Foster Families
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After the rule change came into place in 2014 that any family fostering a vulnerable young person has the responsibility to provide support financially up until the person’s 21st birthday, 2,300 youngsters between 18-21 are now choosing to remain with their foster families. The rule came into place to prevent 18-21 year olds missing out on the support needed from parents, helping them to stay in education, employment or training. 41% of 19 year olds who left care were in none of the three.
Funding Plans (Staying Put Scheme)
Mr Timpson, who works in the government, said, “We’re already seeing spectacular success and we’ve made available new money, £44m, to councils over the next three years to try and meet that demand. And of course we’ll need to keep that under review to make sure that every young person who chooses – because it’s their choice – with the support of their foster carer, to remain living with them, gets that opportunity to do so. Because we know what a huge difference it can make to their prospects and future life.”
78% of children in care are with foster families.
Heidi, 18, from Stoke, said “I’d be like: how do I work the oven, how do I work the cooker?” she said.
“I haven’t had to worry that when I turned 18 I would have to find myself a place of my own, or leave home. I’ve been able to concentrate on college work and not worry about moving out,” she added.
The government believes that the new rule has made a change for the better, improving vulnerable 18-year-olds’ lives, giving them the opportunity to pursue a career of their choice, or allowing them to go to college and focus on studying, rather than worrying about moving into their own home and looking after themselves.