What happens when I am 18 and have to leave care?

The HSE is responsible for preparing you to leave care.       

At least 2 years before you are due to leave care a ‘Preparation for Leaving Care Plan’ should be talked about with you by your Social Worker and someone from the Aftercare team.

The Plan:

• Where you would like to live
• Who will support you
• Your financial entitlements
• Whether you are going to go to college or start work
• Also, who will be available to give you advice or if you have good news you want to share with someone.

The most important thing is that you should be involved in all the decisions that are made about you in your plan.

Who will help me to prepare to leave care?

Foster Care:

Your Social Worker and Foster Carers will help you get ready to leave care.

Residential Care:

Your Social Worker, Keyworker and staff where you are living will help you prepare to leave care.You may get a special Aftercare Worker 6 months before you leave care.

Leaving care is not something that should upset you; it’s part of growing up.At some stage every young adult moves out of home. The HSE will do their very best to support you with your move.

What type of accommodation will I be entitled to?

When you start looking at your Preparation for Leaving Care Plan you need to ask your Social Worker or your Aftercare Worker what type of accommodation is available in the area you would like to live in. They should have a list of the different types of accommodation available and will arrange for you to visit some of the places.
There are different types of accommodation available and it is important that you pick the type of accommodation that will best suit you.

What supports will I have when I leave care?

Your Aftercare Worker will support you for a period of time after you leave care.
Three months after you have left care or even sooner You, Your Social Worker and Your Aftercare Worker will have a meeting. At this meeting you will discuss your Aftercare Plan.

• how you are getting on in the accommodation you are now living in.
• have you any concerns or things you may need help with.
• do any more plans need to be made? 

What you think is very important and you should always feel that you have been consulted.

Am I automatically eligible for aftercare services when I reach 18?

Right now under Irish law the HSE doesn’t have to provide any aftercare support services to young people after the age of 18.

EPIC provides a range of aftercare services giving help, support and information.

Learn more about Aftercare at our Aftercare Advocacy & Support Programme

If you think you would be interested in EPIC Aftercare Services or want more information, check out Who in EPIC will work with you