Supported lodgings
Supported Lodgings placements are a stepping stone to independence for young people at risk of homelessness, and those leaving the care system.
Providers offer emotional support and the chance to learn vital practical skills in a safe place. Providers don’t have the same legal responsibilities as a parent or foster parent.
Staying Put
A staying put arrangement is not the same as a foster placement. This is usually an arrangement where a child or young person stays in their foster home into adulthood as would happen in a birth family. They are a young adult and a care leaver. The foster placement becomes a ‘staying put arrangement’ and is not governed by fostering services regulations.
Kids don’t stop needing help when they are sixteen, we’re here to give them that little bit of extra help.
If you want to foster but can’t currently provide the time and commitment then perhaps supported lodgings is for you? The approval process is more straightforward. Supported lodgings is an accommodation scheme for young people leaving care, aged 16–21, who are not yet ready to live on their own.
Key skills:
- A room of their own and their own front door key
- A home environment that is safe and welcoming
- Use of shared facilities including the kitchen, bathroom, lounge and dining room
- Advice on practical skills such as budgeting, shopping, cooking, cleaning, laundry, using public transport and other essential life skills
- The ability to offer a supportive and non-judgemental approach
- Encourage a young person to make and sustain positive relationships with friends and family
- Patient and understanding
Supported lodgings offers young people the opportunity to live in the home of an approved person who will help them prepare for independent living.
This will be a safe and supportive environment where a young person can develop the practical skills and emotional maturity to move on and cope with living independently.