Knowing your rights is a big part of becoming independent. Even after you leave care, your council is still your corporate parent — which means they have a duty to offer advice and support until at least age 25 (if you want it).

You’re entitled to a Personal Adviser (PA), a regularly updated Pathway Plan, and the right to have your voice heard in decisions about housing, education, health and benefits. If something isn’t right, you can ask for an independent advocate to help you with complaints, meetings or appeals.

If you’re an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, it’s also important to check your EU Settlement Scheme status (settled or pre-settled) so your rights are protected.

At Orchard Therapeutic Outreach, we’ll walk through your rights with you, explain the jargon, and help you feel confident in speaking up for yourself.

Know your rights 

• Your council remains your corporate parent and must offer advice and support until at least age 25 (if you want it). 

• You’re entitled to a Personal Adviser (PA) and a regularly updated Pathway Plan. 

• You can ask for advocacy to help with complaints, accommodation, education, health or benefits decisions. 

• If you’re an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, make sure your EU Settlement Scheme status is sorted (settled or pre-settled).