As a young person comes up to the age of 18, they will be fully supported by the Leaving Care Team to consider their future and especially their housing needs. This process starts early so that everyone can plan in advance and to ensure we are flexible at providing support in a way that it is needed. There are a range of housing options for those leaving care and discussions should take place to make this a less scary step forward and so that decisions taken can be well informed.
Staying put is the preferred option for young people in foster care. Where the young person and the fostering household agree to continue to live together this is known as a 'Staying put arrangement' and is supported by the local authority,