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Care leavers face barriers of access to mental health services and jobs, as well as a shortage of suitable accommodation, a report has found.
Ofsted have called on councils to review their care leavers' services following a study based on six local authorities.
Published today, the inspectorate highlighted that leaving care is not a single event but a period of transition, and called for a better emphasis on continual support and guidance.
The report found that young people were not confident in leaving secure settings with only five in thirty care leavers feeling "totally prepared".
The report recommended the Department of Children, Schools and Families should work in partnership with the benefits agency to review aspects of the benefits system that have an impact on the independence of care leavers.
Ofsted also called on local authorities to use opportunities and resources within the authority and through partnerships with other agencies, in supporting care leavers.
Christine Gilbert, Her Majesty's chief inspector, said the report had shown the impact that good local authorities can have on the lives of those leaving care.
"The transition into adulthood and independence can be an anxious and challenging time," she explained.
"However, the commitment made by social care workers to go that extra mile for these young people is evident in our report."
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