A key component of child care is fostering, and Staying Put, a recent innovation in the UK, has altered the way in which young people who leave foster care are supported. Until they are ready to live independently, young people can stay with their foster parents once they reach 18 under the government policy known as “Staying Put,” which went into force in 2014. The workings of Staying Put are explained in this article. How Long Can You Stay in One Place?
Until the youngster turns 21 or is prepared to live independently, Staying Put is in effect. It is crucial to understand that Staying Put is a voluntary arrangement between the young person, their foster parents, and the local authority; it is not a legal mandate. If the young person decides to move out or the foster caregiver feels they can no longer support them, they may elect to stop the arrangement.
Young people who stay with their foster parents after turning 18 are considered as care leavers and are not required to pay tuition for further education, which is one of the advantages of staying put. With the help of this policy, young people who leave foster care are given the chance to realize their full potential and are not put at a disadvantage when pursuing higher education.
A 16- or 17-year-old who is in or has left foster care is referred to as a relevant child. Until kids turn 18, they are qualified to get assistance from their local authority. They are regarded as care leavers after reaching 18 and have the option to stay with their foster parents under the Staying Put policy. Then, at what age does the grant for foster care expire?
Grants for foster care expire when a child turns 18 and is no longer in a foster home. However, the Staying Put policy enables minors to continue living with their foster parents when they reach 18 so they can receive the assistance they need as they make the transition to independent living.
In conclusion, the Staying Put policy has enhanced the lives of young people who are aging out of foster care. They can continue to reside with their foster parents, get the assistance they require to make the move to independent living, and reach their full potential. The Staying Put arrangement, which is voluntary and lasts until the child turns 21 or is prepared to live independently, is between the young person, their foster parents, and the local government. It is a policy that has assisted in bridging the gap between dependency and independence and has made sure that young people who leave foster care are not at a disadvantage when pursuing higher education.