Young people leaving the care system are falling into debt and losing benefits due to insufficient financial education and support from councils, research has found.
The Children’s Society said that despite government guidance stating the importance of care leavers receiving financial support and advice, there is “significant variation” in the support provided by local authorities in England and “inconsistent” support from personal advisers.
The warning comes in the charity’s The Cost of Being Care Free report, which analysed responses from local authorities and a focus group of care leavers and practitioners.