Change to Leaving Care - The children ( Leaving Care) Act 2000

Information and advice for young people in Solihull who are about to leave or have left our care.

On 1 October 2001 the Children's [Leaving Care] Act came into effect. This led to national changes in services provided to young people leaving public care.

Does the leaving Care Act effect you?

The new law applies to you if:

• You were in care on 1 October 2001, and
• Your 16th birthday is on or after 1 October 2001, and
• You have been in care for at least 13 weeks since your 14th birthday, and
• You are still looked-after on your 16th birthday.

How do I know if the Leaving Care act does not apply to me?

The law will not affect all care leavers. You will not be affected if:

• You left care before 1 October 2001.
• You are in respite care.

Young People who are not affected by the new act will be entitled to a leaving care service under the old law, Section 24 Children's Act 1989. We have a duty to "advise, assist and befriend", until you are 21 years old or 24 years old if you are in higher education.

The aim of the act is to:

Delay young people from moving care until they are ready, Improve the assessment, preparation and planning for leaving care, Provide better personal support for young people, Improve the financial arrangements for care leavers.

More information about these areas is available from the 16+ Team.

Changes in Solihull

On 1 October 2001 the Aftercare Team changed its name to the 16+ Team (Sixteen Plus Team).

Since then, young people in care aged 16 & 17 years were steadily allocated to the Sixteen Plus Team.

For more information contact the 16+ Team at 16plus@solihull.gov.uk or telephone 0121 788 4200.

Contact Details

For more information please contact 16+ team

Telephone: 0808 16 02 211 - for young people only.
Telephone: 0121 788 4200 - for all other people.
Emergency Duty Team: 0121 605 6060

Email: 16plus@solihull.gov.uk