Housing

Leaving Home

Young people leave home for a variety of reasons. If you're thinking of leaving home because of stress with your family try to sort it out before it gets out of control. If you're under 16 you can't normally leave home unless there are serious problems like abuse or violence. If this is the case contact Social Services or a Connexions Personal Adviser or other agency who may be able to help in our Local Housing Contacts section.

If you're 16 and 17 you can move out if your parents or carers agree. If they don't and you leave anyway you could be reported as a missing person and be returned home if you're considered to be at risk.

If you are 18 or over, you can leave home without anyone's permission. It's important to think very carefully about why you want to leave and to plan in advance when to leave and where to go.

Think about...

  • Where you are going to live.
  • How much it will cost and how you will pay for it.
  • How much money you will have after paying the rent to pay bills, to buy food and go out with friends.
  • Who you can go to for advice and support if you need it.

Leaving Care

The Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 applies to you, if you were in care at the age of 16 and have been in care for 13 weeks or more since the age of 14. Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children are also entitled to Leaving Care services.

A Leaving Care personal adviser will help you draw up a plan for your future. This will include finding suitable accommodation, planning a career and ongoing support until you reach the age of 21. Ask your leaving care personal adviser for more information and a copy of "You and the Leaving Care Team" or call Leaving Care Team on 01604 601241.

Young People with additional needs

If you decide you want to live home after leaving school you may need to consider different provision, which can be provided by the statutory, voluntary, and private sectors. If you have contact with a Social Worker they may be able to advise you on the different options or speak to a Connexions PA.

Housing Options also provides advice and information for people with learning difficulties on finding different types of housing.
Website: www.housingoptions.org.uk
Tel: 01993 776318