Our local offer for Dorset care leavers

We know that becoming an adult is a big step with many new decisions, and we want you to know that we still care about you and that you have our support.   

 We want to make sure that Dorset care leavers feel safe and supported and know where to go for advice and help.   

 We want to make sure you:  

  • have somewhere to live  
  • grow up healthy  
  • stay safe  
  • do well in education and work  

Our Care Leaver Local Offer sets out the support available to you as you leave care. It provides you with information about your rights. It says what you are entitled to. We have shaped our local offer using feedback from Dorset’s care leavers on what they need from our services.  

The support you get is different depending upon when you came into care and how long you have been, or were in, care.   

If you are not sure which care leaver you are, this easy to use tool from Coram Voice can help. 

Download our app for local events

Find events near you on our Graduating Care South West (GCSW) app, you can see what's happening for care leavers across Dorset and the South West.

Download the app today. You can also use the QR code or search for 'GCSW' on your app store. It is free to use and once downloaded you can access our full offer without Wi-Fi.
 
Graduating Care South West (GCSW) app logo

Find out the different kinds of care leavers, and what ages they apply to

Find out what entitlements are available to care leavers

We want you to succeed in your education training and work and will support you to achieve your goals

Apply to be added to the housing register for a home in Dorset

Details of your health passport, and how your personal adviser can help you access health services

Find out how a personal adviser will support and advise you as a care leaver

Find out about the Youth Voice Network you can join

Support available for you to be the best version of yourself

The Dorset care leavers hub in Weymouth is a safe place for care leavers over the age of 18

Details of the support your Personal Advisor will provide in order for you to become independent

Your Personal Adviser will work with you until you are 21. They can continue to work with you until you are 25 if you choose

Advice and support that's available when you reach 25 years old and beyond. 

The support available if you have come to the UK and are seeking asylum here

You have a right to be listened to and have your views taken seriously. Find out how an advocate can support you

You have a right to see the personal information we hold about you. This includes the records written about you when you were in care

Your Pathway Plan is a something written with you, and sets out your needs, views, and future goals

If you are pregnant or a parent, your Personal Adviser can help you to get the support you and your family might need

Information on what happens if you are detained in prison

Our promise to our children and young people

You can get in touch to share a comment, compliment or complaint

Meet the care leavers team

Meet your care leavers team and see who will be supporting you.

Contact us

Contact the care leavers team.

You can also email the leaving care team direct to share a comment or compliment about your PA at: pafeedback@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk