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Young people leaving care can find it difficult making the
transition to independent adult lives - especially if they lack the
kind of family support that other teenagers take for
granted.
On turning 16, many youngsters in care are hungry for
independence but they lack essential skills to look after
themselves and can find themselves dealing with issues that other
adolescents don't have to face so young.
The 16Plus Supportive Lodgings Scheme has been created by us, in
partnership with RPS Rainer - a registered charity that helps young
people reach their potential - to address such needs. It involves
arranging for young people to stay with families or individuals who
have a spare room and are willing to provide guidance when
required. This gives the young ones a safe place and time to
practise life skills - such as applying for jobs or planning
further education, managing a budget and cooking meals, embarking
on relationships and dealing with health issues - before they
graduate to fully independent adult living.
The duration of the placement may be for just a few weeks or for
as long as a year. Usually it is for six to nine months. The lodger
will have their own social worker who will have case
responsibility. So you won't have any parental responsibility nor
be a foster carer in the normal sense; rather you will be seen as a
reliable, supportive adult helping the care team.
Market rent
The rent and support fee paid for the room is at an enhanced
rate above the market rent. This is in recognition that you are not
just a landlord but also provide support. The payment will be
guaranteed. Food is not included. Young people will buy and cook
their own food or pay to have meals provided by you, in line with a
lodgings contract that will be agreed with you.
We welcome having a range of supportive lodgings across Kent, to
match the wide range of backgrounds, and levels of experience, of
those leaving care whose ages range from 16-21.
Other types of foster care:
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