As you head towards turning 18 and leaving care, one of the biggest decisions you will have to make is where you are going to live. It is a huge decision and there are lots of choices, but don’t worry – there’s lots of help and support available for you.
There are loads of options, ranging from staying 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 advisor to give you information and explain all your choices to you. Ideally, you should start the conversation way before you turn 18, so you have plenty of time to think and plan.
Deciding to move out
Choosing to strike out on your own, or living with friends, is a big step but it might be the right choice for you. However, if you do decide to move out then there are some things that children’s services need to do:
- 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 or be able to give you exactly what you are asking for!
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, as well as the boundaries and rules of living together
Top Tip
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 sheltercymru.org.uk