Leaving foster care is a significant step towards independence. At Flourish Fostering, we’re here to guide young people through this transition, offering continued support and advice. We want to make sure the young person is prepared and that their expectations of what happens when they turn 18 are realistic so the transition goes as smoothly as possible for them. The foster parent, their Supervising Social Worker and our therapy team are all available to support young people with any worries or concerns.
Young people leaving care are entitled to a range of resources to help them thrive, from education and training opportunities to housing assistance and financial support. Here’s a closer look at what’s available:
Personal Advisor and Pathway Plan
One key support for care leavers is having a personal advisor. This person works closely with young people, offering guidance and support as they transition into adulthood. They help create a pathway plan tailored to individual needs, covering areas such as housing, education, employment, health, and finances. This plan is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect any changes in circumstances or aspirations.
Education and Employment
For those who wish to continue their education, care leavers may be eligible for financial support such as a Higher Education Bursary if they’re planning to attend university. Young people can also access training programs, apprenticeships, or other employment pathways to help them build a career. Support may include help with job applications, interview preparation, and workplace skills development.
Moving Out
When it comes to finding a place to live, young people leaving care have several options. Care leavers can access suitable accommodation through local authorities, including independent living options or continued living arrangements with foster carers.
Young people are also prioritised for social housing and may receive assistance with housing benefits if they decide to live on their own. Care leavers must discuss their housing needs with their personal adviser as early as possible to explore the best options.
Staying Put
The “Staying Put” scheme was introduced in England in 2014. It allows young people to remain with their foster families after turning 18 if both the foster parent and young person agree. This arrangement continues until the young person is 21 and helps provide stability as they transition to adulthood. While it is no longer a foster placement, foster parents still receive support as part of the care leaver framework. This initiative aims to ease the transition from foster care to independent living.
Financial Support
In addition to housing support, care leavers may be entitled to various forms of financial assistance, such as setting up home allowances to help with the cost of moving into independent living. They can also receive ongoing advice on managing money, paying bills, and accessing benefits such as Universal Credit if needed.
Health and Wellbeing
Supporting mental and physical health is essential during this transition. Care leavers continue to have access to healthcare services, and their personal adviser can help connect them with mental health resources, such as counselling or therapy.
Care Leaver Services Until 25
Even after reaching the ages of 18 and 21, young people can continue receiving support until they turn 25. This extended service is vital for those who may need additional time to settle into adult life, though not all care leavers need it. Services can help with finding a stable job, securing long-term housing, or pursuing higher education.[‘;
Conclusion
At Flourish Fostering, we’re committed to ensuring that young people leaving care have access to the guidance, resources, and support they need to succeed. With options for education, employment, housing, and health, care leavers can confidently step into adulthood with a solid foundation.
