers –
Consideration will be given to any religious and
cultural needs including increased funding if needed
to provide care. North East Lincolnshire Council will
take into account individual circumstances through
the Pathway plan
Contact with family and carers – If agreed in the
Pathway plan, funding will be provided for contact
costs with family members and carers. Short notice
to unknown family members will not be applicable.
Exceptional circumstances – You will be
given help when needed regarding money in
extreme circumstances and emergencies. You
will be given money to go towards necessities if a
problem occurs and it is deemed an exceptional
circumstance. If needed a food parcel with basic
supplies can be provided – this isn’t provided on a
regular basis.
Personal advisor to 25 – New guidance has
enabled young people returning to education,
training after their case is closed at 21 can come
back and be assessed until they are 25. You’re
advisor will help write and discuss your Pathway
plan for the future.
Complaints – If you wish to make a complaint
about the service, there is a complaint process
where you can be provided with support and
advice and guidance in relation to this. You can
make a complaint online at www.nelincs.gov.uk or
telephone (01472) 326298 option 2 then option 1.
The details for contacting
Children and Family Services are:
Through Care Service
01472325232