The term ‘care leaver’ is defined in The Children (Care Leavers) Act 2000.

There are different terms used to describe the different care leaver statuses.

If you are unsure of your status, you can check your leaver care status and rights. Your PA can also help you with this.

Eligible care leaver

You will be an eligible child if:

  • You are aged between 16 and 17
  • You have been looked-after by Children’s Services for at least 13 weeks, since the age of 14. (The period of 13 weeks does not need to be all in one go)
  • You are still being looked-after by Children’s Services.

Relevant care leaver

You are a relevant care leaver if:

  • You are aged between 16 and 17
  • You have been looked-after by Children’s Services for at least 13 weeks, since the age of 14 (the period of 13 weeks does not need to be all in one go)
  • You have been looked-after for at least 1 day after your 16th
  • You have now left the care of Children’s Services.

Former relevant

You are a former relevant care leaver if:

  • You are aged between 18 and 25
  • You have been previously been either an eligible child or relevant child or both.

Qualifying care leaver

You will be a qualifying care leaver if:

  • You are aged between 16-25
  • You were looked-after by Children’s Services for a period of time between your 16th and 18th birthday.
  • If you spent time in care between the age of 16 – 17 years before being under a Special Guardianship Order (SGO).
  • You were ceased to be looked after and returned to or remained living with a parent or person who has parental responsibility and after completing 6 months at home.
  • You were looked after at any point after the age of 16 and is no longer looked after (minimum of 24 hours)
  • You were looked after at any point after the age of 16 but has not completed 13 weeks of being looked after and is therefore not an ‘eligible care leaver’.

As a qualifying care leaver your social worker will refer you to the care Experienced Team.

Although you won’t have an allocated personal advisor you can contact the duty PA Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm for advice and assistance.

We can help with accommodation during holidays if you are in higher education away from home.

In exceptional circumstances we may provide financial assistance.

You can also access the Living Well Hub on a Thursday between 2pm and 5pm.

You can call us on 01925 446235 or email careleaverduty@warrington.gov.uk

16 May 2025