18+ Action to take

Congratulations! If you have a Junior ISA (JISA) or Child Trust Fund (CTF), you can now access the money that has been saved for you.

This money belongs to you and could help you take your next steps into adult life, whether that's education, training, employment, housing, starting a business, or saving for the future.

Your money, your future

First things first: find your account

If you are a Care Leaver that was born on or after 3rd January 1994, are a UK resident and have been in care for one year or more continually after 2nd January 2011

You are likely to have a Junior ISA. The Share Foundation will have set the account up, and knows who is administering it as account provider.  

Visit MyJISA.sharefound.org to find out who your account provider is and how to access your money.

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If you were born in UK on or after 1st September 2002 You are likely to have a Child Trust Fund (CTF.

If The Share Foundation was the registered contact for your account, visit MyCTF.sharefound.org.

If you're unsure, or if there was another responsible adult linked to your account we can still help locate your account, visit FindCTF.sharefound.org.

We'll help point you in the right direction so you can contact your account provider and access your money. If you were born outside of the UK, during this time and have been in care for 12months or more continually you may have a Junior ISA.

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What happens now I'm 18?

When you turn 18, your account becomes an adult account in your name. You can:

  • Access your money

  • Leave it invested

  • Move it to another ISA

  • Continue saving for the future

If you don't make a decision straight away, your account will automatically continue as an adult ISA or Matured Child Trust Fund.
The amount varies depending on the type of account and any additional contributions made over the years. Many Child Trust Funds are now worth over £1,000, while some accounts may contain more.

If you're not sure how much is in your account, your account provider will be able to tell you once you've been identified or you can contact your local authority, as we will have sent them a final statement once you turned 18.

Accessing your savings is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. That's why The Share Foundation offers support to help you:

  • Understand your options

  • Learn about saving and investing

  • Build confidence managing money

  • Plan for education, training or employment

  • Prepare for independent living

You can continue to access our Stepladder programme until the age of 25, helping you develop practical life and money skills for adulthood – but please not this version does not carry financial incentives.

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Stepladder — The Share Foundation

Looking for work, training or opportunities?

The money in your account could help support your future goals, but there are also organisations that can help you find opportunities.

  • The Care Leaver Covenant offers:

    • Apprenticeships

    • Employment opportunities

    • Training programmes

    • Discounts and offers

    • Support for care-experienced young people

    It's a great place to explore your next steps and secure discounts/benefits. Sign up to their Connects programme.

  • ‍Catch 22 provides really helpful guidance for young people seeking apprenticeships and work opportunities: here's the link - Apprenticeships & Employability ‍

  • The Kings Trust is a national youth charity that helps young people to build the life they choose rather than the one they’ve ended up with.

    They can help you access to start-up loans and help with setting up a business, for example. Or they can help you find additional training or further education.

    Because they have people 'on the ground' all over the United Kingdom, there'll be people you can meet to help you get started. Explore our support | King's Trust courses and programmes.

Your questions, answered

  • No. The money belongs to you and only you can access it once your identity has been verified.

  • No. You can leave it invested if you wish.

  • We can't provide personal financial advice, but we can help you understand your options and point you towards trusted information and support.

Need More Help?

Our team is here to support you. Phone 01296 310400 or email info@sharefound.org.

Whether you need help finding your account, understanding your options, or accessing educational resources, we're happy to help.