Free prescriptions for youngsters leaving care in bid to tackle ‘barriers’

Young people leaving care will benefit from free prescriptions, as well as free dental and eye care, until their 25th birthday under new measures announced by the Government.

Family doctors will also be alerted to children who are in care in a bid to keep youngsters safe.

Wes Streeting said children and young people in care face a tough start and a “barrage of health inequalities”.

Meanwhile, new pilot schemes will aim to boost access to mental health support for children in care, as well as paid NHS internships for care leavers and guaranteed interviews or roles in the health service.

The measures will “help break down those barriers to stop care leavers being held back”, according to the Health Secretary.

Young people in care lack support after turning 18, with a higher risk of mental health problems, or experiencing homelessness and unemployment, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).

They also face barriers accessing healthcare, with many not shown how to register with a GP or dentist.

The changes announced by the Government will give tens of thousands of care leavers free prescriptions, eye care and dental care to improve access to NHS services up until the age of 25.

GPs will also be alerted if young patients are in care.

New regulations will allow information to be shared swiftly across services if medics raise concerns at routine appointments.

In a bid to get more care leavers into work, a new pilot will offer paid NHS internships and guaranteed interviews for health roles, while a three-year trial will aim to give children access to mental health support more easily.

The recommendations come from children’s minister Josh MacAlister.

He said: The disadvantage faced by children who’ve grown up in care is a huge social injustice. That’s why we’re taking cross government action to transform life chances for these children and care leavers.

“This package of health measures will make a tangible difference to reduce health inequalities, keep more children safe and help more families with intensive support.

“It also delivers on recommendations from the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care that I published in 2022. This Government is delivering meaningful change to break down barriers to opportunity, especially for those in care.”

Mr Streeting added: “Those in care face the toughest start in life and as a result suffer from a barrage of health inequalities, hampering their chances of going on to lead a happy, successful and fulling life.

“I’m proud that this Government and the work Josh did in my department will help break down those barriers to stop care leavers being held back.

“I am determined to give all children the best start in life, and this boost to healthcare and career opportunities for care leavers is a concrete step towards that goal.”

Published: 23/12/2025 by Radio NewsHub