The Reality For Care Leavers in Calderdale

Care leavers are some of the most vulnerable young people in our communities yet their experiences are often misunderstood or overlooked. 

In Calderdale, the numbers tell a powerful story. 

Young people who have been in care make up less than 1% of the population, yet they are significantly overrepresented in some of the most challenging life outcomes according to Calderdale Council. 

Many enter care due to serious circumstances with over 62% of children taken into care because of abuse or neglect. This early trauma can have long lasting effects on mental health, relationships and stability into adulthood. 

 

The transition to independence

While most young people remain at home into their early twenties, care leavers are expected to become independent much earlier. 

• Many young people in the general population are still living at home at 22. 
• Care leavers often move into independent living at 18. 

This creates a gap in support at one of the most critical stages of life. 

 

Local outcomes in Calderdale

There are positives and they show what is possible with the right support. 

• Around 99% of care leavers in Calderdale are in suitable accommodation, significantly higher than the national average of 77.8%. 
• A growing number are engaged in education, employment or training, including university and apprenticeships. 

These outcomes highlight the impact of structured support and strong local services. 

 

Ongoing Challenges

Despite progress, many care leavers still face serious barriers:

• Around 25% of people experiencing homelessness have been in care. While many may initially be placed in accommodation, maintaining tenancies remains a significant challenge.
• Care leavers are estimated to make up 27% of the adult prison population. 
• Many report feelings of loneliness and isolation after leaving care. 
• Around 45% of looked-after children have a diagnosable mental health disorder, compared to around 10% of the general population.
• Many care leavers experience ongoing effects of trauma, including anxiety, depression and PTSD. 
• Unlike their peers, many do not have family to rely on for guidance, housing or financial help. 
• Care leavers are more likely to experience financial hardship and debt at a young age as they are required to manage rent, bills and living costs independently from age 18, without a financial safety net or education their peers receive from parental figures. 
• Only around 13% of care leavers enter higher education, compared to over 40% of the general population. Many experience disrupted education due to placement moves and instability. 
• Around 38% of care leavers aged 19-21 are not in education, employment or training (NEET). This is significantly higher than their peers. 
• Care-experienced young people are significantly overrepresented in cases of criminal exploitation, including county lines. Lack of stable support increases vulnerability during transitions. 
• Care leavers are at higher risk of substance misuse as a coping mechanism. This is often linked to unresolved trauma and lack of support. 
• Many care leavers report not fully understanding their entitlements or rights. Difficulties in navigating housing, benefits and support services can lead to missed opportunities and instability. 

These figures show that leaving care is not just a transition but a high-risk period without consistent support. These challenges do not exits in isolation, they often overlap and compound, making the transition to independence significantly more difficult without the right support in place. 

 

Why this matters

Behind every statistic is a young person navigating adulthood without the safety net many others rely on. 

Care leavers are expected to:

• Manage finances
• Maintain housing
• Build relationships
• Support their own mental health

... often all at once, and often alone. 

 

Moving Forward

The data is clear- outcomes improve when care leavers have:

• Consistent support
• Stable Housing
• Access to education and employment
• Opportunities to be heard

This is why organisations like Astaris exist. To bridge the gap between surviving and building a stable, independent life.