SUPPORT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN CARE IN TRANSITION TO ADULT LIFE

Early day motion 1413, tabled 23 April 2008 by Helen Southworth (Labour). Signed by 198 members.

That this House notes that Department for Children, Schools and Families' statistics show that very many young people in care are moved into independent living when they are 16 or 17 years of age; is concerned that in practice this means many of these vulnerable young people are not supported sufficiently to enable them to make the transition to adult living successfully; recognises that the average age at which young people in the United Kingdom leave home is 24 years; and calls on the Government to take steps to ensure that all these vulnerable young people have access to effective support, including where appropriate the opportunity to remain with their foster carers until they are 21 years of age.

Signatures by party: Labour 148, Liberal Democrat 29, Conservative 8, DUP 6, Independent 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Independent Labour 1, Plaid Cymru 1, UKIP 1.