“The young people we forget after 18”

Imagine standing at the edge of adulthood with no family cheering for you, no home waiting to shelter you, and no hands to hold you.
This is the reality for thousands of care leavers across our country.Care leavers often represent a forgotten population whose struggles remain largely unseen.
Care leavers are individuals who have spent part of their childhood in  institutions including children’s homes and shelters and who exit formal care arrangements upon reaching the age of majority.Growing up within institutional settings often means having access to basic necessities such as food, shelter, and schooling but missing out on the deeper emotional roots, personal guidance, and social connections that shape a child’s development.
During my interactions with children in care, I have seen how many of them crave for simple things such as a sense of belonging, someone to celebrate their achievements, and someone to hold them in their fears and failures. Sadly, these emotional needs often remain unmet.
Turning 18 is often celebrated by their peers as a gateway to dreams, achievements and independence.But for care leavers, it marks a critical and often frightening  transition. In most cases no family to fall back on, and minimal preparation for life outside, they step into adulthood with heavy uncertainties. Many face immediate challenges in securing identity documents, finding housing and employment, continuing education, and managing mental health and social connections.
In my experience working with care experienced youth, I have witnessed that the struggle is not simply about material needs  it is about building a life without a safety net, Without emotional anchors or supportive networks, and even small setbacks can feel overwhelming for them.
Like any young person care leavers carry dreams, dreams of becoming engineers, doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, and changemakers.
They deserve not just the basics for survival, but the opportunities and support needed to realize their aspirations and live as their highest selves.Recognizing their potential, investing in their development, and addressing their unique challenges are not acts of charity they are obligations rooted in justice, responsibility, and a vision for an inclusive society.