Housing options
We are committed to offering you support, advice and assistance. Housing is one aspect of the advice and support we offer, and we know our young people benefit if there is a range of options on offer.
Most young people in care will be living with a foster family, a family member, or sometimes other arrangements. When your social worker starts to write your Pathway plan at aged 15 and a half they will ask you to start to think about where you might wish to live in the future. This does not mean you will have to move but that we have begun to talk about all the housing options available so in time you can be supported to make the best possible decision.
Staying put
Staying Put allows your foster carer to offer you the choice to continue living in your foster home between the ages of 18 and 21. Everyone's circumstances are different and this is not always possible, however if this option applies to you then your social worker will speak with you and your carer about it when updating your pathway plan.
Semi-independent living
Another option is semi-independent living in Southend. This is usually a shared house with other young people aged 16 and 17. You will have your own bedroom and sometimes share facilities with other young people, such as the kitchen and bathroom. Key working staff sleep in the home with you to make sure you are safe. You will receive key working sessions each week (depending on need) to support you to achieve your goals and ambitions agreed in your pathway plan.
Supported living
Sometimes, you may need some extra support, more than semi independent. If so, supported living may be a better option for you.
This is not a long-term option and usually supports you with targeted intervention. This is based on your individual needs, to support you to be ready to move-on to independent living.
It may be in your best interests to offer you supported housing in Southend if you are aged 17 plus. This type of accommodation provides support services and housing as one package. The housing scheme can refer you for council accommodation when you are ready. There are lots of different types of supported living schemes and some offer specific support, for example housing for young people/adults who struggle with their mental health, offending, young parents, and others.
Priority council housing
Once you turn 18, you may decide that you don’t want to live in the Southend area, for whatever reason, and private renting may be an option for you to live elsewhere. You may be able to access The Rent and Deposit Scheme from the government that can help you with upfront costs included in privately renting.
If you find your self homeless, contact your PA and we will support you to find suitable accommodation.