The government has unveiled a significant new package of support aimed at improving the health and career prospects of young people leaving the care system in England. Announced by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), the measures include providing free NHS prescriptions, dental check-ups, and eye care services to all care leavers until their 25th birthday.
Comprehensive Health and Employment Support
This initiative forms part of a broader cross-government effort to address the stark disadvantages faced by those who have grown up in care. Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting stated that children in care often face the toughest start in life, leading to severe health inequalities that can limit their future happiness and success. The new health benefits are designed to directly combat these disparities.
Alongside the free healthcare offer, the package includes a pilot scheme for paid internships within the NHS specifically for care leavers. Furthermore, a guaranteed interview scheme for NHS roles will be introduced. This policy mirrors existing NHS schemes for disabled applicants and is intended to create a level playing field. Job applicants will have the option to declare if they are a care leaver; if they meet the minimum criteria for the role, they will be guaranteed an interview.
Safeguarding and Long-Term Reform
Ministers are also introducing enhanced safeguarding measures. These will include alerting GPs when a young patient is in care, and a new regulation to facilitate the rapid sharing of information across different health services. This aims to ensure continuity and better coordination of care for vulnerable young people.
The government has accepted recommendations from Josh MacAlister, the former children’s social care adviser and founder of the charity Frontline. MacAlister, now the minister for children, families and wellbeing, emphasised that the disadvantage experienced by care-experienced children is a major social injustice. He confirmed the package delivers on key proposals from his independent 2022 review of children’s social care.
The Scale of the Challenge
Official figures highlight the number of young people this policy could support. The DHSC estimates there were approximately 53,230 care leavers aged 17 to 21 and a further 44,430 aged 22 to 25 in 2025, though these numbers may be an underestimate. Research cited by the department reveals the profound long-term impact of a childhood in care: adults who spent time in care between 1971 and 2001 were 70% more likely to die prematurely, with care leavers at higher risk of unnatural death.
In a parallel move, a separate three-year pilot will focus on improving access to mental health support for children who are currently in care. Future legislation, the forthcoming children’s wellbeing and schools bill, will legally require the government and public bodies to consider the unique challenges faced by children in care and care leavers.
Local authorities will also be mandated to publish clear plans for supporting care leavers' transition to adulthood. This includes help finding suitable accommodation and accessing ongoing support through initiatives like the Staying Close programme.
