Carer leavers now eligible for free NHS services
Tens of thousands of care leavers can now receive free prescriptions, dental and eyecare services until they are 25.
A care leaver is a young person, typically aged 16-25, who has spent time in local authority care (like foster or residential care) and has now left, often transitioning to independent living after their 18th birthday.
The Government are also introducing improved safeguarding and a pilot to improve mental health support for children in care and families.
The changes came in December 2025, and mean that young people leaving care will receive free prescriptions, dental and eyecare services up to their 25th birthday.
GPs should also be given a clearer picture of young people in care, so they have the right information at the right time to offer adequate support.
Young people in care already face the toughest start in life and often get a lack of support at 18 - leaving them isolated, separated from their families or siblings, and struggling to get going as young adults.
Research shows that those who have been in care are at a higher risk of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and PTSD, and have a higher chance of experiencing homelessness and unemployment.
Many face barriers in accessing mental and physical health services, with more than one quarter of those leaving care not told how to get help with their physical health, including registering with a GP or dentist.
