Many care-experienced young people like Nathan* have worked hard to build an independent and rewarding life. He had a clear goal for his own home, and a sensible plan for how to get there. But when he was told he could no longer access funding he had been counting on for years, his plan crumbled and his goal suddenly seemed out of reach.

*Nathan’s name has been changed for anonymity

Planning for the future

Nathan entered the care system at the age of 16, and moved into Supported Lodgings when he was 17. Like many care leavers, he was aware that he was entitled to financial support to help him establish his independence after leaving care.

Previously, Nathan had asked about accessing his Setting Up Home Grant – which would provide  him with £2,000. At the time, he was told that if he did not use the money immediately, it could be paid to him as a lump sum when he reached the age of 25. With this incorrect advice, he would set in motion his plans for the future.

As his 25th birthday approached, Nathan contacted his local authority to withdraw the funds he believed he had access to. However, he was told by the local authority that he had not been given the right advice - there was no lump sum available and only  rent and deposit were  available up until his 25th birthday, and that this should have been made clear to him.

For Nathan, the news was a huge disappointment – he had made decisions about his future based on the advice he had received. Instead, he found himself having to rethink plans he had spent years working on and focus on finding a solution, rather than moving forward in his independence.

A clear vision for independence

Nathan wanted to use the grant to support his long-term housing goals. He wasn’t going to use the money to spend on temporary purchases - but to put towards a deposit for his first home. He saw the Setting Up Home Grant as another step towards achieving something that meant a great deal to him: a place to call his own.

Nathan had an ISA where he’d receive a 25% government bonus on up to £4000 each year, and intended to put the grant money in the account to help towards the purchase of his first property, to ensure he’d be using the funding correctly.

Recognising the significance of the decision and the impact it could have on his future, he contacted NYAS for advocacy support, and was connected with NYAS Senior Advocate, Rachel.

*Rachel’s name has been changed for anonymity

"It was unfair for him to be penalised when he had acted in good faith on advice provided by professionals," Rachel explains. "The incorrect advice directly influenced his financial planning."

Rachel also noted that Nathan's planning reflected exactly the kind of forward planning and independence that all professionals seek to encourage among care leavers.

“Under the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 and associated statutory guidance, local authorities have duties as corporate parents to promote the welfare of care leavers and support them into stable adulthood.”  Nathan's commitment to saving for a home demonstrated both ambition and careful financial planning, that would have benefited greatly from his local authority’s support.

Working together to find a solution

After receiving the referral, Rachel took time to carefully understand the full picture.

She spoke with the referrer who connected Nathan with NYAS, before arranging a conversation with Nathan that worked for him around his shift work. During their first discussions, Rachel explained her advocacy role, confidentiality, safeguarding responsibilities and Nathan’s rights throughout the process.

Together, they talked through what had happened, the options available and reviewed the information Nathan had received, including earlier advice from his Personal Advisor and emails confirming that his request had been declined.

The next step was deciding the best way to challenge the decision.

"We discussed whether to pursue a formal complaint or try and appeal to their status as former Corporate Parents and his status as a Care Leaver," Rachel explained.

Given how lengthy complaints processes can sometimes be, they agreed that the latter approach offered the best chance of achieving a timely resolution.

Taking into account local legislation, eligibility criteria and corporate parenting principles, Rachel worked with her team at NYAS to draft a detailed representation outlining why Nathan's request should be reconsidered.

Most importantly, Nathan’s wishes remained at the centre of every decision, ensuring that every step reflected his for his future.

An outcome that exceeded expectations

Once Nathan had approved the representation, it was sent to the manager who had originally declined the request.

The local authority replied, agreeing to issue Nathan £2,000.

While this was a positive result, the advocate noticed that the amount did not reflect the current Leaving Care allowance, which had increased to £3,000 in 2023.

A further request was made on Nathan's behalf. This time, the outcome exceeded expectations.

The local authority agreed to increase the payment to £3,000.

Looking forward

The additional support has given Nathan a significant boost towards achieving his long-term ambitions.

He is now hopeful that he could purchase his own home within the next three to four years, something that once felt out of reach.

Throughout his journey, professionals have recognised his commitment to budgeting, saving and making responsible financial decisions. Receiving the support he was entitled to has strengthened his confidence that those efforts can lead to lasting stability and independence.

Rachel reflects, "This was something he never imagined he could achieve when he first left care."

The difference advocacy can make

Nathan’s case is a powerful example of how values-led, rights-based advocacy can work for care-experienced young people – where action can be taken on decisions that will have lasting effects on their future.

Independent advocacy can support care-experienced young people to access services, challenge decisions, understand their rights and ensure their voices are heard. Advocacy plays a key role in holding organisations accountable and ensuring that young people's experiences inform decision-making.

"It is a strong example of the impact NYAS advocacy can have," Rachel says. "Especially for older care-experienced young people who are planning for their futures."

Many care-experienced young people wonder whether advocacy can truly make a difference.

Rachel's answer is simple:

"Try it! The impact it can have can be truly transformational."

After going through the process himself, Nathan also recommends the support he received to other care-experienced young people - “Rachel and NYAS were absolutely brilliant in helping me resolve this situation, and I wouldn’t hesitate in suggesting to any young person to reach out to them.”

To find out more about the advocacy support available for young people from NYAS, visit: https://www.nyas.net/get-support/young-people/advocacy/