No young person left behind: How better communication can prevent the ‘care cliff’

Understanding the “care cliff”

The term “care cliff” encapsulates the abrupt end of support that care-leavers face when turning 18. Without adequate preparation and guidance, this sudden shift can lead to challenges like homelessness, unemployment and mental health issues.

Recognising these risks, the charity Become has launched the #EndTheCareCliff campaign, advocating for extended and tailored support to bridge this transition smoothly.

The need for clear and consistent communication

For fostering services, establishing clear and consistent communication channels with young people as they near the age of 18 is absolutely vital. This communication will make sure they’re well-informed about the changes ahead and the support available to them.

It should include:​

• Early engagement: Initiate conversations about the transition well before the young person’s 18th birthday. This proactive approach allows plenty of time to address concerns, set expectations and develop a comprehensive pathway plan tailored to their aspirations and needs.​
• Personalised messaging: Each young person’s journey is unique so tailor your communications to reflect individual circumstances, strengths and goals, ensuring each young person feels valued and understood.​
• Regular updates: Maintain a consistent schedule of check-ins to provide updates, answer questions and offer reassurance. This consistency helps build trust and reinforces the message that support is ongoing.​
• Accessible language: Use clear, jargon-free language to ensure the young person fully understands the information.

Through my role as a volunteer Independent Visitor with The Children’s Society, I’ve witnessed firsthand the detrimental effects of poor and conflicting communication on young people in care. Misunderstandings and a lack of clear guidance can exacerbate feelings of uncertainty and isolation. On the other hand, consistent and empathetic communication has proven to empower these young individuals, helping them to build both confidence and resilience as they approach independence.​

What’s the best way to communicate?

Selecting appropriate communication methods is vital to engage young people effectively:​

• Face-to-face meetings: Personal interactions build trust and allow for sensitive discussions. They provide a safe space for young people to express their thoughts and feelings openly.​
• Digital platforms: Utilise familiar platforms such as messaging apps or video calls, respecting the young person’s preferred mode of communication. This flexibility can enhance engagement and accessibility.​
• Written materials: Provide written guides or leaflets outlining key information about the transition process. These materials serve as handy references that young people can revisit as needed.​
• Peer support networks: Facilitate connections with previous care leavers who have lived experience. This can offer relatable perspectives and practical advice.​

Eleven’s commitment to supporting care leavers

At Eleven, our mission is to harness creativity to shape a brighter, fairer world. In partnership with Cheshire East Council, we launched the Support for Care Leavers programme in May 2024, aiming to provide mentorship and skills development for young people exiting the care system. To date, we’ve supported 14 care leavers through workshops focused on creative thinking, time management, communication and teamwork. Our goal is to enhance employment outcomes for care leavers, addressing the disproportionate representation of those who aren’t in education, employment, or training (NEET).​

Taking a strategic approach

To improve support for young people transitioning from care, fostering services must take a strategic approach to communications. The right messaging, delivered in the right way, can make a tangible difference in ensuring young people feel informed, reassured and supported. Here’s what you can do:

1. Develop a clear and engaging communications plan

Map out the key messages young people need to hear in the months leading up to their 18^th birthday and beyond. It’s also important to ensure consistency across different channels (in-person, digital, printed materials) so young people receive clear and aligned information. And regularly review your messaging with input from care leavers to ensure it resonates.

2.  Create young person-centred content

Move away from complex, policy-heavy language and instead use accessible, conversational tones. Use formats that young people are familiar with – like short-form video, interactive content and peer-led storytelling. And showcase real-life stories of care leavers who have successfully navigated the transition to independence to inspire and inform.

3.  Leverage digital and social media channels

Young people engage with content primarily through digital platforms, so meet them where they are. Create dedicated online resources, such as a microsite or social media group, with clear guidance on the support available. And use messaging apps and digital tools for quick and informal check-ins, allowing young people to ask questions in a way that feels natural.

4.  Ensure regular and two-way communication

Don’t just communicate at key transition points – instead, maintain regular   engagement through newsletters, texts and interactive Q&A sessions. Encourage feedback loops where young people can voice their concerns and ask for further clarification. You might even consider appointing a “communications champion” within fostering teams to oversee messaging strategies and ensure young people’s voices shape the approach.

5.  Collaborate with experts

Make sure you partner with specialist agencies, like Eleven, that understand the nuances of communicating with care-experienced young people. And work with these creative professionals to design campaigns, digital experiences and print materials that engage and inform young people in an accessible way.

Conclusion

The transition from care to independence is a critical juncture that requires thoughtful preparation and unwavering support. By prioritising clear, consistent and compassionate communication, fostering services can play a pivotal role in ensuring that young people feel equipped and confident to embark on this new chapter of their lives.

At Eleven, we’re dedicated to collaborating with professionals in the children’s social care sector to enhance outcomes for care-experienced individuals, striving to create a society where every young person has the opportunity to thrive. So if you’d like to find out more about working with us to improve your communications in this area, please do get in touch!