Your accommodation

Our commitment is to ensure that every care leaver finds a suitable and comforting place to live, based on their individual needs and circumstances.

16 - 17 years old

This could mean living with a foster carer or in supported accommodation.

When you reach 18, if you wish to, you can often continue to live with your foster carer, under what is called a ‘Staying Put’ arrangement. This will be discussed with you and your foster carer to see if it is possible. You will have to pay rent and contributing to bills. This can be covered either through housing benefits or your wages. Make sure you discuss this option with your Social Worker and Personal Advisor.

Over 18

We will help you to find a suitable place to live and give you advice along the way. Don’t worry, as you will have a Personal Advisor to help you every step of the way.

We'll only suggest living on your own when we see you're ready for it. It's a big decision, and we're here to help you succeed.

What does it mean?

Supported Accommodation
This is where you move from living with foster carers to becoming more independent and living with a host family, who are like foster carers but will encourage you to become more independent. It is hoped that your supported lodgings placement will be safe and secure and allow you to learn essential life skills ready for you to live more independently.

Personal Advisor (PA) 
When you reach 16 and become a care leaver, alongside your social worker you will also have a personal advisor, known as a PA, who will give you extra support. When you turn 18, your social worker will stop working with you and you will just be supported by your PA.