Care leavers’ transitions to independence

On this page, we use the language reflected in interviews and in law. For guidance on adapting your language to reflect what children and young people say they prefer, see our Resources page.

Activism 

Speaking up or taking action to try to make things better. 

ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) 

A neurodevelopmental difference that affects how a person regulates attention, energey, impulses, emotions and movivation.  

Adult Social Care 

Support for adults who need help with daily living, health, or independence.  

Advocate 

Someone who helps you speak up, or speaks up for you, if you find it hard or aren’t being listened to. 

ASD/Autism 

A neurodevelopmental difference that influences how a person experiences, processes and interacts with the world. 

Bipolar 

A mental health condition that causes strong changes in mood, from very low to very high.  

BPD (borderline personality disorder) 

A mental health condition that can affect mood, emotions and relationships. 

Care experienced 

Someone who has been in care at any point in their life. 

Care Leaver 

A young person aged 18-25 who was looked after by the local authority and is now moving into adult life. 

Care order 

A legal decision that says the local authority is responsible for looking after you and keeping you safe.  

Carer (foster carer) 

A person or family you live with when you can’t live at home.  

Child in care review/ Child we care for review 

A regular meeting where your plan should be and you can talk about how things are going. 

Children in care council 

A group of children and young people in care who meet to share views and help improve services. 

Children’s commissioner 

A national figure who speaks up for children’s rights and checks that services are doing their job. 

Children’s services 

The part of the council that supports children, young people, and families.  

Confidentiality 

Your personal information is kept private unless there is a safety concern. 

Consent 

Saying yes to something because you understand it and want it to happen. 

Corporate parent 

All the services and people who should support you as if you were their own child. 

Director of children’s services 

The senior person in a council who is responsible for children’s services and care. 

Discord server 

An online space where people can chat, talk, and share things in groups.  

Foster home 

The family/place you live while you’re in care. 

Hypermobility 

When your joints bend more than usual, which can sometimes cause pain or tiredness. 

Independent reviewing officer 

The person who should check your care plan, make sure your voice is heard, and check professionals are doing what they should be doing. 

Institutionalisation 

When someone becomes used to living in a system or service and finds it hard to leave. 

Leaving care 

The time when you stop being ‘looked after’ by the local authority and start living more independently. 

Leaving care grant 

Money to help care leavers buy things they need when moving into their first home. 

Lived experience 

Real life experience of something, based on what you have been through yourself. 

Local offer 

Information about the support local authorities give to care leavers.  

MP (member of parliament) 

The person elected to speak up for your area in parliament. 

Ofsted 

The organisation that checks schools, children’s homes, and services to make sure they are safe and good quality. 

Outreach support 

Help from workers who come to your home or meet you in the community. 

Pathway plan 

A plan made with you about your future and the support you need. 

Personal adviser (PA)/ leaving care worker 

The worker who supports care leavers from age 16-25 with things like housing, education, money, and life skills. 

Placement change/move 

When you move from one home or carer to another. 

Protected characteristics 

Parts of who you are that the law protects so you cannot be treated unfairly because of them. 

Residential home/children’s home 

A range of living arrangements in which children and young people are for and supported by professionals outside of a family home. 

Rights/entitlements 

Things or support you are legally allowed to have or get help with. 

Semi-independent/supported accommodation 

A place where you live more independently but staff are around to help. 

Shared lives 

A scheme for adults where you can live with a trained adult or family who help you with daily life.  

Social worker 

The person who should help with your safety, plans, and getting you any help you need. In children’s services they work with you while you’re in care. In adult social care they support you as an adult if you need help with daily living, health, or independence.   

Staying put 

An option to stay living with your foster carer after you turn 18. 

Student finance 

Money (loans or grants) to help with university or college costs. 

Supported lodgings  

A home where you live with an adult who supports you while you learn independence. 

Training flat 

A flat where you practise living independently before moving to your own place.