![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/joe-swash-teenagers-leaving-care-almost-set-up-for-failure/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/130281811_42ce7a38-23ea-4b74-a0ca-8cc932a4decc.jpg&description=Image source, BBC/Firecracker Films/ Michas Vanni Joe Swash's mother is a foster carer and the TV star has developed a strong bond with his foster sibling, Daniel, who the celebrity says will always be in their family. But for some young people who have been in care, support can drop away when they reach 18 and leave the care system. "Daniel will be part of our life forever. He's as much part of the family as me," says actor and presenter Joe Swash. Joe's mother, Kiffy, has been a foster carer for more than 11 years - Daniel came to live with her when he was seven. Now aged 18, he lives away while studying at university - but his home is still with Kiffy. "My mum can't wait to get him home," says Joe, adding that as far as Kiffy is concerned, her role is far from over. "You don't just suddenly grow up at 18," he says. "As for Daniel, that's a job for life for my mum." Image source, BBC/Firecracker Films Image caption, Joe Swash's mother, Kiffy, has been a foster carer for over 11 years In the UK, young people officially leave care at 18. Under England's guidelines they are still entitled to some support from their local council up to the age of 25. This includes access to a personal adviser who takes over responsibility for supporting the young person, offering advice and information to help them live independently. However, support can differ slightly depending on a person's age and time spent in care. Kiffy says she was shocked when Daniel turned 18 and "nothing clicked in" for him. A charity for children in care and care leavers, Become, says many young people are expected to be independent before they are ready and often at a moment when they most need stability. It says many of the young people it works with, describe approaching 18 as like a "cliff edge" or "like being on death row". "They're counting down the days until their 18th birthday, because that's when their placements are stopped and they're basically expected to become independent overnight," says C){kind=link}
Joe Swash’s mother is a foster carer and the TV star has developed a strong bond with his foster sibling, Daniel, who the celebrity says will always be in their family. But for some young people who have been in care, support can drop away when they reach 18 and leave the care system.
“Daniel will be part of our life forever. He’s as much part of the family as me,” says actor and presenter Joe Swash.
Joe’s mother, Kiffy, has been a foster carer for more than 11 years – Daniel came to live with her when he was seven. Now aged 18, he lives away while studying at university – but his home is still with Kiffy.
“My mum can’t wait to get him home,” says Joe, adding that as far as Kiffy is concerned, her role is far from over.
“You don’t just suddenly grow up at 18,” he says. “As for Daniel, that’s a job for life for my mum.”