Young people in foster care when they become 18 years old (Staying Put)

It may be possible to continue living with current foster carer(s) after becoming 18 years old, and until reaching 21 years old. This is called a ‘Staying Put’ arrangement.

• After becoming 18 years old, young people are no longer legally ‘in care’ or ‘looked after’
• This means any fostering arrangements and legislation relating to being placed with foster carers no longer apply

To stay in the foster home after becoming 18 years old, both the child and the foster carer(s) must agree to this and an agreement will be created.

Read more about the ‘Staying Put' guidelines