New support for children in care and care leavers in England announced by the UK Government
A new package of measures to improve support for care experienced children and young people, including free access to paid-for healthcare services, has been announced (23 December) by the UK Government’s Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
In response to the recommendations of the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care, published in 2022, young people leaving care will receive free prescriptions and dental and eye care services until they are 25 years of age.
A new approach to provide direct mental health support to children in care in England, involving locating psychiatric and psychological services within local authority family help teams, will be trialled in a three-year pilot programme.
The government also intends to introduce new safeguarding measures so that General Practitioners (GPs) can be informed if a young patient is in care or has a child protection plan, with information more rapidly shared across health services, providing healthcare professionals with information to assist them to provide children with appropriate care and support.
There will also be a new pilot to trial paid internships and a guaranteed interview scheme within the NHS for care leavers, similar to NHS policies already in place for people with a disability.
The UK Government’s Minister for Children and Families, Josh MacAlister, said:
“The disadvantage faced by children who’ve grown up in care is a huge social injustice. That’s why we’re taking cross-government action to transform life chances for these children and care leavers.
“This package of health measures will make a tangible difference to reduce health inequalities, keep more children safe and help more families with intensive support.”