The Care Leavers Team

What does the Care Leavers team do?

Most young people in care will be supported by a social worker until they are 18. While you are 17, you will be introduced to your Leaving Care Support Officer (LCSO). They will support you between the ages of 18 and 21, and up to 25 if you choose.  

An LCSO is there to offer you advice and support after you leave care. This advice and support can be about lots of different things, like living independently, employment and education, or your accommodation. It will always be about your needs.  

You can talk to your LCSO about anything, whether you’re having problems, or you are worried about something, or if you just fancy a chat. If you are under 21, they will visit or contact you at least once every 8 weeks. They can contact you more often if needed.  

Your LCSO will also provide you with a pathway plan. This is your plan, and similar to your care plan. It sets out your needs and the support we can give so we can make sure you have all the skills you will need as an adult.

Four hands gripping each other’s wrists in a linked circle, forming a strong, connected shape.

Our commitment

For our care leavers, we have made a commitment:

  • we’ll take the time to listen to you and understand your goals for the future, offering advice and support to help you achieve them. 
  • we’ll build a lasting, professional relationship with you—your LCSO will be someone you can rely on over time. 
  • we’ll help you access support around education, training, and employment and work closely with to make sure you feel you can thrive while you do this. we’ll support you to be in a home you like and feel safe in. 
  • We’ll help you develop the skills to live independently and manage this on your own. 
  • if you need it, we will help you access support around your mental and physical health. 
  • we’ll support you in staying connected to the people who care about you and contribute positively to your wellbeing. 
  • we’ll work with other organisations to make sure they understand your views, needs, and wishes.
  • you’ll have opportunities to shape the services you receive by joining the 16+ participation groups or the children in care council, and by sharing your views through surveys and focus groups.
  • we’ll stay in touch with you until you’re 21—or up to 25 if you’d like continued support.