Boy 'forced' to leave foster care calls for change

Duncan Langley moved into a hostel aged 18

A man from East Sussex who says he was torn from a happy foster home is calling for the government to better support people who are suddenly forced to leave care when they turn 18 years old.

Duncan Langley, now 25, lived with his foster carers in Eastbourne for seven years until his 18th birthday.

He was then moved to a hostel “full of drugs and violence” and was told by social workers he was "on his own" when it came to finding permanent accommodation.

Rushanara Ali, the minister for homelessness, says helping care leavers make a successful transition to independence is a priority for the government.

Mr Langley said: “When I turned 18, social services said [I had] to move out. It was scary. I didn't know how to do anything.

"I had no one. There needs to be much more support from the government."

Care charity Become said that more than 4,300 care leavers became homeless last year - an increase of 54% in the last five years.

'Young and vulnerable'

Katharine Sacks-Jones, chief executive of the charity, said: "These are young people who are often in vulnerable situations, really struggling on their own.

"There needs to be urgent change to give them the support they need to make a positive start into adulthood - particularly housing support."

Become is calling for the government to support all care leavers up until the age of 25.

A spokesperson says the government "wants to do more" to ensure the system enables a successful transition from care to adulthood, including housing help for all care leavers.

East Sussex County Council says it has a scheme allowing young people to stay with their foster carers if both parties agree.

A spokesperson added that the council also has a range of support for care leavers up to the age 25.