Why Care Leavers Deserve More Than Just Free Prescriptions

The Stark Reality of Care Leavers

The outcomes for children who grow up in care are nothing short of alarming. A crucial part of our welfare state, established to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable young people, is failing them in life-altering ways. Care leavers confront a staggering 62% higher chance of dying before the age of 75 compared to their peers, coupled with a fourfold risk of encountering criminal convictions or cautions. Even as the number of children in care dropped from its peak of 83,750 in 2023, the latest count of 81,770 remains a disturbing 17.7% higher than a decade ago.

Reforms and Their Limitations

In recent times, the government has touted a series of reforms aimed at aiding care leavers, including free prescriptions and eye tests for those transitioning out of the system. However, it's essential to acknowledge that such measures alone will not rectify the plethora of issues that plague them. The woeful financial positions of many local councils and the debilitating state of public services significantly impact care leavers more than others.

A 2025 survey illuminated that the retention and recruitment of social workers is the crux of the workforce problems facing English councils.

Moreover, we face a sobering shortage of foster carers, a crisis worsened by the impending consultation aimed at broadening caregiver eligibility.

A Wider Crisis

The issue extends beyond just England. Unlike in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland—where children's social care is devolved—many proposed reforms will not benefit the 23,230 looked-after children in those regions. Therefore, while some efforts have been made here, they risk reinforcing a patchwork system that treats care leavers differently based on geography.

Necessary Progress in Health Care Support

Despite their inherent limitations, the recent reforms should be viewed as a partial victory. The new access to free prescriptions, dental care, and eye tests for care leavers up to the age of 25 is a step in the right direction. The removal of financial barriers is crucial for ensuring these young adults can seek necessary medical treatments without the added burden of costs.

A Critical Need for Continued Support

It's vital for us to recognize that young care leavers face a disproportionate disadvantage, especially in comparison to their peers who might benefit from familial support during crucial years. It's concerning that only about 14% of care leavers successfully transition to higher education. We need to draw lessons from Scotland, where financial initiatives have contributed positively to care leaver university attendance.

Future Perspectives

Institutions must also acknowledge the evolving understanding of youth development. A recent study posits that brain development remains active until the age of 32, challenging the conventional age of adulthood. It's imperative that policymakers like Josh MacAlister, the children's minister, capitalize on this understanding to further advocate for systemic changes in children's social care.

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Key Facts

High Mortality Risk: Care leavers have a 62% higher chance of dying before age 75 compared to peers.
Criminal Convictions: Care leavers are four times more likely to face criminal convictions or cautions.
Children in Care: The number of children in care in England was 81,770 as of March 2025.
Access to Health Care: Care leavers up to age 25 are entitled to free prescriptions, dental care, and eye tests.
Higher Education Transition: Only about 14% of care leavers successfully transition to higher education.
Foster Care Shortage: A shortage of foster carers is impacting the care system.
Geographical Inequality: Proposed reforms may not benefit looked-after children outside of England.
Policy Advocacy: Josh MacAlister, the children's minister, is urged to push for systemic changes.

Background

The welfare system often fails to support care leavers adequately. While recent reforms have introduced free prescriptions and eye tests, deeper issues persist in health, education, and social infrastructure that continue to disadvantage these young adults.

Quick Answers

What are the health risks for care leavers?: Care leavers face a 62% higher chance of dying before age 75 compared to their peers and are four times more likely to have criminal convictions.
What support do care leavers receive in England?: Care leavers up to age 25 are entitled to free prescriptions, dental care, and eye tests.
How many children are currently in care in England?: There were 81,770 children in care in England as of March 2025.
What percentage of care leavers go to higher education?: Only about 14% of care leavers successfully transition to higher education.
Who is advocating for further changes in children's social care?: Josh MacAlister, the children's minister, is advocating for systemic changes in children's social care.
What issues do local councils face regarding care leavers?: Local councils struggle with workforce challenges, notably the recruitment and retention of social workers, adversely affecting care leavers.
Are proposed reforms uniform across the UK?: No, proposed reforms may not benefit looked-after children in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, highlighting geographical inequalities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What reforms have been introduced for care leavers?

Reforms include free prescriptions, dental care, and eye tests for care leavers up to age 25.

What are the major challenges facing care leavers?

Care leavers face health, educational, and social challenges, compounded by the financial constraints of local councils and a shortage of foster carers.

Source reference: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jan/02/the-guardian-view-on-care-leavers-responsibility-for-looked-after-children-does-not-end-at-18