Three Things To Remember When You Leave The Care System

I’m sure some people can’t imagine leaving their parent’s home to live on their own and pay bills they didn’t even think existed at 18 years old. But for those who were in the care system, at least in my time, there was no other option unless you were deliberately going to make yourself homeless.

Story Time

I came into the system when I was about 10 or 11 years old and luckily for me, the foster family I was staying with decided to keep me even though I was only supposed to stay for a weekend. So, I stayed in one place until I moved out when I was 18. I know this isn’t always the experience of others who have been or are in foster care.

Dread and Excitement

I’m not going to lie as much as I was dreading moving out, I was also excited. I was looking forward to having my own space, owning my own stuff, and being able to do what I wanted. Such as listening to my music and singing loudly, going places without a curfew, and having my friends around.

But I also had to learn how to manage my money to pay bills like water, which I didn’t know had to be paid for at the time, and ensure I had food in the house. I also felt vulnerable because I had no one and had to be careful whom I got close to so I wouldn’t be taken advantage of.

The Transition

I moved out during the summer holidays as I was about to start my last year of 6^th form college and even though I had my fears I also had learned a lot from my foster mum; in terms of cooking, how and where to shop, generally taking care of myself and my home so I knew I would be ok.

Again, I’m cognizant that this may not be everyone’s experience so here are three things that helped me and would recommend during and after transitioning out of care.

1. Spend Your Leaving Care Grant Wisely

Firstly, I’d say that you should spend the money you get from the council well to buy essential household items. The Leaving Care Grant is a setting-up home allowance to help care leavers get what they need when moving into their own homes.

I recommend you look for second-hand items rather than brand-new ones; you can get good second-hand items at a reasonable price. From fridges to washing machines to microwaves, I’ve bought everything second-hand, and it’s lasted a long time.

2. Get Your Priorities In Order

Secondly, you should always pay the most important bills first before spending money on other things. That means rent, council tax, water, electricity, and gas; if you are in education or on benefits, the first two may be paid for you.

As mentioned earlier when I moved out, I was still in 6^th form college. Thus, the only income I had was my Education Maintenance Allowance and I worked in the summer holidays, so making a budget by working out my income and expenditure worked well for me, and I’d recommend it.

For those wondering what the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is, it’s financial support for eligible 16 to 19-year-olds who want to continue their education. I don’t think it exists in England anymore, but it’s still granted in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

3. Be Frugal With Your Shopping

Lastly, when you go grocery shopping, buy essentials first, even if you have some left at home, so you can still eat and get by if you run out of money for the month. By that, I mean things like rice, pasta, toilet roll canned goods like tuna, beans, mackerel, etc. Of course, if you have extra there is nothing wrong with treating yourself to whatever you fancy.

Likewise, when you shop for clothes, you don’t have to buy everything in brand shops either, you can get great things in the markets, some of which have come from the shops. I bought a lot of stuff at the market unashamedly and I still looked good on a budget.

A Little Encouragement

Although the transition can be different for everyone, depending on how much support you have and how competent your key worker is to help you access the necessary services you may need. We all face the excitement and anxiety that comes with change, but I promise you that you’ll be fine.

And with that, let me leave you with this:

Despite everything you have been through in life, you’re still here, and despite all the difficulties that this transition may bring, you’ll still be here. Just know that you are not alone; many have gone before you and others will come after you, choose to be an inspiration.