Turning 18 is a major milestone, but for children in care, it can bring uncertainty as well as opportunity. In the UK, a child legally becomes an adult at 18, which means they are no longer under the care of a local authority in the same way. But that doesn’t mean they’re suddenly on their own.
At Welcare, we believe that leaving care should be a transition, not a cliff edge. That’s why we offer guidance, supported living options, and emotional support every step of the way.
What Happens When Children Leave Care UK?
When a young person turns 18, they usually move from a children’s home into a “leaving care” pathway. This can include:
Semi-independent living
with ongoing staff support
Supported accommodation
e.g. shared flats with floating support
Return to family or community placements
where appropriate
Staying Put
arrangements for those in foster care
They are no longer legally classed as a “looked-after child,” but they are still entitled to help under the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 and Care Leavers (England) Regulations.
Step-Down and Transitional Care
Welcare offers step-down placements to prepare young people for independence. These homes focus on:
- Budgeting, cooking, cleaning, and time management
- Applying for jobs or education
- Managing appointments and responsibilities
- Building confidence and emotional resilience
- Understanding tenancy agreements and housing rights
Staff remain available 24/7 but take a background role, offering support, not supervision.
Personal Advisors and Pathway Plans
Every care leaver is entitled to a Personal Advisor (PA) until at least age 21 (or 25 if still in education or with a care plan). The PA helps with:
- Housing applications
- Education or training plans
- Emotional and practical support
- Financial guidance and benefits
- Staying in contact with professionals or family
Welcare collaborates closely with Personal Advisors to ensure consistency in the young person’s life.
Emotional Impact of Leaving Care
Leaving care can feel exciting, but also frightening. Some young people:
- Feel unprepared to live alone
- Struggle with loneliness or anxiety
- Miss the stability and routine of the children’s home
- Need continued emotional support but aren’t sure where to get it
At Welcare, we offer ongoing contact, check-ins, and transitional support to ease the change. We don’t stop caring just because the system says “they’ve left.”
Life Beyond 18
Many former residents of Welcare homes go on to:
- Attend college or university
- Enter apprenticeships or paid work
- Rebuild relationships with family
- Become mentors or advocates for other young people in care
They carry with them the skills, values, and memories built during their time with us.