Exploring care leavers’ transitions to independence

This study is all about understanding the journey of young people who have grown up in the care system and are now becoming independent adults. In the UK, around 10,000 young people leave care each year when they turn 18. This can be a big change, and many might face challenges with their feelings, relationships, or just getting by on their own. We know it's really important to get their views so that services and support can be improved, but we don't always hear from a wide range of young people about what matters most to them.

The main goal of this research is to listen to the experiences of these young care leavers, from different backgrounds, as they settle into independent life. By understanding what helped them and what didn't, we can help improve information, support, and services for others coming after them. The insights gained from this study will help social workers, teachers, and policymakers create better plans for young people leaving care.

The study will involve talking to young people about their experiences, looking at existing support services, and sharing what is learned with those who can make a difference. The findings will be made public on a helpful website called Socialcaretalk.org, which shares real-life experiences in social care. This way, the stories and lessons learned can reach a wide audience, including young people still in care, their carers, and those who design services.