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Leaving home or leaving care
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Young people leave home for a variety of reasons, some good, some bad. If you're leaving home because of difficulties with your family try to sort it out before it gets out of control. Explain how you feel and listen to what they have to say. Try to work out a compromise so you can live together.
If you're under 16 you can't normally leave home unless there are serious problems such as abuse or violence. If this is the case contact Social Services or your Personal Adviser immediately.
If you're 16 or 17 you can move out if your parents or guardians agree to it. If they don't and you leave anyway you could be reported to the police as a missing person and be returned home if you're considered to be at risk.
Think about why you want to leave. If you have to go, try to sort things out before you leave. That way, you can plan in advance when you leave and where you go to. Also your parents may be happier if they see your leaving as a natural stage rather than a spur of the moment decision.
How to find accommodation
Once you’ve decided exactly how much you think you can afford and which type of accommodation you’d prefer, start by doing research. Look in the classified sections of local papers – maybe place an ad in the ‘accommodation wanted’ section; read the notices in newsagents windows; ask around among your friends and relations; look for the names of local landlords and contact them directly. Above all, get an idea of the going rate for accommodation in your chosen area.
Accommodation Agencies
Accommodation agencies deal with bedsits, flat/house shares – any accommodation that involves shared facilities. Their job is to try to find suitable accommodation for you, according to your needs and your budget. You are charged a fee by the agency only when the accommodation agreement has been agreed. It’s best to choose an agent with a good local reputation.
If you're under 16 you can't normally leave home unless there are serious problems such as abuse or violence. If this is the case contact Social Services or your Personal Adviser immediately.
If you're 16 or 17 you can move out if your parents or guardians agree to it. If they don't and you leave anyway you could be reported to the police as a missing person and be returned home if you're considered to be at risk.
Think about why you want to leave. If you have to go, try to sort things out before you leave. That way, you can plan in advance when you leave and where you go to. Also your parents may be happier if they see your leaving as a natural stage rather than a spur of the moment decision.
How to find accommodation
Once you’ve decided exactly how much you think you can afford and which type of accommodation you’d prefer, start by doing research. Look in the classified sections of local papers – maybe place an ad in the ‘accommodation wanted’ section; read the notices in newsagents windows; ask around among your friends and relations; look for the names of local landlords and contact them directly. Above all, get an idea of the going rate for accommodation in your chosen area.
Accommodation Agencies
Accommodation agencies deal with bedsits, flat/house shares – any accommodation that involves shared facilities. Their job is to try to find suitable accommodation for you, according to your needs and your budget. You are charged a fee by the agency only when the accommodation agreement has been agreed. It’s best to choose an agent with a good local reputation.
It is often especially difficult for young people who leave care to find somewhere to live. If you have been looked after by a local authority, then you should speak to your social worker or Leaving Care worker about finding accommodation and applying for financial help.
Wherever you move to, there should be a Leaving Care worker to offer help and support.
For more information visit: http://www.carelaw.org.uk/
