Staying Put Tips with Experienced Foster Carer Sue McGee

If you’ve got a teenager in care nearing 18, you might be feeling a mix of pride, worry, and “where did the time go?!” For foster carers in England, one big question looms: what happens when they turn 18? In the past, care leavers often had to move out on their 18th birthday, but nowadays we have the Staying Put option – a way for our young people to continue living with us into adulthood. Here, we will expand on Sue's thoughts and talk about the realities of fostering under a Staying Put arrangement. So let’s talk through what Staying Put really means, how it differs from other paths like Shared Lives or independent living, and how we can make this transition smoother for everyone.