CARE leavers in Dorset need to be better supported Dorset county councillors have been told.

While the average age for youngsters striking out on their own is 24, for care leavers who have been the responsibility of the council, they are likely to be on their own at the age of 17.

Many will have additional needs, learning disability or support in other ways.

Cllr Jill Haynes told Wednesday’s DCC cabinet meeting that she was concerned about some having to cope on their own and said many would find having to deal with Universal Credit claims difficult.

She was told that there were arrangements in place for some young people remain in the care of the local authority, but she said that was not really the answer as they had to learn how to cope on their own, sooner or later.

Interim social services director Nick Jarman said that Dorset did better than many councils for those leaving care and did have a range of support in place, but he acknowledged that more could be done.

Council leader and shadow Dorset Council executive chair Cllr Rebecca Knox said she believed the issue was something which should be taken up as a priority by the new Dorset Council once it comes into being in April.