Young care leavers in England will soon have access to free prescriptions, dental services, and eye tests under new government initiatives aimed at supporting this vulnerable group. The announcement, made in March 2024, marks a significant step towards addressing health inequalities faced by those who have grown up in care.
In addition to the free health services, a pilot program will introduce paid internships within the NHS and a guaranteed interview scheme for care leavers. The initiative is designed to assist young individuals as they transition into independent living, providing them with essential support during a critical phase of their lives.
Many care leavers encounter barriers to accessing dental and health services, often due to cost, confusion regarding entitlements, and challenges in finding a dentist. The Oral Health Foundation welcomed the announcement, emphasizing its importance in addressing these issues. Dr. Nigel Carter, chief executive of the foundation, stated, “This is about dignity as much as dentistry. Extending free dental care to 25 is a hugely positive step for young people leaving care, many of whom have grown up facing real barriers to accessing dental services at a critical time in their lives.”
The initiative aims to alleviate the heightened risk of poor oral health among care leavers. Dr. Carter continued, “It removes a barrier that never should have existed. The priority now is making sure this commitment translates into real access on the ground, so every eligible young person can actually secure the care they need as they build independent lives.”
The Labour Party’s health and social care secretary, Wes Streeting, expressed support for the measures, highlighting the unique challenges faced by those in care. “Those in care face the toughest start in life and as a result suffer from a barrage of health inequalities, hampering their chances of going on to lead a happy, successful and fulfilling life,” he remarked.
Josh MacAlister, founder of the charity Frontline and minister for children, families, and wellbeing, described the measures as a response to a significant social injustice. He stated, “The disadvantage faced by children who’ve grown up in care is a huge social injustice. That’s why we’re taking cross-government action to transform life chances for these children and care leavers.”
MacAlister added that the health measures would significantly reduce health inequalities and help families receive the intensive support they need. “This package of health measures will make a tangible difference to reduce health inequalities, keep more children safe, and help more families with intensive support,” he stated. The announcement also aligns with recommendations from the independent review of children’s social care he published in 2022.
The Children’s Commissioner, Dame Rachel de Souza, commended the new measures, stating that they would significantly improve the outcomes for children leaving care. She noted, “These practical measures aimed at improving outcomes for children leaving care will be a real difference in how they navigate the world.”
Dame Rachel emphasized that this support is crucial for care leavers, saying, “These are not marginal services, but support that can help care leavers overcome challenges to make a successful transition into adulthood – support that other young people take for granted.”
As the government rolls out these initiatives, the focus will be on ensuring that young care leavers are aware of their entitlements and can access the necessary services to promote their health and well-being. This comprehensive approach aims not only to address immediate health needs but also to equip care leavers with the tools they need for a successful future.
