Navigating adulthood can be daunting, but for care-experienced young people, the challenges are often insurmountable. Many face systemic barriers that prevent them from accessing the opportunities they need to thrive, including employment, education, and training (EET).
The statistics paint a stark picture: 38% of care leavers aged 19 to 21 in England are NEET (not in education, employment, or training), compared to just 13% of their peers. By age 27, only 22% of care leavers are employed, compared to 57% of the general population. These figures reveal the pressing need for targeted, comprehensive support to break the cycle of disadvantage.
At Drive Forward Foundation, we’ve spent over a decade working to empower care-experienced young people in London, offering them the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to reach their full potential. Today, we’re proud to take this mission a step further by participating in the London Assembly’s inquiry into care leavers and NEET challenges.
A Vital Inquiry to Address Persistent Inequalities
The London Assembly’s investigation, led by the Economy, Culture, and Skills Committee, is exploring the factors contributing to high NEET rates among care-experienced young people aged 16-24. It aims to identify what actions the Mayor, local councils, and central government can take to improve their prospects.
As part of this vital work, Drive Forward has been invited to share our insights and recommendations, both through today’s panel discussion and in written evidence. Our extensive experience supporting care leavers has shown us the multifaceted barriers they face, from housing instability and mental health struggles to financial insecurity and systemic discrimination. This inquiry offers a critical opportunity to address these challenges head-on and build a brighter future for care-experienced young people across London.
Our Recommendations: Building a Care-Experienced Friendly City
To make London the most care-experienced friendly city in the world, we believe the Mayor must champion a comprehensive, intersectional approach. Here are our key recommendations:
- A Robust Pan-London Care Leavers Compact
The Mayor should lead efforts to create a citywide offer that integrates housing, mental health, and employability support. This could include commissioning evidence-based services, such as Drive Forward, and encouraging local authorities to prioritize care leavers in their diversity and inclusion initiatives. - Affordable and Secure Housing
Housing costs remain one of the most significant barriers for care leavers seeking stable employment. The Mayor could support innovative housing solutions, such as repurposing properties for semi-independent living, and foster partnerships that prioritize care leavers in new developments. - Employer Engagement and Inclusive Hiring Practices
Employers must be equipped to support care leavers through training on trauma-informed practices and stigma reduction. Ring-fenced apprenticeships, guaranteed interviews, and in-work support are essential steps toward meaningful employment opportunities. - Cultural and Financial Capital Development
Beyond technical skills, care leavers need access to experiences that broaden their horizons. Partnerships with arts organizations, sports initiatives, and cultural institutions can help combat isolation while inspiring new aspirations. - Tailored Support Services
Intensive one-to-one support, mentorship programs, and counseling are vital to help care leavers build confidence and overcome personal challenges. Expanding these services citywide would ensure no young person falls through the cracks.
Get involved
The success of this inquiry depends on collective action. Policymakers, funders, and like-minded organizations have a unique opportunity to drive systemic change by:
Together, we can ensure every care-experienced young person in London has the tools and opportunities to thrive. Let’s make London a global leader in supporting care leavers and setting the standard for inclusivity and opportunity.
Amplifying the Message: Share this blog and advocate for care-experienced young people by engaging with the London Assembly inquiry.
