Norfolk County Council is set to turn empty properties into homes for care leavers in a bid to improve services for vulnerable young people.
The council currently uses a range of providers to house young people over the age of 16 who have been in its care.
However, it says their needs vary and the market for those with the most challenging behaviour is currently underdeveloped.
Penny Carpenter, chairman of the children’s services committee, said: ‘Developing accommodation for care leavers was one of our key manifesto commitments.
‘These young people are among our most vulnerable and we need to ensure they have the right support and accommodation as they move towards independence.
‘Finding suitable accommodation for young people is often difficult and expensive, particularly for those with the most challenging behaviour.
‘That is why it makes sound sense to develop our own and to ensure we have clear and effective oversight of the support on offer.’
