Supports those care leavers who struggle the most; to live independently in the community, by developing their; life skills, social skills, self-confidence and esteem, increasing their awareness of the universal support services available to them which they can access at the point of need, thereby reducing the likelihood to require interventions from statutory services.

We want Care leavers and their children to be happy, healthy, and able to cope with ‘everyday’ and long term challenges of family life. We want the children of care leavers not to come into care themselves or require the formal intervention of children’s services through child in need plans or child protection plans.

Start Smart provides a dedicated support worker to support looked after children aged 17 in their transition to independence and works closely with the leaving care service and semi-independent providers to ensure support provided is joined up.