What happens when a young person leaves a group home?

Leaving a group home is a planned transition in which the young person, their social worker, residential staff and other relevant professionals prepare for the next stage of care and independence. The plan should reflect the young person’s wishes, assessed needs, safety, relationships, education and ability to manage everyday tasks, rather than being based on age alone.

Before the move, the local authority should review the arrangements and agree practical details with the young person. This can include:

• where they will live and who will provide day-to-day support;
• how education, employment or training will continue;
• healthcare, emotional wellbeing and any therapeutic support;
• managing money, benefits, bills and budgeting;
• travel, cooking, cleaning, shopping and other independent-living skills;
• contact with family, siblings, friends and trusted adults;
• what to do if the placement becomes unsuitable or the young person feels unsafe; and
• the transfer of important documents, belongings, medication information and relevant records.

A young person who is moving to a foster family should usually have information about the household before the placement begins. Introductions may involve visits, conversations with the foster carers and an agreed explanation of house routines, privacy, expectations and support. The young person’s views should be considered carefully, including what has worked or not worked in the group home. Foster carers should receive the information they need to provide safe care while respecting confidentiality.

For young people who are approaching adulthood, the pathway plan is an important part of the transition. It sets out goals and the practical help needed to achieve them, such as accommodation, education, work, health, relationships and finances. A Personal Adviser may continue to offer guidance after the young person leaves care, where the young person is entitled to that support. The precise arrangements depend on their care status, age, circumstances and the local authority’s responsibilities.

Support after leaving should not stop at the point of moving. Professionals may arrange follow-up contact, placement reviews, help with accommodation, assistance accessing education or work, and advice about money or benefits. Some young people need more gradual support, particularly if they have experienced disruption, trauma, disability, mental health difficulties or several previous moves. A plan should therefore include how concerns will be identified and who the young person can contact if difficulties arise.

Foster carers can help by providing consistency, clear boundaries and practical teaching without expecting instant independence. Useful support might include helping the young person organise appointments, understand tenancy responsibilities, prepare meals, manage a bank account, keep important paperwork safe and build a realistic weekly routine. It is also important to agree how ongoing contact will work, especially if the young person moves into accommodation that is not part of the foster placement.

Young people should be involved in decisions about leaving and given information in a form they can understand. They can ask for decisions to be explained, raise concerns about their plan and seek help from their social worker, Personal Adviser, an independent advocate or another trusted professional. If a proposed move appears unsafe or unsuitable, this should be raised before departure so that the plan can be reviewed rather than assuming the young person must manage alone.