Young people leaving care will be given free dental treatment up to the age of 25 under a new government scheme.
The package is aimed at young people leaving care and will provide free prescriptions, dental, and eyecare services up to their 25th birthday as well as enhancing job opportunities in the NHS.
Under new safeguards, GPs will also have a clearer picture of those in care, so they have the right information, at the right time, to stop them falling through the cracks when they reach the age of 18.
“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,” said a statement.
“The Government is taking action to tackle these inequalities and the barriers of opportunity they encounter.”
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.
And many face barriers accessing mental and physical health services, with more than a quarter of those leaving care not told how to get help with their physical health, including registering with a GP or dentist.
Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, said: “Those in care face the toughest start in life and as a result suffer from a barrage of health inequalities, hampering their chances of going on to lead a happy, successful and fulfilling life.
“I am determined to give all children the best start in life, and this boost to healthcare and career opportunities for care leavers is a concrete step towards that goal.”
To make sure vulnerable children and young people in care are kept safe, the Government is also bringing in new safeguarding measures to make sure no one falls through the cracks.
GPs will be alerted if young patients are in care, while a new regulation will allow for information to be rapidly shared across health services to make sure the right people have the right information at the right time.
This will give health professionals a fuller picture, so if they notice something concerning at a routine appointment, the right services can be informed rapidly and can take appropriate action.
The measures are being brought in as the government accepts recommendations from Josh MacAlister MP, who was the first-ever Children’s Social Care Adviser earlier this year at the Department of Health and Social Care before he was appointed to the Department for Education as Minister for Children and Families.
MacAlister said: “The disadvantage faced by children who’ve grown up in care is a huge social injustice. That’s why we’re taking cross-government action to transform life chances for these children and care leavers.
“This package of health measures will make a tangible difference to reduce health inequalities, keep more children safe and help more families with intensive support.
“It also delivers on recommendations from the independent review of children’s social care that I published in 2022.
“This government is delivering meaningful change to break down barriers to opportunity, especially for those in care.”