As young adults transition out of the care system, a groundbreaking programme is stepping in to bridge the emotional gap many face. The Finding Family initiative, backed by government funding, is helping care leavers like Poppie and Mackenzie establish meaningful connections with supportive families, providing them with the love and guidance they so desperately need.
From Care to Connection
Poppie, a vibrant 18-year-old, faced a challenging childhood. At just 10 years old, she entered the care system following a difficult relationship with her mother. Initially placed with a foster family, she eventually moved into a children’s home in Hertfordshire, where she remained until shortly before her 18th birthday. Struggling with the absence of her biological family, Poppie’s journey took a positive turn when she connected with Brigitte Marshall and her son, Reuben, who were support workers at her care home.
Reuben played a pivotal role in Poppie’s care, aiding her in preparing for her GCSEs. Now, as she embarks on a health and care course at college—with ambitions of becoming a doctor—Brigitte and her family remain steadfast in their support. Poppie now shares cherished moments with the Marshalls, attending family barbecues and outings. “It means so much having Brigitte and her family in my life,” Poppie expressed, affectionately referring to Brigitte as “mummy Brigitte.”
The Importance of Family Ties
The Finding Family programme has been instrumental in fostering such relationships. Funded by the government, the initiative aims to connect young individuals leaving care with trusted adults, whether they be estranged family members or support figures encountered during their time in care. For Poppie, this has transformed her experience from one of isolation to one filled with support and love.
However, not all care leavers are as fortunate. Many face what has been termed the “cliff edge” of leaving care—when support abruptly ends, leaving young adults to navigate adulthood alone. Brigitte Marshall, who has four children of her own, noted, “The thought of her leaving and being all on her own when she left care was shocking. You need more than just support with housing, finance, and education; you need to feel valued, loved, and supported.”
A Broader Reach: Mackenzie’s Story
Mackenzie, another young adult benefitting from the Finding Family initiative, shares a similar story. Now 20, he spent six years in care following his mother’s death and a strained relationship with his father. His coordinator helped him reconnect with family members he had lost touch with, facilitating a reunion that brought a sense of belonging back into his life. “It’s wonderful to feel close to them again,” he reflected, highlighting the importance of these familial connections in his healing process.
With the backing of the Department for Education, this programme is currently being piloted in 25 local areas, aiming to reach all 80,000 children in care across the UK. The initiative has already shown promising results, with participants forming nearly two meaningful relationships on average, and over a third reconnecting with family.
Addressing Ongoing Challenges
Despite these positive developments, significant challenges remain. Young people leaving care are disproportionately affected by instability, with many not in education, employment, or training, and a concerning number facing homelessness shortly after exiting the system. Children’s minister Josh MacAlister emphasised the need for lasting relationships, stating, “Too many children leave care without the lifelong connections that most of us rely on for love, support, and stability throughout adulthood.”
The government is committing £8.4 million over the next three years to ensure that this type of support is available universally for all children in care. However, experts like Cathy Ashley from the Family Rights Group warn that ongoing systemic issues need addressing. “The state system has fundamentally failed for so long, that is why the outcomes for these young people are so poor,” Ashley noted. She stressed the necessity for improved housing and employment support to create a more sustainable future for care leavers.
Why it Matters
The emotional and practical support provided to young people transitioning from care into adulthood is crucial for their long-term wellbeing. Programmes like Finding Family not only help to establish essential familial ties but also contribute significantly to the development of resilience and stability in their lives. As more young adults like Poppie and Mackenzie find their footing with the help of these initiatives, there is hope for a brighter future, ensuring that no one has to face the journey alone.
