England

For most young people, family life does not impose a rigid timetable in respect of the realisation of independence; it is not a ‘one off’ event but is a cumulative process based on life experiences, learning and opportunities. As a consequence the support to a young person needs to be tailored to their individual needs and sensitive consideration should be given to helping the individual navigate their way through the processes for benefits, employment, tax and tenancy agreements.  

The local authority will be required to evidence that each staying put arrangement meets ‘basic standards’. It is the local authority’s responsibility to provide (whether directly or through commissioned services) support to both the young person and to the former foster carers. This includes foster carers approved and supported by independent fostering providers. The levels of support to be provided should take account of the individual circumstances and needs.

Agreements

Policies should cover staying put arrangements whether with local authority or independent fostering provider foster carers.

It is essential that local authority and independent fostering providers establish joint protocols in respect of staying put. The protocols should be flexible to ensure that they take account of the individual circumstances and needs, including clear reference to staying put as a post-18 option for a young person as part of their agreed care plan/pathway plan.

It is essential that the local authority and independent fostering provider staying put policy details how foster placements become staying put arrangements.

Staying put should be introduced as an option in the continuum of care for all children in care who are living in long-term foster care placements and for all those young people who enter the care system at the age of 15 and above.

It is imperative that all stakeholders are clear regarding the roles, responsibilities and expectations of all parties in staying put arrangements. All local authorities in England should have a staying put policy which is published and accessible; all independent fostering providers should also publish their policies. Local authorities should ensure that all fostering services, foster carers and eligible young people are aware of their local staying put policy. The policy should clearly state the local authority’s approach and must be compliant with the statutory framework.

The Fostering Network has a proven track record in supporting foster carers and fostering services. The Fostering Services Benchmark Survey(first collated in 2013) has proved to be an invaluable tool in assisting fostering services to focus on the recruitment and retention of foster carers in a time of economic austerity and changing demands of the types of foster placements needed.

Key points to consider

Fostering services are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of children they look after in foster care, therefore all appropriate checks during the assessment and approval of foster carers, including other adult household members and where appropriate support carers, must be given the utmost  priority and completed to the highest standards.