Staying Put Arrangements
A Staying Put Arrangement offers young people in foster care the opportunity to remain living with their carer or connected carer after their 18th birthday. This arrangement allows them to continue receiving support as they transition into adulthood.
Living Arrangements and Payments
Once the young person turns 18 and decides to stay, the arrangement becomes official. They can remain with their carer until they are ready to move out or until they turn 21—whichever comes first.
- The foster carer receives a weekly fee of £170.
- The young person contributes £25 per week toward the household.
If the young person is enrolled in education or training when they turn 18, the fostering fee continues as normal until the end of that academic year. After that, the £170 per week arrangement fee takes effect until they leave the home or reach 21.
Young People in Higher Education
Young people who enter university while in a Staying Put Arrangement continue to receive support. However, the payment structure may change in line with the local offer. Support remains available until the end of the academic year in their final year of study.
Throughout the arrangement:
- An accommodation officer and accommodation support officer visit every 8–12 weeks to provide guidance, advice, and assistance to both the carer and the care-experienced young person.
- The young person is also supported by a personal advisor from the Care Experienced Team.
Benefits of Staying Put
Staying Put offers a safe and stable home environment where young people can:
- Continue with studies or work
- Gain independence gradually
- Build life skills at a comfortable pace
This transition time helps prepare them for independent living with confidence.
Setting Up an Arrangement
If a foster carer and young person are both interested in a Staying Put Arrangement, the process begins with the child’s social worker contacting the accommodation officer or support officer.
Approximately 2–3 months before the young person turns 18, the accommodation officer will:
- Initiate the arrangement
- Liaise with the foster carer and their supervising social worker
- Arrange an initial visit
- Begin setting up financial arrangements
Around the 18th birthday, a Living Together Agreement is completed. This document outlines household expectations, responsibilities, and ground rules for everyone involved.
Further Reading
For more details, the UK Government provides comprehensive guidance on Staying Put Arrangements for care leavers aged 18 and above. You can access it here:
Staying Put: Government Guidance
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