Housing and accommodation

There are lots of different places you can live when you leave care, and you'll get to talk about what will work best for you. The main types of housing options are listed below.

Staying in your current accommodation

In 2014, the Children and Families Act declared that young people could remain with their foster carer post-18. If you wish to and your carer(s) and the council agree, you can stay with your foster family after you turn 18. This may allow you to complete your education or offer extra time for independence.  

Semi-independent housing

There are different types of accommodation in and outside of Westminster, including hostels, shared living spaces, self-contained, and trainer flats.  

When you live in semi-independent accommodation, you will have your own lockable room but may have to share facilities like a kitchen and bathroom. 

Depending on the level of support required, key workers at the accommodation or regular support will work with you to achieve your independence goals.

This typically involves:

• learning to cook
• budgeting
• cleaning
• managing relationships
• paying bills
• looking after your health
• being in education, employment or training

This support will consist of key worker meetings, one-to-one or group training, and doing things with you, like enrolling at college or registering with a GP.  

Private renting

If you wish and are able to rent privately, you can do so while remaining eligible for your Final Stage Housing in Westminster.  

Final stage, independent housing

You may be eligible for the final stage of independent housing as a Westminster Care Leaver. 

To ensure you have the required skills for independent living and to hold a tenancy, your personal advisor and key worker/foster carer will look for clear evidence, such as proof that you are paying bills and keeping relevant appointments. They will also need to see that you have been a good neighbour by not creating too much noise, managing relationships, and properly caring for your space. They will also want to know that you can keep yourself safe and know how to respond in an emergency.  

You will need to complete the Tenancy workshop, a one-day course that will give you the skills and knowledge to maintain your tenancy and the Money House financial programme. To qualify for the final stage, we also expect you to be in employment, education, or training. 

When your PA has agreed on a plan of independent living with you, and you are nearly ready, they will present it to Westminster’s Leaving Care Accommodation Panel for agreement.  

When offered final-stage independent housing, you will sign a tenancy or license agreement. You will be responsible for paying rent, being a good neighbour, and keeping the accommodation clean and in good condition. We also offer financial support for setting up your own home: check the Financial Support section for more information.  

If you do not want to live in Westminster, we will do our best to help you access housing outside the borough.