Turning 18 should be a new beginning – but for thousands of young people in foster care, it marks the start of a crisis. With sudden independence and limited leaving care support, care leavers are 15 times more likely to face homelessness. This article looks at why care leavers are at risk and how the right support can change the story.
At 18, the state’s legal responsibility ends for children in care, and overnight:
- They’re no longer legally classed as a ‘looked-after child’.
- Foster placements often end, even if they feel like family.
- Social services provide limited leaving care support, including:
- A Personal Adviser.
- A Pathway Plan.
- Some financial assistance.
While these are essential, they’re often not enough. Personal Advisers are supposed to support care leavers until they’re 25, yet many young people find themselves navigating adulthood alone and unprepared.
The emotional and practical support needed when leaving care is immense, and when it’s missing, the risk of homelessness rises sharply. Care leavers are, in fact, 15 times more likely to face homelessness than other young people aged 18 to 24. And the situation is getting worse. The number of young people leaving care and facing homelessness has increased from 2,790 in 2018–19 to 4,300 in 2023–24.
At Single Homeless Project, we see the reality of these numbers every day, but we’re here to change the story and build a brighter future for young people.
Why care leavers face a higher risk of homelessness
The transition to independence is full of challenges. Care leavers often experience:
- Sudden or unstable housing arrangements.
- A lack of preparation for adult responsibilities like managing money, applying for benefits, or staying in education.
- Emotional strain, mental health issues, and isolation.
- Gaps in their support network, especially when formal care ends abruptly.
Without trusted relationships and consistent support, young people can fall through the cracks fast.
How Single Homeless Project steps in
Our specialist services for young people are designed to:
- Provide safe, stable accommodation in our supported hostels and move-on housing.
- Build self-belief and independence through:
- Day-to-day life skills (like cooking, budgeting, and managing responsibilities).
- Access to education, training, and employment.
- Support with mental health, emotional wellbeing and building healthy relationships.
- Surround young people with staff who believe in them, show up consistently, and help them reach their goals.
James’s story: From foster care to a future in music
James moved through seven foster homes before finding stability with Eldride, a foster father who nurtured his confidence and curiosity.
“Every child should have a strong, loving father figure, and I found that eventually.”
Despite finding that loving father figure, the care system meant James had to leave. At 19, he left care and moved into one of our young people’s hostels.
“It was daunting at first, but it felt like a new chapter. Single Homeless Project helped me take responsibility, supported me to become more independent, and helped me get a job.”
Single Homeless Project are like those people handing out refreshments at a checkpoint during a race.
James is now in his second year of a music production degree, has his own flat, and is working towards a career in music and poetry.
Read James’ full story.
Rewriting the ending for foster care leavers
Homelessness isn’t inevitable. It’s the result of a system that fails to catch people when they’re most at risk. But, as James’s story shows, with the right support, it can be prevented.
We’re doing our part, being there when young people leave care. But now, we need Government action to address the sharp rise in care leavers becoming homeless.
Some positive legal changes have been introduced, like removing the local connection test for care leavers and ensuring they’re not deemed “intentionally homeless.” But these steps alone aren’t enough.
Every young person deserves a safe home, supportive, trusted adults and the chance to explore their interests and build a future they’re proud of. We make it our mission to provide that, and to believe in them, even when they’re still learning to believe in themselves.
Join us in standing beside young people at this crucial stage. Spread the word, support our work, and help us build a London where no young person faces homelessness alone.
And next time you’re passing through King’s Cross station? Look out for James playing the grand piano.
Follow us on social media