Free Health Services and Job Support for Care Leavers in England

Published: 23 December 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Young care leavers in England will soon benefit from free prescriptions, dental, and eye care services until they reach their twenty-fifth birthday, the government confirmed on Tuesday. The initiative forms part of a wider package of reforms announced by the Department of Health and Social Care, aiming to address persistent health inequalities experienced by those leaving care. A pilot programme will also trial paid internships for care leavers in the NHS and introduce a guaranteed interview scheme for NHS roles.

The DHSC highlighted that roughly fifty-three thousand two hundred thirty care leavers aged seventeen to twenty-one, alongside forty-four thousand four hundred thirty aged twenty-two to twenty-five, could benefit from these measures. Officials acknowledge that these figures may underestimate the total number of care leavers who might require support. Health and social care secretary Wes Streeting emphasised that children in care face significant disadvantages early in life, often translating into lifelong health challenges and reduced opportunities for wellbeing and success.

A key component of the reforms involves safeguarding measures that notify general practitioners if a patient is in care. In addition, new regulations will enable rapid sharing of critical health information across the NHS, ensuring care leavers receive timely and coordinated medical attention. The reforms follow recommendations by Josh MacAlister, the government’s first children’s social care adviser, former teacher, and founder of the charity Frontline, which trains graduate social workers.

MacAlister, now the minister for children, families, and wellbeing, stated that children growing up in care face a “huge social injustice” and that these measures will directly improve life chances. He added that the health support package would reduce inequalities, safeguard vulnerable children, and assist families needing intensive support. The reforms also reflect recommendations from the 2022 independent review of children’s social care, with a focus on eliminating barriers to opportunity for care leavers.

The guaranteed interview scheme aims to create equal employment opportunities within the NHS for care leavers. Candidates declaring care leaver status in their applications will be invited to interviews if they meet minimum job criteria. This mirrors existing NHS policies that provide guaranteed interviews for individuals with disabilities, ensuring a fair chance for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Research cited by the DHSC revealed that adults who had spent time in care between 1971 and 2001 faced a seventy percent higher risk of premature death. Care leavers also showed elevated vulnerability to unnatural deaths, highlighting the urgent need for systemic support to mitigate these long-term risks.

The upcoming children’s wellbeing and schools bill will formalise legal obligations for government bodies and public institutions to consider the unique challenges faced by children in care and care leavers. The legislation will require local authorities to publish strategies for supporting young people transitioning from care to adulthood, helping them secure suitable accommodation and access critical services under initiatives such as Staying Close.

The government’s integrated approach reflects an understanding that health, employment, and social support are closely linked. By offering free prescriptions, dental and eye care, alongside employment opportunities, the policy aims to provide tangible support during a crucial transition phase in young people’s lives. Care leavers will benefit not only from improved health outcomes but also from the assurance of opportunities in public services like the NHS, where early intervention and structured support can significantly influence long-term wellbeing.

Wes Streeting further highlighted the societal importance of addressing health disparities among care leavers, asserting that these young people deserve equal access to medical care and employment opportunities. By embedding safeguards and support structures across health services, the government seeks to close gaps that have historically left care leavers vulnerable to poor physical and mental health outcomes.

The reforms also emphasise mental health support for children in care. A separate three-year pilot programme will assess approaches to expand access to counselling and psychological services, aiming to mitigate the effects of trauma and improve overall wellbeing. The initiative recognises the cumulative impact of adversity in childhood and seeks to provide early, structured interventions to enhance resilience.

The government’s plan represents a broader commitment to equity in health and social care, acknowledging the systemic barriers that have long hindered care leavers’ prospects. By combining free health services with employment pathways and safeguarding measures, authorities aim to create a more supportive environment, ensuring that young people leaving care can transition successfully into adulthood.

Critics have previously highlighted that care leavers often face disproportionately high levels of homelessness, unemployment, and mental health challenges. The DHSC contends that the new measures, including guaranteed NHS interviews and tailored health interventions, are intended to address these intersecting issues comprehensively. Furthermore, local authorities’ responsibilities to maintain clear care leaver support plans are expected to enhance accountability and transparency, offering young people greater clarity about available services.

Ultimately, these reforms represent a significant policy shift in England, acknowledging the lifelong impact of early disadvantage and prioritising interventions that address both health and employment outcomes. Experts suggest that this comprehensive package could serve as a model for other regions seeking to reduce inequalities among vulnerable youth populations. The combination of free medical care, mental health support, and structured employment opportunities demonstrates a multifaceted approach to tackling systemic disadvantage and fostering resilience in young care leavers.