Care often feels like an unfair 'postcode lottery' even within the same local authority, children and young people have warned in a report.
The report, launched by A National Voice in response to the care review, found care experienced young people often receive varying levels of support. In one case, twin sisters received different levels of financial support and different numbers of care placements despite being looked after the same local authority.
Care leavers also warned they were left struggling to cope financially and emotionally after support was suddenly withdrawn.
The responses collected for the reports shows children and young people want better practical and financial support to prepare them for independence, clearer financial packages, fewer changes in social workers and more involvement in decision making.
Linda Briheim-Crookall, head of policy and practice development at Coram Voice, said: 'There is a need for better and more consistent practice across the country and professionals who are trained to fully understand the emotional and financial issues that young people are facing.
'Services need to be well resourced and designed with young people in mind if we are serious about transforming children’s experience of care for the better and preparing them to succeed in life. It's so important as the care review progresses, that children and young people's voices, views and experiences are at the heart of change.'
