All looked-after young people should have the right to stay in care until they are 21, while using bed and breakfast accommodation to house care leavers should be banned. No young adults should be forced to leave care before 21 and only be provided with regulated accommodation, says education committee
These are two of the recommendations made by the education committee, which today published a report – “Into Independence: Not Out of Care” - on the options for looked-after young people aged 16 and over.
If enforced, the MPs’ recommendations would mean no young adults were forced to leave care before they turn 21 and only be provided with regulated accommodation.
This would extend the current ‘Staying Put’ policy to young people living in children’s homes, rather than applying to just those in foster care.
“Young people living in residential care homes are often the most vulnerable and should have the right to remain there beyond the age of 18,” the report stated.
Committee chair Graham Stuart said: “Looked-after young people moving towards adulthood deserve a well-supported transition to independence, rather than an abrupt push out of care.”
The report sets out steps the government must take if ministers are to improve care options for young people over 16, and urged the Department for Education (DfE) to “urgently” consult with councils to arrange a suitable time frame for an outright ban on B&Bs.
Full Story courtesy of Community Care
