In Northumberland, there are a number of different options for you to consider when thinking about where to live - some with support, and some without. We want you to be involved in the process of deciding what type of accommodation suits you best, and where that should be. We will help you consider your needs and level of independent living skills.
We will:
- Ensure that your views are listened to and considered throughout the process
- Help you find somewhere safe and suitable to live
- Support you within your foster placement after you reach 18 years of age on a Staying Put arrangement, if that is something you and your carers want.
- Provide you with practical support, such as helping you to move home and buy the basics you need to live comfortably
- Understand that your needs change and support you through any problems that arise, even once you’re settled.
Staying Put
If you are currently living in foster care, there may be an option for you to remain with your foster carers after you turn 18 as a ‘staying put’ arrangement. You will be supported to further develop your independent living skills and prepare for independent living.
Where it is agreed that a staying put arrangement is the right option for you, and your foster carers are in agreement, you will be able to remain in placement until you are ready for independence or until you reach 21.
A living together arrangement will be agreed between you and your foster carer and you will be supported to make a claim for universal credit, as you will need to pay rent when you live in a staying put arrangement.
Semi-independent and Support Accommodation
You can click here to view the supported accommodation options that young people can be supported to access.
Independent Living
When you are ready we will support you to access your own tenancy. This could be a council or housing association tenancy or even a privately rented property if appropriate.
We have a 'setting up home' allowance. This provides you with essential items for your home. For example, a washing machine, fridge, tv, tv license, a bed, carpets, blinds, cutlery, and more. Click here to read more about the setting up home allowance.
An application to Northumberland Homefinder is the easiest way to access your own tenancy and as a care leaver you will be entitled to priority banding once your application has been assessed and accepted.
Living with family or friends
When you turn 18 you may decide to live with family or friends. If this is the case your Leaving Care Support Worker and social worker can support you with planning for this and make sure you have all the support you need to achieve this.
Council Tax
As a Care Leaver you are exempt from paying council tax in Northumberland up until you turn 21. There is also an option for this to be extended until you turn 25 depending on your circumstances.
Your accommodation should be safe, secure, and right for you.
Resettlement Passport
To help support you to develop your independent living skills, your Leaving Care Support Worker can help you access the resettlement passport. The resettlement passport is a tenancy skills course designed to improve your skills and confidence when preparing for independent living and managing a tenancy of your own.
The course is made up of 10 units, covering key areas to managing your own home.
Care Leavers Accommodation & Support Protocol (CLASP)
To help you prepare for independence, we can hold a CLASP meeting to look at the most suitable accommodation options for you. Staff from the accommodation service can meet with you to discuss the options, support you to visit supported accommodation as well as help you to apply to Homefinder.
We can also arrange a meeting with housing to explore your options around an independent accommodation.