What rights do young people have in independent living foster care?

In independent living foster care, young people retain legal and practical rights while developing the skills needed for adulthood. These rights shape how decisions are made about their placement, education, health, relationships, finances, identity and future accommodation. Independence should increase in a planned way without removing the support or safeguards they are entitled to.

The right to an individual plan

A young person’s needs and goals should be recorded in their care plan and, as they approach adulthood, their pathway plan. These documents should cover matters such as accommodation, education or employment, health, relationships, money management, practical skills and emotional wellbeing. The plan should be reviewed and updated when circumstances change, rather than being treated as a one-off document.

The young person should receive information about what has been agreed, who is responsible for each action and how decisions can be reconsidered. Plans should reflect their age, development, abilities, communication needs and ambitions. A move towards greater independence should not be based on a standard timetable that ignores the individual.

The right to participate in reviews and decisions

Young people should be given a meaningful opportunity to contribute to reviews about their care and preparation for adulthood. This includes receiving information in a format they understand, having time to consider choices and being able to say what they agree or disagree with. They can ask for a trusted person, advocate or other suitable supporter to help them express their views.

Participation does not mean that every request must be accepted. Professionals may need to consider safeguarding, legal duties, available accommodation and the needs of other people. However, the reasons for a decision should be explained clearly, and the young person should know how to challenge it.

The right to appropriate education, training and employment support

Preparation for independent living should protect a young person’s opportunity to learn and progress. This may include support with school, college, apprenticeships, vocational training, applications, travel arrangements, equipment and interview preparation. Where a young person has additional learning needs or disabilities, their support should take these into account.

A Personal Education Plan may set out educational objectives and the help needed to achieve them. Moving placement or taking on new responsibilities should be planned carefully so that it does not unnecessarily disrupt education or training.

The right to healthcare and accessible information

Young people should be helped to understand their health needs and how to manage appointments, prescriptions, consent and medical information as they become more independent. They should be supported to register with appropriate health services and to understand how to seek help, including for mental health concerns.

They should also be given relevant information about their health history, subject to the legal rules governing confidential information and access to records. Support may include learning how to describe symptoms, arrange appointments and make informed choices about treatment.

The right to privacy and personal relationships

Young people are entitled to reasonable privacy in their foster placement and to have their personal information handled appropriately. Foster carers and professionals should explain any monitoring, household expectations or information-sharing arrangements that affect them. Privacy may be limited where there is a specific safeguarding, legal or welfare reason, but restrictions should be proportionate and reviewed.

Contact with family members and other important people should be considered as part of the care plan. The young person’s wishes, the other person’s views, practical arrangements and any court order or safeguarding concern may all affect how contact takes place. A young person should be told the reasons for restrictions and supported to maintain safe, positive relationships where this is appropriate.

The right to financial preparation and fair support

Independent living preparation should include practical help with money. This can involve understanding allowances, budgeting, banking, bills, shopping, saving, debt avoidance and the financial consequences of different housing options. A young person should know what financial help is available to them and which organisation is responsible for providing it.

Care leavers may be entitled to support under leaving-care arrangements, including a personal adviser and assistance set out in their pathway plan. The exact entitlement depends on the young person’s circumstances and the relevant local authority duties, so it should be explained individually rather than assumed.

The right to suitable accommodation and a planned transition

A move to more independent accommodation should be properly assessed and planned. The young person’s ability to manage the proposed arrangement, their support network, health, education, finances and any risks should be considered together. They should receive clear information about the accommodation, tenancy or licence conditions, household rules, costs, repairs and what happens if the arrangement becomes unsuitable.

For some young people, remaining with foster carers after reaching adulthood may be considered through a Staying Put arrangement. This is not automatic and depends on the circumstances, agreement between those involved and the applicable arrangements. Other options may include supported accommodation or a different planned placement. The young person should be involved in comparing options and should not be left without a clear plan.

The right to support when things go wrong

A young person has the right to raise concerns about their placement, treatment, services or pathway plan without being punished for doing so. They should know how to make a complaint, request an independent advocate and contact the relevant local authority or other oversight body. An advocate can help them understand information, communicate their wishes and take part in meetings.

Concerns should be recorded and addressed through the appropriate procedure. If a decision is changed, delayed or refused, the young person should receive an explanation and information about any review or appeal route. Where there is an immediate safeguarding concern, it should be reported to a trusted adult or the relevant safeguarding service without waiting for a routine review.

The right to identity, equality and individualised care

Independent living support should respect a young person’s race, culture, religion, language, sexuality, gender identity, disability and family background. This can affect food, clothing, celebrations, relationships, community connections, communication and the type of accommodation or support that is suitable. Discrimination, harassment and inappropriate treatment should be taken seriously, with reasonable adjustments made where required.

These rights do not disappear as a young person takes on more responsibility. The purpose of independent living foster care is to develop autonomy alongside appropriate guidance. Foster carers and professionals should explain choices, agree manageable steps, review progress and provide additional help where the young person’s circumstances or needs require it.