What is a staying put arrangement?

From the age of 18, young people are no longer legally considered ‘in care’ or ‘looked after’. Therefore, fostering arrangements for young people placed with foster carers no longer apply. When a young person remains with their former foster carer/s after their 18th birthday, the arrangement should be considered an ‘age eighteen and older arrangement’ or ‘staying put’ arrangement.

You may have a close bond with your foster carer and may not feel ready to leave at the age of 18. This option allows you to stay with carers you know well, who can continue to provide ongoing support, guidance, and care. Perhaps you are still in education or preparing to go to university and need somewhere to stay while you complete your studies. It also provides an opportunity to develop and improve your independence skills until you are ready to live on your own.

How long can staying put last?

The staying put arrangement extends until:

• The young person first leaves the staying put arrangement; or
• The young person reaches their 21st birthday, if continuously, and still living in the arrangement; or
• The young person completes the agreed programme of education or training being undertaken on their twenty-first birthday, if continuously living in the arrangement since their 18th birthday.

How do I ask for staying put?

When you are 16, your social worker should carry out a needs assessment and develop a pathway plan, which sets out the plan for when you leave care. As part of this, they should consider a staying put arrangement.

Staying put will also be reviewed at each looked-after child review, so you should speak to your social worker and Independent Reviewing Officer. You may also want to get an advocate to help you with this.”

What support can I get?

You can receive support under a staying put arrangement. A change in the law in 2014 means that the council has a duty to plan, monitor, and support staying put arrangements. This can include providing financial support and training to your foster carer. The amount your foster carer is paid may be reduced, and you may wish to seek advice if you believe this reduction is unfair, for example, if your needs have not changed.

You may also be entitled to claim housing benefit to help with living costs, which could help cover any reduced income your foster carers receive.

What if I want to leave before I am 21?

If you wish to leave your staying put arrangement, you should speak to your personal adviser about reviewing your pathway plan. You may want to get an advocate to help you with this.