Housing

Leaving home/care can be a huge step and ideally shouldn't be done lightly, without thinking things through - where do you want to live? Could you cope financially? Who can help you find suitable accommodation? Do you want to live on your own or share with someone? If you're 16 or 17, you can leave home with your parents/carers consent. If however, you leave home without their agreement, your parents/carers have the legal right to contact the police in an attempt to bring you back home. If you're 18 or over, you can leave home without your parents/carers consent.

If you're 16 or 17 and have been in “care”, you may get help in finding accommodation from your local Social Services department. If you're 18+ when you leave care you may also get help in finding somewhere to live - from either your social worker or leaving care worker. You should also receive additional help from your local council housing department- young people who have left care are generally classed as in 'priority need' and entitled to emergency accommodation and consideration for temporary accommodation by housing departments.

If you need help or advice about housing, contact Shelterline on: freephone 0808 800 4444