Leaving Care

If you have been in care, you will have been under a care order. This places a child in the care of the local authority. By default, a care order lasts until the child reaches 18 years of age, at which point you are an adult. 

Though your care order normally expires when you reach your 18th birthday, support continues. There are lots of services and support which can help you transition to living independently.

Crucial: Oxfordshire County Council Care Leavers Local Offer describes support available to children and young people who are leaving care.

Pathway Plan

Every care leaver needs to create a pathway plan, but this isn’t something you need to do on your own. Your pathway plan, which is written when you turn 16, is created with the help of your worker and plans your route to living independently. 

This might feel like a big step, but it is your plan for your future. It can include things like going to university, if that is what you want to do.  

If you haven’t seen your pathway plan, or if you are not sure you have one yet, you can talk to your worker. 

Instant Expert: You can find out more about pathway plans from Barnardos. 

What you want matters

Your pathway plan is your map for how you will reach your future. It is created with you, not for you, and should always include your views and wishes.

Crucial: The best way to make sure your wishes are recorded and respected is to be actively involved in developing your pathway plan.