November is National Care Leavers Month, an opportunity to celebrate care-experienced young people, recognise their achievements and reflect on how we can better support them as they move into adulthood.
At Three Circles Fostering, we know that growing up doesn't happen overnight. Turning 18 doesn't suddenly mean having all the answers, knowing how to manage a home or feeling ready to navigate the adult world independently.
For young people leaving care, that transition can bring exciting opportunities, new responsibilities and sometimes uncertainty. That's why the relationships, encouragement and support around them are so important.
Growing up isn't a race
Think about the support many young adults receive from their families. Help with their first job application, a lift to an interview, advice about university, support with a deposit or simply having someone to ring when things go wrong.
These everyday moments matter.
For care-experienced young people, we should be working together to make sure those same opportunities for reassurance, guidance and connection are available.
Leaving care should never mean leaving behind the people who care about you.
And independence isn't about doing everything alone. It's about developing the confidence, skills and support networks to make your own decisions, knowing that help is there when you need it.
Preparing for independence, together
At Three Circles Fostering, our Engagement Team works alongside children, young people and foster families to create opportunities that build confidence, friendships and practical skills.
Through our Connect activities, young people can spend time with others who share similar experiences, develop friendships, explore new interests and have their voices heard.
For older young people, our Connect Independence work creates opportunities to explore some of the realities of adult life, including:
Understanding rights and entitlements
Managing money, budgeting and everyday expenses
Exploring education, employment and future aspirations
Developing practical skills and confidence
Building healthy relationships and positive support networks
Having a say in decisions about their futures
Our activities also provide opportunities for young people to work towards AQA Unit Award Scheme certificates, recognising achievements that might otherwise go unnoticed.
But preparing for adulthood isn't just about learning to cook a meal or manage a budget.
It's about feeling valued, being heard, having choices and knowing you belong.
The important role of foster carers
Foster carers play a hugely important role in preparing young people for adulthood.
Sometimes this means teaching practical skills. Other times it's about providing reassurance, celebrating a small success or helping a young person recognise their own strengths.
It can be as simple as encouraging a young person to order their own food, supporting them to plan a journey or involving them in decisions about family life.
And wherever it is appropriate, those relationships can continue to matter well beyond a young person's 18th birthday.
There's no single pathway into adulthood, and every young person deserves support that reflects their individual needs, wishes and aspirations.
Useful resources for care-experienced young people
Whether you're preparing to leave care, already living independently or supporting somebody who is, these organisations offer valuable information and guidance.
Become – Care Advice Service
Free, confidential advice for children in care and care leavers. Young people can ask questions about their rights, practical support or anything that's worrying them.
Visit Become's Care Advice Service
Freephone: 0800 023 2033
Coram Voice – Know Your Rights
Information about leaving care, legal rights, advocacy and how to get support when your voice isn't being heard.
Visit Coram Voice
Advocacy helpline: 0808 800 5792
Care Leaver Covenant – Opportunities and Support
Explore opportunities specifically available to care leavers, including employment, apprenticeships, education, leisure activities and discounts.
Explore Care Leaver Covenant opportunities
You can also sign up to CONNECTS to receive updates about opportunities and giveaways.
NYAS – National Youth Advocacy Service
Independent advocacy and support to help care-experienced young people understand their rights and make their voices heard.
Visit NYAS
Freephone: 0808 808 1001
Your Local Authority's Leaving Care Local Offer
Your local authority should publish information about the support available, including housing, finances, education, employment and wellbeing.
Find out more about Local Offers
Celebrating care-experienced young people
National Care Leavers Month is about much more than recognising the challenges young people might face.
It's about celebrating their talents, ambitions, individuality and achievements.
It's about listening to their experiences and making sure they can influence the services and decisions that affect them.
And it's about remembering that every young person deserves people who believe in them, opportunities to thrive and a sense of belonging.
At Three Circles Fostering, we're proud of the young people we work alongside and the foster families who continue to encourage and champion them.
Because growing up is a journey, and nobody should have to navigate it alone.
To find out more about Three Circles Fostering and our work with children and young people - contact us today!