Young People Leaving Care, Practitioners and the Coronavirus (COVID 19) Pandemic: Experiences, Support, and Lessons for the Future
Louise Roberts, Alyson Rees, Hannah Bayfield, Cindy Corliss, Clive Diaz, Dawn Mannay and Rachael Vaughan
SUMMARY
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on young people leaving care, exposing vulnerabilities in support systems and exacerbating existing challenges such as isolation, financial hardship, and mental health struggles. This study explores the experiences of care-experienced young people during the pandemic, alongside the responses of professionals working to support them. Findings highlight both the resilience of young people and the limitations in statutory support, emphasising the need for long-term improvements in policy and practice.
Key findings
Increased Isolation & Mental Health Struggles – Many young people faced extreme loneliness, with lockdown restrictions limiting social contact and exacerbating existing mental health difficulties.
Challenges in Accessing Support – While some young people had strong relationships with support workers, others reported feeling abandoned by services, with inconsistent communication and difficulty accessing essential help.
Financial Hardship – The pandemic exposed the financial precarity of care-experienced young people, with many struggling to afford essentials like food, rent, and digital access for education and social connection.
Accommodation Issues – Young people living in unsuitable or unstable housing faced heightened risks, including experiences of homelessness, unsafe shared accommodation, and delays in moving to independent living.
Digital Exclusion – Limited access to smartphones, laptops, and stable internet meant some young people were unable to engage with online education, professional support, or peer networks, worsening their sense of isolation.
Innovative Support Approaches – Some professionals adapted by increasing remote check-ins, providing activity packs, and setting up virtual peer support groups, showing the potential for more flexible, responsive care in the future.
Lessons for the Future – The study recommends better funding for digital access, sustained mental health support, greater financial security, and ensuring care leavers remain a priority in crisis response planning.
This research highlights the urgent need to rethink how we support care leavers, not just during a crisis but in the long term, ensuring they receive the same level of care and stability as any young person transitioning into adulthood.