Devon unveils £140m plan to transform support for care leavers and homeless young people

Devon County Council is set to overhaul the way it supports some of the county’s most vulnerable young people, with a new £140 million framework aimed at improving housing and support for 16 to 25-year-olds leaving care or at risk of homelessness.

The proposed model, “My Future, My Way”, will replace fragmented services with a more integrated approach, ensuring young people receive the right support, at the right time, in the right place, by people with the right skills and relationship.

The plan includes dedicated Key Support Workers for young people as they progress from supported accommodation into their own tenancies and independent  living.

The change marks a shift from the current system where support is tied to specific supported housing units. This will ensure consistency in relationships for young people, which they have said is key to them achieving successful outcomes.

There are currently 255 young people aged 16 to 17 in care, an increase of nearly 3 per cent in the past year.

In addition, 594 care leavers aged 18 to 25 live in Devon, a figure expected to grow by 20 per cent by 2028.

Evictions from Supported Housing arrangements also leave some young people at risk of homelessness, but by creating better homes for young people with the right support, the council aims to prevent them, and for any moves to happen in a planned way.

Young people have helped shape the new model, calling for better mental health support, improved communication, and clearer pathways to independence.

The changes will reduce reliance on costly emergency accommodation, create a flexible system that adapts to emerging needs of young people, and improve outcomes such as engagement with education, employment, and stable tenancies.

The Council will seek providers to join an open framework under 10-year contracts, with the first phase expected to launch in July 2026.