Call 0800 1111
hi i wanted to ask if i an able to leave my foster home at 16 as a looked after child who is already in the leaving care team ?
Hi there,
When you turn 16, you are able to leave your foster home, but there are a few things to consider before you decide what to do.
Your leaving care team should be supporting you to prepare for what happens next. A Leaving Care Advisor will talk you through your options, including what your next steps might be. They may talk to you about semi-independent living, whether you want to stay at your foster home, and supported living.
Your advisor can also help you with developing valuable life skills like budgeting, looking after yourself, preparing meals, and travelling independently. Moving out can be a big step, and it’s important to think carefully before you do anything to make sure you have a safe place to stay and you’re able to support yourself or get support.
It's important to think and ask questions about what your rights are and what support you can get. Although the transition from the care of your foster home to independent living can start when you turn 16 years old, young people usually leave care from their 18th birthday. Talk to your social worker about this to discuss your current situation and your options.
It might not always feel easy talking to your care team, but you deserve support. Whatever’s happening, you can get support from Childline about how you are feeling and what to do next. Childline is always here for you.
Take care,
Sam
You can talk privately to a counsellor online or call 0800 1111 for free.
You can ask me about anything you want, there's nothing too big or small. I read every single letter but I can only answer a few each week. My replies are published here on my page.
