Asylum experienced care leavers

Information for young people who arrived in the UK without family and are now leaving care.

If you came to the UK on your own seeking safety, you may have been looked after by Newcastle City Council as an Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Child (UASC). When you turn 18, you become a care leaver – and there is a lot of support available to help you as you move into adulthood.

This page explains clearly what you are entitled to, what help you can ask for, and how we will continue to support you.

Your Leaving Care Support Officer (LCSO)

When you turn 18, you will be given a LCSO.
Your LCSO is here to help you:

  • understand your rights and entitlements
  • make a Pathway Plan with goals important to you
  • help you to access education, training or work
  • support you to find safe housing
  • get help with health, wellbeing, immigration issues and finances
  • build independence skills
  • stay connected with your community and culture

Your LCSO will support you until you’re 25 if you wish.

Your Housing and Accommodation

As a UASC care leaver, you can get help to make sure you have a safe place to live.
Depending on your needs and your immigration status, this may include:

  • supported accommodation
  • semi independent living
  • staying Close arrangements (if you were in residential care)
  • help finding private rented accommodation
  • support with understanding tenancy agreements
  • advice on benefits you may be able to claim (depending on immigration status)

Your LCSO will work with you to make a housing plan that feels safe and realistic for your circumstances.

Education, Employment and Training (EET)

If you stay in education or training, you can receive leaving care support until age 25.
Education and training can include:

  • ESOL (English lessons)
  • college courses
  • apprenticeships
  • vocational training
  • university and postgraduate study
  • short courses that help with independence or employment

We can help with:

  • course applications
  • travel support (where possible)
  • bursaries you may be entitled to
  • finding work experience or volunteering
  • understanding what support is available if your immigration claim is undecided

Money, Benefits, and Financial Support

What financial support you receive depends on your immigration status, but your LCSO will always help you understand what you can get.
Support may include:

  • a Leaving Care Grant to help set up your home (once you have settled immigration status)
  • help with essential items such as clothing, food and travel
  • support with opening a bank account
  • help managing bills and budgeting
  • support with Home Office applications and accessing legal advice
  • university bursaries (if you are studying and meet eligibility)

If your asylum claim is still in progress, or you become Appeal Rights Exhausted (ARE), you may still be entitled to support following a Human Rights Assessment.

Health, Wellbeing and Emotional Support

We know leaving care can be a big change. You can receive support with:

  • registering with a GP and dentist
  • support for your mental health and emotional wellbeing
  • help accessing specialist services if needed
  • support with trauma, grief or adjusting to life in a new country
  • cultural and community connections that are important to you

Help with Immigration

Your immigration status is extremely important as a UASC care leaver. We will:

  • help you access a qualified immigration solicitor
  • support you to understand your rights and responsibilities
  • attend appointments with you where needed
  • help you gather documents and evidence
  • ensure your Pathway Plan reflects your immigration goals
  • support you through decisions and appeals

If your immigration status affects the type of support you can receive, we will complete a Human Rights Assessment to make sure your basic needs are met.

Staying Connected

Being part of a community helps you feel supported and confident. We can help you:

  • join local groups
  • take part in activities and events
  • connect with faith or cultural communities
  • make friends and build positive relationships
  • access mentoring opportunities
  • get involved in care leaver participation groups

Your Rights as a UASC Care Leaver

You have the same core entitlements as all care leavers, plus support linked to your unique situation as someone seeking asylum or refuge.

You have the right to:

  • be treated with dignity and respect
  • have a say in your plans and decisions
  • be supported to understand your immigration status
  • feel safe and listened to
  • access independent advocacy
  • ask for a new LCSO if the relationship isn’t working

How to Get Help

You can contact your LCSO or the Leaving Care Team, at any time for advice, support or just someone to talk to.