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Living in care is when you live away from your parents. It could be with foster parents, other family members, in a care home, a residential school or secure accommodation. Find out what it's like to live in care and how we can support you.
Living in care can be a big change. And things don't always go smoothly. But lots of young people find living in care gives them the safety and security they need.
There are lots of reasons why someone might go into care, for example:
3 things to bear in mind:
And remember, we're here to help. You're not alone.
You might not stay in one place all the time you are in care. Some young people move several times. Get support with moving schools and getting used to new homes by talking to a counsellor.
Sometimes you can go and live with someone else in your family like an aunt, uncle or grandparent. Find out more about family relationships.
If staying with family isn't possible, then you might be placed in a foster home. These are private homes where you live as part of a family.
These are often houses in the community with residential workers who support you to live there. The number of children living there can vary.
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Going into care is a huge step, and social services will only offer this if there's no other way to make sure you're safe and properly looked after at home.
The way social services and courts work in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland can be different:
How social services help
Social services will always look at what other support and living arrangements are available before considering care as an option for you.
Your wishes must be taken into account. But social services make the final decision.
If you don't feel safe at home, the best thing to do is talk to an adult you trust like a teacher, nurse or a doctor.
You can find out more about process of going into care at Become (formerly Who Cares trust).
Everyone's experience of living in care can be different. Some young people prefer to be living in care than in their family home. But others can find living in care more difficult.
You're allowed to take some personal items with you. These might help you to feel more comfortable in your new living environment. You can speak to your social worker about what things you would like to take with you.
When you move into a care placement, you can feel a mixture of emotions. These can include:
No matter how you feel, you're not alone. You can talk to a counsellor at any time about how you're feeling.
You could also try out the Coping Kit for fun activities to help you manage how you're feeling and connect with others.
If you're experiencing problems in care then you're not alone, there are always people you can turn to.
You may want to see your family more, or be unhappy with how your foster parent or carer or care homes staff are treating you. Maybe you want to leave care.
You could feel worried about upsetting your carer but you have the right to be happy.
However you’re feeling there are people who can help you.
The following organisations are advocates for young people living in care:
You can also always speak to Childline any time you have a concern or are unsure of what to do.
Most people leave care when they turn 18. This is when the law sees you as an adult.
Making decisions
You'll be offered advice and support when it's time to leave care and help with making decisions. You need to decide:
Your local authority
The local authority will continue to give you support after you leave care, so you won't be left on your own. They can help you with:
Other sites that can help:
