People who have grown up in care will be able to get free medicine and dental services until their 25th birthday under new measures announced by the Government.
A new pilot scheme will also aim to boost access to mental health support for children in care, while GPs will be alerted to patients who are in care in a bid to keep them safe.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the change is being made in recognition of the difficulties young people face if they have grown up in foster care or a children’s home.
Lynn Perry, chief executive of Barnardo’s, said: “It cannot be right that children who have grown up in foster care and children’s homes have poorer health than their peers.
“We warmly welcome the government’s decision to extend free prescriptions and dental care to these young people up to the age of 25. It’s an important step towards a society which gives all children the best start in life, whatever their background.
“We also welcome the intention to boost access to mental health support for children in care. We look forward to working closely with the government to make sure this delivers real change for the children who need it most.”