Not many young people are ready to live independently when they turn 18, so thinking about where you are going to live after you turn 18 is probably one of the biggest decisions you have to make as you leave care. But don’t worry, there’s lots of help and support available for you.
What are my options?
There are loads of options, ranging from staying living with your foster carers under a When I Am Ready arrangement (something that’s definitely worth thinking about, even if you fancy the idea of living on your own) or supported lodgings, to getting your own place or returning to your birth family.
Not all of the options are available in every area, so you should ask your social worker or personal adviser to give you information and explain all your choices to you.
When I am Ready
For many young people, staying living with their foster carers after they turn 18 is a really great choice. If you and your foster carers both want this, then your local authority has to make it happen. You can stay with your foster carers under a When I am Ready arrangement until you’re 21, or up to age 25 if completing an agreed programme of education or training. This means that you won’t have to worry about moving while you’re sorting out other important things, such as going to college or starting a job.
If you do decide to go for When I am Ready, your social worker, foster carer and you will complete a Living Together arrangement which is an agreement about the goals you want to achieve, the boundaries and rules of living together in a When I am Ready placement.
Before you move out
If you do move out from your foster carers’ place then, before you move in to somewhere new, children’s services need to:
- Take into account your needs and your views about where you want to live
- Look at how the location meets your needs and the safety issues of the new accommodation, as well as whether you can afford the running costs
- Arrange for you to visit the new accommodation.
Children’s services need to be reasonable when deciding with you where you are going to live – but this doesn’t mean that they will always agree with you!
All local authorities have housing department workers who are experts in sorting out housing for young people. Find out the name of the person responsible for helping you with your housing. If you have trouble doing that, ask your social worker or personal advisor to find out.
For additional advice and support call the Housing Advice Helpline on 08000 495 495 or visit the sheltercymru.org.uk
