Jess, Callum, and Kirsty discuss the financial struggles of care leavers in the UK, emphasizing the lack of family support and the challenges they face in accessing entitlements and support systems. They highlight disparities in housing, education, and financial resources, advocating for improved assistance for care leavers transitioning into adulthood.
Care leavers face a postcode lottery for financial support, impacting stability and resource access.
Varied support systems across local authorities create disparities in care leavers' entitlements and financial stability.
Financially exploited care leavers lack guidance on money management, exposing them to risky financial decisions.
Deep dives
Challenges Faced by Care Leavers in Financial support
Supporting care leavers as they transition from care to adulthood poses significant financial challenges. With the abrupt shift to independence, care leavers struggle to manage bills, housing, education, and work without adequate financial safety nets. Varied support systems across local authorities create a postcode lottery scenario, where entitlements differ based on region, affecting care leavers' financial stability and access to essential resources.
Disparities in Financial Support Across the UK
Financial support for care leavers in the UK varies across nations, from exemptions in council tax in Scotland to start-up home allowances in England. The immense differences in support levels highlight the postcode lottery issue, impacting care leavers' ability to access essential resources like housing, furniture, and daily expenses.
Financial Exploitation Risk for Care Leavers
Care leavers face an increased risk of financial exploitation due to receiving additional financial support. Despite entitlements, care leavers may lack knowledge on managing money and may fall prey to financial traps like loans and credit without adequate guidance.
Challenges of Budgeting and Saving for Care Leavers
Care leavers encounter challenges in budgeting and financial planning, often due to inadequate support and limited financial literacy. Managing bills, debts, and unexpected expenses become even more daunting for care leavers who lack parental support or stable financial situations.
Success Stories and Future Aspirations of Care Leavers
Amidst financial challenges, care leavers like Callum and Jess demonstrate resilience and ambition in pursuing their aspirations. From aiming to become a paramedic to aspiring broadcast journalism, care leavers exhibit determination to overcome financial hurdles and achieve their career goals, showcasing the potential for success despite adversities.
Around 38,000 children move into care every year in the UK. That's one every 15 minutes and a significant number of looked-after children will remain in the system until they reach adulthood. So what happens then?
In this programme Felicity Hannah talks about what happens when you leave care. Without the bank of Mum and Dad, what financial support are those young people promised?
We're joined by Jess and Callum, two care leavers as well as Kirsty Doull, Care and Transitions Lead at CELCIS, which is the Centre for Excellence for Children's Care and Protection, Carrie Wilson-Harrop from the Care Leavers Association and Clare Bracey, Policy, Campaigns and Communications Director at the care leavers charity, Become.
Presented and Produced by Felicity Hannah.
Producer: Neil Morrow
Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 3pm Wednesday 26th June, 2024)
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