On average, young people don’t leave home until they are 24.
With this in mind, it has become increasingly recognised that young people should have the right to stay on in foster placements beyond their 18th birthday.
Although they are no longer officially ‘looked after’ arrangements can be made to allow them to stay on with carers or in children’s homes.
Local authorities have been developing ways to support young people approaching 18 who are living in foster placements.
Bristol have a ‘Staying Put’ pilot for young people who have built up good relationships with their foster carers and would like continue staying with them.
If agreed, they can stay for any amount of time up to the age of 21 if they are in full time education or training, and even up until 24 if in further education.
This option will need to be discussed with your Social Worker and your Personal Advisor and then an application goes to a panel for a decision.
