Turning 18 is a major milestone for any young person. It can be an exciting time, but it can also bring new challenges as they begin to make decisions about their future, manage new responsibilities and prepare for adult life.
There can sometimes be a misconception that when a young person in foster care reaches 18, they automatically must leave their foster home. However, this is not always the case.
Staying Put is an arrangement that allows a young person to remain living with their foster carer after they turn 18. When a young person reaches adulthood, they are no longer legally considered to be in foster care, but Staying Put enables the supportive relationship they have built with their foster carer to continue.
This provides young people with stability, reassurance and the time they need to develop confidence, life skills and independence at their own pace. It recognises that becoming an adult is a journey, and having a trusted adult and familiar home environment can make a significant difference.
For young people who have grown up in foster care, continued support from someone they know and trust can be invaluable.
A valued role for foster carers
Foster carers play an important role in helping young people feel safe, supported and prepared for the future. For some foster carers, this support continues beyond a young person’s 18th birthday through a Staying Put arrangement.
Staying Put carers continue to offer guidance and encouragement as young people move into adult life. This may include helping them develop skills such as managing money, cooking, maintaining a home, accessing education or employment, and making decisions about their future.
The role is about providing a stable base and being a trusted adult who can offer support, advice and reassurance when it is needed.
Why Staying Put makes a difference
Many young adults continue to receive support from their families as they become independent. Staying Put recognises that young people who have experienced foster care can also benefit from having extra time, stability and encouragement during this important stage of life.
By continuing to provide a familiar home environment, Staying Put carers can help young people:
- Build confidence and independence at their own pace
- Develop practical skills for adult life
- Continue education, training or employment goals
- Maintain an important, trusted relationship
- Feel supported as they plan their future
Are Staying Put carers supported financially?
A common question is whether foster carers receive support when a young person remains with them through Staying Put.
Although Staying Put is different from fostering, carers are provided with financial support to contribute towards accommodation and household costs.
The arrangements and payments can vary depending on the local authority and the young person’s circumstances. Young people may also contribute where appropriate, for example through employment, apprenticeships, student finance or benefits.
If you would like to find out more about Staying Put or the different types of fostering available with Foster for East Midlands Councils, visit our website and complete an online enquiry form or call 03033 132950.
Watch this video and discover how Staying Put helps young adults continue building confidence, developing life skills and achieving their goals with the support of a trusted foster carer.