Care to career – the movement
We believe every single care-experienced young person has immense potential, but systemic barriers limit their opportunities. By empowering them with the right resources, mentorship, and career pathways, we can provide the catalyst that propels them from #CareToCareer.
CareToCareer is the movement that unites the public, private and voluntary sector through our shared ambition of supporting care-experienced young people into fulfilling and sustained employment.
Giving care-experienced young people the tools they need
Care-experienced young people face significantly worse employment outcomes during adulthood, with 39% of care leavers aged 19-21, not in education, employment or training (NEET), compared to 13% of their peers. And by the age of 27, only 22% of care-experienced young people are in employment, compared to 57% of their peers.
Our goal is to reduce the care leaver NEET rate (39%) so that it is level with the national average (13%). To achieve this the barriers to sustainable employment need to be lifted, which will require improvements across the whole care system.
Policy Forum What is the policy forum?
Our Care Experienced Policy Forum was established in 2016 as a response to the consistent oversight of care-experienced young people in policy development and implementation.
Since our formation, we have advocated on issues affecting care-experienced young people across the care system including housing, health & wellbeing, employment and criminal justice.
Our forum is made by passionate individuals driven by a common purpose coming together to effect positive change for care-experienced people. Over the years our forum has built valuable relationships with public officials and organisations around the country; utilising our connections to influence policy makers, legislation and services in London and Nationally.
Looked-after children
Care leavers
Policy Forum members
Commitment
Join the movement Change can’t wait
Care-experienced young people deserve more than statements – they need action.
At Drive Forward, we amplify their voices so policy-makers are equipped with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions.
Together, we can break barriers, challenge injustice, and build a system that truly supports every care leaver from care to career.
Drive Forward Young Person? To join our policy forum, please speak with your Career Specialist to learn more.
