What Happens After 18? Staying Put and Leaving Care Pathways

When a young person turns 18, the care system changes. The child no longer counts as a child in care, and the support you receive as a foster carer changes too. This article explains what happens after 18, how you can keep a young person in your home, and what happens when they leave care. It focuses on London and its surrounding areas – South East London, West London and East London – but the principles apply across the UK.

What is “Staying Put”?

“Staying put” means that a young person who turns 18 remains in your care until they reach the age of 21 or until they finish their education or training. The decision is made by the local authority together with the young person, the foster carer and the child‑minding professional.

Key points

• It is a statutory option – the local authority must offer it if the young person wants to stay.
• It allows the young person to finish school, college or apprenticeship without moving.
• It gives you more time to support their transition to independent living.

What Is the Leaving Care Pathway?

When a young person decides to leave care before 21, they enter the leaving care pathway. The pathway is a structured plan that includes support for housing, education, training and mental health. The local authority provides a “care plan” that details the support the young person will receive.

Stages of the leaving care pathway

1. Preparation – The young person discusses their plans with their social worker, carer and support team.
2. Transition – The local authority arranges a suitable place to live, whether a shared flat, supported accommodation or a family home.
3. Support – Ongoing support is provided for up to 12 months after leaving care, covering education, training, mental health and employment.

How Do You Keep a Young Person in Your Home After 18?

Local authorities in London are required to offer the staying put option if the young person wants it. To do this, you need to:

1. Speak with the young person about their wishes.
2. Notify your local authority and social worker.
3. Complete a new assessment to confirm that the home still meets the required standards.
4. Agree on a new care plan that covers the period until the young person turns 21.

During the staying put period, the young person is still considered a child in care. This means they receive the same financial support, health and education benefits and safeguarding checks as before.

What Happens When a Young Person Leaves Care Early?

Leaving care early can be a stressful transition. The local authority must provide a care plan that includes:

• Housing support – a suitable, affordable place to live.
• Financial support – a one‑off payment and, if needed, a weekly allowance.
• Education and training – access to college, apprenticeship or further education.
• Health and wellbeing – mental health support and GP care.
• Employment – help with job searches and interview skills.

After the young person leaves care, they are no longer entitled to child‑in‑care benefits. They may, however, qualify for Universal Credit or other benefits if they meet the eligibility criteria.

What Support Does the Local Authority Provide?

In London, local authorities typically offer:

• Monthly housing allowance.
• Access to a transition team that works with the young person for up to 12 months.
• Links to voluntary organisations that provide mentoring and life‑skills training.
• Regular visits from a social worker to check on progress.

What Are the Financial Implications for Foster Carers?

According to official UK fostering guidance and local authority policies, foster carers receive:

• A weekly allowance that covers the cost of the child’s care, meals, clothing and education.
• Additional payments for special circumstances, such as if the child has a disability.
• Reimbursement for out‑of‑pocket expenses, such as travel to the child’s school.

When a young person turns 18 and stays in your care, the allowance continues. However, once they leave care, the allowance stops. Carers can apply for a one‑off payment to help with the transition, but this is not guaranteed and depends on the local authority’s budget.

How to Apply for Staying Put in London

1. Inform the local authority – Tell your social worker that the young person wishes to stay. Provide a written statement if requested.

2. Complete a new assessment – A social worker will visit your home to check that the environment is still suitable.

3. Agree a care plan – The plan will outline the support needed until the young person turns 21.

4. Sign the agreement – Both you and the young person sign the agreement, confirming that you agree to the staying put arrangement.

For more detailed guidance, see the Fostering Allowances 2025‑26 Explained page, which explains the financial aspects for London carers.

Local Authority and Independent Agency Support in London

London’s local authorities, such as London Borough of Hackney or London Borough of Lambeth, provide direct fostering services. Independent fostering agencies operate under a contract with the local authority. Both offer:

• Initial training and ongoing support.
• Access to a network of foster carers.
• Regular supervision and mentoring.

The main difference is that independent agencies may offer more flexible hours and a different pay structure, but the core support remains the same. In South East London, West London and East London, you can find agencies that specialise in supporting young people who are transitioning out of care.

Choosing the Right Support Provider

When deciding between a local authority and an independent agency, consider:

• How quickly you need support after 18.
• Whether you prefer a larger network or a smaller, more personalised team.
• How the pay structure fits your financial needs.

Both options are regulated by the Care Quality Commission and must meet national standards.

Common Challenges and Realistic Expectations

1. Housing Uncertainty

Finding a suitable place to live can be difficult, especially in London where housing costs are high. The local authority may offer a shared flat or a supported accommodation option. Be prepared to search for affordable housing and consider the young person’s preferences.

2. Financial Planning

When the child turns 18, the allowance stops. Plan for this by saving the allowance you receive while the child is in care. You may also be eligible for a one‑off payment when the child leaves care, but this is not guaranteed.

3. Emotional Adjustment

The young person may feel a loss of identity after leaving care. Offer emotional support and consider connecting them with a mentor or a support group. Many agencies provide peer support programmes.

4. Legal and Administrative Work

There are paperwork and legal requirements when a child turns 18. Ensure all documents are updated with the local authority and that the young person is aware of any changes to their benefits.

5. Maintaining the Home Environment

After 18, the young person may take on more responsibility for the home. Discuss chores, budgeting and other household duties early on to avoid conflicts.

5 Search‑Intent FAQs

What is the staying put option for foster carers in London?

The staying put option allows a young person who turns 18 to remain in the foster carer’s home until they reach 21 or finish their education. It is offered by local authorities and requires a new assessment.

How long does the leaving care pathway last?

The leaving care pathway provides support for up to 12 months after the young person leaves care. During this time, they receive housing, financial, educational and mental health support.

Will I continue to receive an allowance if the child turns 18?

Yes, the weekly allowance continues while the young person stays in care. It stops once the young person leaves care or reaches 21.

Can I apply for a one‑off payment when a young person leaves care?

Some local authorities offer a one‑off payment to help with the transition. The availability depends on the authority’s budget and the young person’s circumstances.

What should I do if the young person wants to leave care early?

Speak with the local authority and social worker. They will create a care plan that includes housing, benefits and support services for the transition.

Further Reading

For a step‑by‑step guide to becoming a foster carer in England, visit the How to Become a Foster Carer in England page.

To understand the latest foster care shortage in the UK, see the The Latest Foster Care Shortage in the UK Explained article.

For more on the financial aspects of fostering in London, read Fostering Allowances 2025‑26 Explained.