Care experienced team (care leavers)

We support care leavers from 16 up to the age of 21, and also up to the age of 25 if that’s what you want. We aim to support all our care leavers to live fulfilling lives, and to enjoy their adulthood and independence.

Torbay Children’s Services are a ‘corporate parent’ to a number of local children and young people who can’t live with their birth family. We have legal duties to young people who have experience of being in care, like staying in touch and offering support, help and advice. 

Young people are usually ‘eligible’ for this service when a young person has been in care for 13 weeks after the age of 14 and is still in care at age 16 or 17. If you don’t know if you are eligible, your Social Worker or our team can help or you can find out if you are a care-leaver online.

We aim to work together in partnership with young people who are eligible for support via the Torbay ‘Leaving Care’ Service, and are keen to hear from you if you’d like to be involved.

We help eligable care-experienced young people to be ready and prepared for independence, at a time that is right for you. You will have regular contact with your ‘Personal Advisor’, who offers:

• practical help (e.g. helping you secure a tenancy, paying for certain things in your home),
• emotional support (e.g. being there when you need us, keeping your motivation up)
• advice and information (e.g. helping you go through your housing options, choosing the right course and college)