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16+ Services
Most young people coming up to the age for leaving care have similar questions. If your question isn't answered here use our Contact us to get the answer - and we'll add it to this list.
1 Q How much is the leaving care grant?
A This is decided on a case by case basis, but will be enough to pay for things like a bed, cooker, washing machine, iron, toaster, kettle, tv etc - basically all of the main household items you'll need to set up in your own home.
2 Q Will I have to leave my foster home / residential home when I am 16?
A No, we want you to stay there as long as you can, at least until your reach age 18 and perhaps for longer (up to 21) if you and your carers agree about you "staying put". When you reach age 18 the arrangements under which you stay put will have to change to "supported lodgings"
3 Q When will I get a 16+ Adviser and how are they different to a social worker?
A You are meant to get one 6 weeks before the review you have around your 16th birthday. As well as having a 16+ Adviser your social worker may continue until you have finished your GCSEs. The 16+ Adviser is different from the social worker because they have skills to help you plan for the future. They'll look with you at your future needs (by doing what we call a Needs Led Assessment). This will lead on to a Pathway Plan which will complement and be part of your Care Plan. The Pathway Plan, which lasts until you are at least 21, will set out and regularly review your aims and the practical and financial support that you'll be given.
4 Q What happens if I don't like the 16+ worker?
A It's the same as when you don't like your social worker. You have to be clear about why you don't get on with that person (this means you can't just say she's not fit). Where it seems right to make a change, we'll arrange to have another 16+ Adviser to support you.
5 Q How long do I have a 16+ Adviser for?
A Your 16+ Adviser must keep in touch with you until you are 21 or up to 24 if you are completing an agreed programme of study (and even up to age 25 if you return to studies after a break). This could be through meeting up, by phone, letter or e-mail. Keeping in touch could, if you want, be as little as a phone call every 6 months but you and your 16+ Adviser can work out how often and how you would like to have contact.
6 Q Who helps me get furniture if I move out?
A This will be paid for out of your leaving care grant and your 16+ Adviser will help you buy what you need, and help you move in on the day.
7 Q Can I get a flat when I am 16?
A No. You might get supported lodgings or a place in supported accommodation like YMCA where staff are "on site" and can be around to help you. Later on your 16+ Adviser will be able to help you look at fully independent living options and, if you wish, they can help you apply for accommodation provided by district and city councils through something called "Choice Based Letting". Other social housing providers or private landlords may be able to provide you with alternative accommodation choices. Your 16+ Adviser will make sure you receive information about accommodation licence or tenancy agreements which you need to follow to make sure that you keep your accommodation.
8 Q What if I am not sure that I can manage to live on my own?
A Before you move your previous carer and your 16+ Adviser will make sure with you that you know how to look after yourself. So, well before you get your own place, they'll have made sure you develop and practice the necessary practical skills and confidence to be able tolive on your own. Being able to manage your own money is particularly important as you will have to pay all your own household bills. Once you have moved in to your own accommodation your 16+ Adviser will keep in touch to make sure you are managing. Your accommodation provider may also be other forms of visiting support.
If you didn't find the answer to your question use the contact form to ask us.