A best practice guide to help support foster children who choose to stay in care until they turn 21 has been launched by the Children’s Partnership.
Staying Put – a good practice guide sets out how councils can ensure young people in their area receive the support they need under the new Staying Put arrangement. The new law means local authorities have a duty to support young people who decide to stay with foster carers until they reach 21, in a bid to provide extra stability for those in care.
Enver Solomon, director of evidence and impact at the National Children’s Bureau said: ‘We know that successfully navigating the transition from childhood to adult independence is particularly hard for care leavers without the support of a stable family background as they establish themselves and take on new responsibilities.
‘This new guide sets out how the new Staying Put arrangements, should work effectively for young people in foster care and give them the best possible start in life. It is intended to be the go-to resource for all those involved in implementing and overseeing the Staying Put reforms.’
Talking about the new rules, children and families minister Edward Timpson, said: ‘This momentous change will help the 10,000 young people leaving care each year to make the transition to adulthood when they’re ready – rather than when others tell them to. The new guidance will help councils in providing vital support, giving young people the best possible start to their future.’
