Older children in care

For all children, growing up and gaining one's independence can be a challenging as well as exhilarating experience.

At present young people are dependent on their parents for longer and the children act 1989 and the children (leaving care) act 2000 have extended the powers of local authorities to enable them to continue to assist young people until the age of 21 (up to 24 years if the young person is engaged in a course of higher education).

Kent's 16plus service (link opens in a new window), provided through a partnership between Kent County Council (social services and the youth and community service) and Rainer provide a comprehensive service to Kent's young people leaving care. 16plus is comprised of four teams spread across Kent's three social services areas and is primarily responsible for undertaking the local authorities statutory responsibilities to care leavers and looked after children aged over 16 years preparing to leave care.

Advice and support on all relevant topics are available as is practical assistance in obtaining accommodation, and seeking educational, training and employment opportunities.