What we do 

Our work is rooted in understanding both the strengths and the challenges of care leavers. By responding directly to the needs identified in research, we provide practical, evidence-based support that helps each young person not only adapt to independence but thrive in it. We do not see young adults in care as defined by their difficulties; we see them as individuals with potential. Our role is to provide the environment, skills, and opportunities that allow that potential to flourish.

Our Research Based Approach 

Many people who grow up in care go on to become well-rounded, resilient adults, and there should never be any stigma attached to having been part of the care system. Indeed, many care-experienced young people bring with them a wealth of strength, creativity, and determination born from overcoming challenges at an early age. However, research consistently shows that the move into independence can be particularly difficult for some young adults. This is not because of a lack of ability or ambition, but because of the absence of the safety nets and informal support systems that many of their peers outside care can rely on.

Young people leaving care are more likely to face barriers in housing, education, employment, and health. Many struggle with sudden independence at 18, when their peers often still receive support from family well into their twenties. The risk of homelessness, financial insecurity, mental health difficulties, and social isolation is well documented. At the same time, there is no such thing as a “standard” care leaver — each person has their own story, strengths, and aspirations. That is why effective support cannot be one-size-fits-all; it must always be bespoke, flexible, and grounded in understanding.

At Glenover House, our programmes are designed to respond directly to these challenges and provide practical, personalised support that bridges the gap between care and independence.

  • A safe and supportive environment – Research highlights housing instability as one of the greatest risks for care leavers, with many experiencing homelessness or insecure tenancies soon after leaving care. We provide a secure and nurturing base where young adults can settle, feel safe, and focus on building their future without the fear of instability. Our environment is designed not only as accommodation but as a space where resilience and confidence can grow.

  • Individualised Independence Skills Plans – Since no two young people leaving care have the same needs or goals, we work with each individual to co-produce a bespoke plan. These plans reflect their aspirations, whether that is pursuing further education, gaining employment, or focusing on personal development. By tailoring support, we avoid the “tick-box” approach and instead ensure that each person’s pathway to independence reflects who they are and what they want to achieve.

  • Education, training, and employment pathways – Research shows care leavers are far less likely to enter higher education or sustained employment compared with their peers. We address this by opening doors to tailored learning and training opportunities. From helping young people access formal education and vocational qualifications to providing mentoring and workplace skills, we create routes into employment that build confidence as well as long-term stability.

  • Practical life skills development – Many young people in care miss out on opportunities to gradually learn skills such as budgeting, cooking, or managing a tenancy, often because of disrupted placements. We place these skills at the heart of our work, offering hands-on experiences in budgeting, cooking, managing household tasks, maintaining health routines, and engaging in community life. These essential skills are the foundation of sustainable independence and help prevent future crises.

  • On-site independent living practice – One of the most powerful ways to prepare for adulthood is to practise independence in a safe setting. Our on-site independent unit provides this opportunity. Here, young people can experience living on their own, making decisions, and managing responsibilities, while still having access to support when needed. This gradual transition helps reduce the risks associated with the sudden “cliff edge” that many care leavers experience when support ends abruptly.

  • Positive move-on support – Research has shown that many young people leaving care fall through the cracks at the point of transition. We work to ensure that does not happen. Our programmes include structured guidance into secure housing, ongoing mentoring, and connections to external agencies, so that when young people move on, they do so with stability and confidence.

  • Alumni Initiative – Moving On and Giving Back – Social isolation is another recurring theme in the research, with many care leavers reporting that they feel they have “no one to turn to.” Our Alumni Initiative ensures that support does not stop when a young person leaves Glenover House. By maintaining connections and building a network of past residents who can share experiences and support one another, we foster a community where care-experienced young people continue to feel valued and connected. This initiative also empowers alumni to give back, creating a cycle of support and inspiration for future residents.

Some of the Research that Supports our Program

Housing & Homelessness

  • Around one in three care leavers become homeless within two years of leaving care (Barnardo’s, 2022).

  • Support such as “Staying Put” policies exists, but availability is patchy and varies by local authority (Department for Education, 2021).

  • Internationally, young people “aging out” of foster care in the US and Canada show 2–4 times higher rates of homelessness than peers (Dworsky et al., 2013). Nordic countries reduce risk by extending care support to 23–25 years (Stein & Munro, 2008).

Education & Employment

  • In the UK, just 13% of care leavers enter higher education compared with 43% of the general population (Department for Education, 2023).

  • Care leavers are more likely to be NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training), linked to disrupted schooling and lack of guidance (National Audit Office, 2015).

  • International comparisons: Germany and the Netherlands demonstrate stronger outcomes by linking care leavers with vocational training/apprenticeships (Mendes & Snow, 2016).

Mental Health & Wellbeing

  • Around 50% of care leavers in the UK have a diagnosable mental health condition such as anxiety, depression or PTSD (NHS Digital, 2021).

  • Many lose contact with CAMHS at 18, creating a “care cliff” (House of Commons Education Committee, 2022).

  • In Scandinavia, continuity with a key worker into adulthood is associated with improved mental health outcomes (Stein, 2012).

Financial Insecurity & Life Skills

  • Care leavers often lack budgeting skills and face difficulties accessing benefits (The Children’s Society, 2020).

  • Sudden independence at 18 increases debt and rent arrears risk.

  • In New Zealand, structured independent living programmes covering budgeting, tenancy and cooking improve stability (Courtney et al., 2011).

Social Isolation & Lack of Support Networks

  • Many UK care leavers feel they have “no one to turn to” (National Youth Advocacy Service, 2020).

  • This lack of informal family support increases vulnerability to crisis.

  • International evidence shows that mentoring programmes and alumni networks (Germany, US) reduce isolation and improve resilience (Munson & McMillen, 2009).

Criminal Justice Involvement

  • In the UK, around 25% of the prison population have experienced care (HM Inspectorate of Prisons, 2019).

  • Risk factors include placement instability, exclusion from education, and lack of consistent adult guidance.

  • Similar patterns are reported in the US and Australia, with restorative justice approaches showing promise (Ryan & Testa, 2005).

Structural Challenges

  • A “postcode lottery” in services exists across the UK, flagged in the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care (MacAlister, 2022).

  • Countries with extended support frameworks (e.g. US up to 21; Scandinavia up to 25) show higher education participation and reduced crisis rates (Courtney, 2010).

 

Key Messages from the Research

 

  1. Gradual transitions (rather than a sudden cut-off at 18) improve housing and education outcomes.

  2. Stable adult relationships (mentors, key workers) are the most consistent protective factor across countries.

  3. Skills-based preparation (budgeting, tenancy rights, employment support) has strong evidence of effectiveness.

  4. Mental health continuity beyond 18 is critical to preventing crisis.

References 

  • Barnardo’s (2022) No Place Like Home: A Look at Housing for Care Leavers. Barnardo’s, London.

  • Courtney, M. (2010) ‘The Midwest Evaluation of the Adult Functioning of Former Foster Youth’, Children and Youth Services Review, 32(6), pp. 727–735.

  • Courtney, M., Dworsky, A. & Pollack, H. (2011) When Should the State Cease Parenting? Evidence from the Midwest Study. University of Chicago.

  • Department for Education (2021) Staying Put Arrangements for Care Leavers Aged 18 and Above to Stay on with Their Former Foster Carers. DfE, London.

  • Department for Education (2023) Outcomes for Children Looked After by Local Authorities in England, 31 March 2022. DfE, London.

  • Dworsky, A., Napolitano, L. & Courtney, M. (2013) ‘Homelessness during the transition from foster care to adulthood’, American Journal of Public Health, 103(S2), pp. S318–S323.

  • HM Inspectorate of Prisons (2019) Children in Custody 2018–19: An Analysis of 12–18-Year-Olds’ Perceptions of Their Experiences in Secure Training Centres and Young Offender Institutions. London.

  • House of Commons Education Committee (2022) Children’s Homes. HC 57. London: The Stationery Office.

  • MacAlister, J. (2022) The Independent Review of Children’s Social Care. London: HM Government.

  • Mendes, P. & Snow, P. (2016) Young People Transitioning from Out-of-Home Care: International Research, Policy and Practice. London: Palgrave Macmillan.

  • Munson, M. & McMillen, J. (2009) ‘Natural mentoring and psychosocial outcomes among older youth transitioning from foster care’, Children and Youth Services Review, 31(1), pp. 104–111.

  • NHS Digital (2021) Mental Health of Children and Young People in England, 2021. NHS Digital, London.

  • National Audit Office (2015) Care Leavers’ Transition to Adulthood. NAO, London.

  • National Youth Advocacy Service (2020) Care Leavers: Missing the Mark. NYAS, Birkenhead.

  • Ryan, J. & Testa, M. (2005) ‘Child maltreatment and juvenile delinquency: Investigating the role of placement and placement instability’, Children and Youth Services Review, 27(3), pp. 227–249.

  • Stein, M. (2012) Young People Leaving Care: Supporting Pathways to Adulthood. London: Jessica Kingsley.

  • Stein, M. & Munro, E. (2008) Young People’s Transitions from Care to Adulthood: International Research and Practice. London: Jessica Kingsley.

  • The Children’s Society (2020) Keep Caring: Supporting Care Leavers’ Financial Stability. London.