Home

The Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 is a major piece of legislation which came into force on 1st October 2001.

The purpose of the Act is to improve the life chances of young people living in and leaving care. Merton's leaving care services is provided by the 16+ team.

Young people in the care of London Borough of Merton transfer to the 16+team on or around their 16th birthday. The team currently supports approx 80 young people leaving care.

As the experience of leaving care can be very daunting for young people, the 16+ team works in partnership with other agencies, in both the voluntary and private sector, to enable young people to make a smooth transition from being Looked After to living independently.

On these pages you will find some brief information on "leaving care" in Merton.