You and your support

Herefordshire Council is committed to supporting young people leaving our care. Moving to independent living is a big step and in the Care leavers pages we aim to set out clearly what you are entitled to during this period, and where you can get other help and support. This is called our local offer for care leavers.

We will give help and support to young people who are leaving, or have recently left, our care. This includes:

• Helping you make plans for the future and preparing to live independently
• Keeping in touch as you move into work, education or training
• Helping you find a decent place to live

We also provide financial support for 16 and 17 year olds who have left our care, and aim to keep in touch with care leavers until the age of 25.

To be able to get the support set out here you need to have been in care for at least thirteen weeks between the age of 14 and 16 years (including your 16th birthday) or for 13 weeks after your 16th birthday.

Your personal advisor or social worker will talk to you about what is available in our local offer for care leavers in Herefordshire. But you can also ask them about any other issues you may need help or support with.

Herefordshire Council has also made some promises to all looked after children and young people. The Pledge sets out these promises and what you can expect in your relationships with the council.

Let us know what you'd like to know

We've talked with care leavers about what is most needed at this important time - and the content in these pages reflects what you have told us. If there is anything else you would like information about or if you have information you feel would be useful to share with others, please let your personal advisor know.

For more information about the help you are entitled to, talk to your personal advisor, read through the Care leavers section on this site or contact the 16+ team.