How are household expectations agreed in the Foster Care 18–21 Programme?

Household expectations are normally agreed through a planned discussion involving the young adult, foster carer and the professionals overseeing the arrangement. The outcome should be a clear, written understanding of how living together will work, rather than a set of rules imposed without the young adult’s involvement. It should balance the young adult’s status as an adult with the practical support and boundaries needed for a stable home.

The discussion will usually consider:

• which areas of the home are shared and which are private;
• how keys, security, access and household safety will be managed;
• arrangements for meals, laundry, cleaning and other domestic tasks;
• contributions to household responsibilities and, where relevant, agreed financial arrangements;
• visitors, overnight guests, relationships and the impact of these on other household members;
• use of shared facilities, phones, vehicles, pets, smoking or other matters relevant to that household;
• education, employment, appointments and other commitments;
• how the young adult can ask for help, raise concerns or discuss a change in circumstances; and
• what information may need to be shared with professionals, particularly where there is a safeguarding concern.

Expectations should be proportionate to the young adult’s age, abilities, wishes and assessed needs. A young adult who can manage a task independently should not be given unnecessary supervision, while support may still be appropriate with budgeting, appointments, emotional wellbeing, practical skills or maintaining routines. The agreement should also take account of culture, religion, disability, communication needs and any risks identified during assessment.

The foster carer’s household needs to be considered as well. Everyone affected by the arrangement should understand the expectations that apply to them, including other children or adults living in the home. Some household standards may be non-negotiable, such as complying with the law, respecting other people’s safety and privacy, and following safeguarding procedures. Other matters can usually be discussed and adapted to suit the young adult and the household.

Professionals should help both sides identify assumptions before the arrangement begins. For example, the young adult and carer may have different views about how much notice is needed for visitors, whether meals will be shared, or how to communicate when plans change. Discussing these points directly can prevent misunderstandings. The agreed points should be recorded in accessible language, with the young adult given an opportunity to check that the document reflects their views and understands what has been agreed.

Agreement is not a one-off exercise. Expectations should be revisited when circumstances change, such as a move into work or further education, a change in health, a new relationship, a change in household membership or increasing independence. Reviews also provide an opportunity to discuss what is working, what feels restrictive, and whether additional support or clearer boundaries are needed. Any significant amendment should be discussed with the young adult, carer and relevant professionals rather than introduced informally.

If the young adult or foster carer disagrees with a proposed expectation, the concern should be raised with the supervising social worker, personal adviser or other professional involved in the programme. They can clarify the purpose of the arrangement, consider whether it is reasonable and help negotiate an alternative. Where a concern involves safety, exploitation, abuse or serious conflict, it should be reported through the appropriate safeguarding route without waiting for the next routine review.