What new support is available for care leavers in England?

Care leavers in England will receive free prescriptions, dental, and eye services up to age 25, along with piloting paid NHS internships and guaranteed interviews.

How will the NHS help care leavers?

The NHS is piloting paid internships and a guaranteed interview scheme for care leavers to improve their employment prospects.

What is the goal of the new children's wellbeing and schools bill?

The bill will legally require public bodies to consider the needs of children in care and care leavers when making decisions.

Home / Health / England Boosts Support for Care Leavers Up to 25

England Boosts Support for Care Leavers Up to 25

23 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Young people leaving care in England get free prescriptions and health services until 25.
Pilot programs will test paid NHS internships and guaranteed interviews for care leavers.
New laws will ensure public bodies consider challenges faced by children in care.

England Boosts Support for Care Leavers Up to 25

Young individuals exiting the care system in England will now benefit from comprehensive support until their 25th birthday. This includes receiving free prescriptions, dental care, and eye services, as announced by the Department of Health and Social Care. These measures are designed to address the significant health inequalities faced by care leavers.

A pilot initiative will trial paid internships within the National Health Service (NHS), alongside a guaranteed interview scheme for NHS roles. This aims to create a more equitable playing field for employment opportunities. Furthermore, a separate three-year pilot will focus on improving mental health support access for children currently in care.