What support should I get as a qualifying care leaver?

If you are a qualifying care leaver, it usually means you were in care for a shorter period after your 16th birthday than some other care leavers.

You might not receive the same level of support or financial assistance as some other care leavers, but you still have the right to advice, guidance and support. You're not on your own.

Your local authority should:

• keep in touch with you
• provide advice and assistance
• help with education and training, including support for related costs or accommodation where appropriate

In Hampshire, qualifying care leavers can request support from a Personal Adviser (PA) up to their 21st birthday. Although this is not a legal entitlement, Hampshire's Care Leavers Service works with qualifying and former qualifying care leavers who would like this support.

You may also be able to get help with things such as housing, money, education, training, employment, health and wellbeing, depending on your circumstances.

In this section, you can find out more about the support available and where to go if you need help.