Young people leaving care in England will now receive free prescriptions, dental and eye care up to the age of 25, as part of new government measures designed to reduce persistent health inequalities. The reforms also include pilot schemes offering NHS internships, guaranteed interviews for care-experienced applicants, and expanded mental health support.
The policy aims to address the challenges faced by care leavers, who are statistically more vulnerable to poor health outcomes, homelessness, and unemployment. Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the changes recognise the disadvantages experienced by those who grow up in foster care or children’s homes and seek to “break down barriers” to opportunity.
Free NHS Access to Tackle Health Inequalities
Tens of thousands of care leavers across England will be entitled to free prescriptions, dental treatment, and eye care until their 25th birthday. According to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), the initiative follows concerns that many young people leaving care struggle to access basic health services, with some never shown how to register with a GP or dentist.
The measure was announced by Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who described it as a response to the “barrage of health inequalities” faced by care-experienced young people. “Those in care face the toughest start in life,” he stated, adding that the new policy would ensure that “no young person falls through the cracks”.
Data from the DHSC shows that in 2025, there were approximately 53,230 care leavers aged 17 to 21, and a further 44,430 aged 22 to 25. Many of these individuals are at a higher risk of developing mental health conditions and experiencing long-term difficulties, including housing instability and limited employment prospects.
New regulations will also enable GPs and health professionals to be automatically alerted when a patient is in care, aiming to strengthen safeguarding measures. According to the same department, clinicians will be able to raise concerns and share information across services more efficiently during routine medical appointments.
Support Beyond Health: Internships and Mental Health Pilots
In addition to free healthcare, the government is launching a series of pilot schemes aimed at improving long-term outcomes for care leavers. These include paid internships in the NHS and a guaranteed interview programme for those applying to roles within the health service. Care-experienced candidates who meet the minimum requirements for a position will be interviewed alongside other shortlisted applicants, according to the DHSC.
Education Minister Josh MacAlister, who previously led the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care, emphasised the need for cross-government action. He described the disadvantage faced by care leavers as a “huge social injustice” and said the new package was designed to “make a tangible difference” in reducing that disparity.
A separate three-year pilot will also be launched to improve early access to mental health support for children currently in care. This effort reflects findings that care-experienced individuals are disproportionately affected by psychological difficulties.
Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza welcomed the changes, noting that nearly two in five care leavers aged 19 to 21 are not in education, employment or training. “These are not marginal services, but support that can help care leavers overcome challenges to make a successful transition into adulthood – support that other young people take for granted.” she said. According to the DHSC, the reforms aim to deliver on the recommendations of the 2022 Independent Review and ensure care leavers are better supported as they move into adult life.
