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What happens when a foster child reaches the age of 16?
An essential role for foster carers looking after teenagers is to help them prepare for independent living:
- The young person will be allocated a personal adviser - who is usually also their social worker.
- The adviser will undertake an initial needs assessment and make a 'Pathway Plan'. The plan maps out exactly what needs to happen in all areas of the young person's life and how this will be achieved in order for them to reach their full potential.
- Pathway Plans continue until age 21 or 25 if the young person is in further education. Each plan will be different and the aim is for each young person to move to their next stage (e.g. semi-independence, full independence, halls of residence) in a structured way.
However when a young person becomes 18 they cease to be 'Looked After' and the carer's status as a foster carer comes to an end.
This means that if you do find yourself continuing to provide post-18 support you will cease to receive foster allowances.
Contact Details
| Fostering Recruitment and Assessment Team | |
|---|---|
| Telephone | 020 8726 6400 ext 64025 |
| Freephone | 0800 389 0129 |
| fosteringenquiries@croydon.gov.uk | |
| Address | 7th floor Jeanette Wallace House 1 Edridge Road Croydon CR0 1FE |
