Blog by Elizabeth Collins, Head of Systems Delivery
I was interested to read a review from the Department of Education, which was completed by Ashley John-Baptiste and Clare Chamberlain and examines the experience of young people leaving care and share the stories of 6 young people between the ages of 18 and 24. Given Level Up Experts by Experience have consistently raised transitions as young people prepare for adulthood as a priority, this topic is of particular interest to me and indeed the Transitions Community of Practice, was established in 2025 as a result of that feedback.
The young people's stories in the report are distressing. The circumstances described include reference to custody, suicide and murder.
The learning themes identified in the report very much reflect those explored at our last Transitions Community of Practice meeting in July 2026: readiness for adulthood, when there is a drop in levels of support and potential workforce development required to support young people during the transition.
I was struck when reading the report by the range of organisations which had participated in discussion for the review, including professionals from Local Authorities, Government, Prison and Probation Services and NHS, in addition to many support organisations working with children, young people and families. It reminded me of the importance of multi-agency working developed in Cheshire and Merseyside, including CNEST, Gateway and our Quality and Transformation Programme for young people's focus on Transitions.
As we look ahead to continuing our programme of multi-professional activity to improve the experience of those preparing for adulthood in Cheshire and Merseyside during 2026, I am reflecting upon the stories of the 6 young people included in this review and the review's subtitle, a quote from a young person, 'You really are on your own', is an important reminder to we professionals of the lived experience of young people aged 18-25.
