More Than a Pathway Plan: Why Emotional Support Matters for Care Leavers

For some young people leaving care, the move into adulthood can feel sudden. Support may reduce just as new responsibilities begin to increase.

Turning 18 is an important milestone for any young person. It often represents greater independence, new freedoms and the chance to make your own decisions. For many, it is an exciting time filled with new opportunities and growing confidence.

At the same time, adulthood can feel overwhelming. Most young people know they have parents, family members or other trusted adults they can rely on when life becomes difficult.

For care-experienced young people, turning 18 can look very different.

While it brings similar freedoms and opportunities, it can also create a significant change. Leaving care is often seen as a step towards independence and, for some young people, this can feel positive and empowering. “I’m not a child in care anymore”, for many these words brings a sense of pride and hope for the future.

However, independence can also bring uncertainty, anxiety and a sense of loss. While many young adults continue to depend on family support well into their 20’s, care leavers are often expected to manage housing, finances, education, employment and relationships at a much younger age, often with less support around them.

This is why leaving care is about much more than practical independence.

It is also an emotional journey.

It is about identity, belonging, connection and knowing there are people who will continue to support you as you move into adulthood.

As professionals, carers and advocates, we must remember that independence does not mean facing life alone. Every young person deserves trusted relationships, meaningful support and a strong sense of belonging, whatever their age or circumstances.

National reviews have highlighted the difficulties many care experienced young people face as they move into adulthood. While pathway plans, housing support and practical advice are important, they cannot replace the value of trusted relationships and emotional support.

The reviews show that care leavers are more likely to experience challenges with mental health, wellbeing and feeling connected to others. The tragic deaths of some care-experienced young people highlighted in these reviews are a powerful reminder that independence on its own is not enough. Young people need people. They need support that is consistent, caring and available when life becomes difficult.

These findings strengthen something many practitioners already know that relationships are not an added extra. They are often the foundation that helps young people build confidence, resilience and hope for the future.

Recently, I had the privilege of supporting the Derbyshire Staying Close project and working alongside some amazing young people and dedicated professionals. Through this experience, I have been reminded that emotional support does not always come from therapy.

You do not need to be a therapist to make a positive difference in a young person's life.

Sometimes it is the leaving care worker who remembers the small things and takes the time to listen.

Sometimes it is the foster carer or support worker who keeps in touch long after it is expected.

Sometimes it is the person who remembers important dates, celebrates achievements and stays alongside a young person when things do not go as planned.

Most importantly, it is being the person at the end of the phone when mistakes are made. The person who offers support without judgement, blame or criticism.

As practitioners, we can sometimes underestimate the impact of consistent, caring relationships. Feeling seen, heard and accepted can be just as important as any intervention.

For many care-experienced young people, trust has been tested throughout their lives. The adults who continue to stand beside them, especially during difficult times, can help create a sense of safety, stability and hope.

As you read this, take a moment to think back to when you were 18.

• What was your life like at that age?
• Who was there for you when things went wrong?
• Who could you call when you needed help?
• Who reminded you that one mistake did not define who you were?
• What helped you get through the difficult times?

When we stop and reflect on these questions, we are often reminded that becoming independent is rarely something we did alone.

Most successful journeys into adulthood are supported by people who offer guidance, encouragement, patience and belief when it is needed most.

Every young person deserves to know that they matter to someone.

Leaving care should not mean losing the relationships and support that help young people grow and succeed. Our role is not just to help young people move on from care, but to make sure they continue to feel connected, valued and supported as they enter adulthood.

This means helping young people keep the connections that are important to them and recognising that the need for support, guidance and a sense of belonging does not end when they turn 18.

It means providing trauma-informed support that recognises how early life experiences can affect emotional wellbeing, relationships, identity and decision-making.

When young people know that someone believes in them, stands by them and continues to care when life gets tough, they are more likely to develop confidence, resilience and a strong sense of belonging.

This Care Leavers Month, let us celebrate not only the achievements of care-experienced young people, but also their resilience, courage and determination. Let us continue to make sure that while young people may leave care, they never have to leave behind support, connection and the reassurance that they matter.