Your help and support offer

When you reach 18 years old you may want to stay living with your foster carer.

This is known as ‘staying put’. You can stay with your foster carer until you are 21yrs old or longer if you are in full-time education or training.

You will have a large say on where you live when you leave our care. It is really important that you talk about your options with your social worker or PA.

Housing

You are entitled to the highest priority status if you apply for Birmingham City Council housing. You can apply for Birmingham City Council Housing, called Birmingham Choice. through the link below.

GO TO BIRMINGHAM CHOICE WEBSITE

If you meet the following criteria (care leavers – persons aged 18-21 or 25 if they are pursuing a programme of education agreed in their pathway plan, who are owed a duty under Children Act 1989, section 23C, by the Local Authority will be deemed to have a local connection to the Local Authority area) you also meet the ‘local connection requirement’ as well. This means you will be offered a 'pre-tenancy workshop' that gives you all the information you need to manage your own tenancy and six months of 'housing support' from a named housing officer.

In addition to any housing maintenance provided through the council we also have several companies that can support in decorating and renovating areas of your home and garden/outdoor space.

EQUANS offer a ‘Helping Hands’ Scheme and GMI are also developing a similar programme for young people who have left care. Our Rights and Participation Service can tell you more. Your PA can put you in touch with them.  Your PA can also apply to the Council for support with the installation of a cooker/washing machine.

Private rented accommodation

You are likely to have more choice about where you live if you opt for private rented accommodation. We can offer a discretionary rent deposit and rent guarantee. Talk to your social worker or PA to find out more about this.

We have also set up a Housing and Accommodation Protocol between the Trust, the Council and St. Basils. This is a joint agreement to make sure that between us we can meet your housing needs. It also means that you should not have an ‘intentionally homeless decision’ made against you if you are under the age of 25yrs.

Council Tax

You are entitled to council tax exemption. We will support you to claim all eligible council tax benefits and reductions. This is called an exemption, or we will fund council tax payments for all former relevant young people aged 18yrs to their 25th birthday. This only applies to young people who are named as legally responsible for the payment of Council Tax.

We offer the same exemption support for young people living outside of Birmingham.

TV licence

If you have your own tenancy you will need a TV licence (required by law and if caught without one you will be fined). We also strongly recommend that you take out contents insurance to cover any unexpected damage to your things through theft or fire. Your Independent Living Grant will be used to meet the first year’s costs. After that, we can help you to include these in your budgeting. 

GO TO GOV.UK TV LICENCE WEBSITE

Broadband internet access

Having broadband is essential for everyone but can be costly. We are therefore offering you two years free hard-wired home broadband where you live. Please speak to your PA about this offer who will then arrange for this to be installed into your home. If there are any issues after the installation, please raise this with your PA. The free broadband will be ‘gifted’ to you. This means that you will be responsible for its use and not the Trust. If you move home in the two-year period, please let your PA know so that the Broadband can be transferred to your new home. This can take some time as notice has to be given. It is important for you to understand that the offer is for broadband only. If you choose to subscribe to any TV channels or phone services, you will need to meet the cost of these.

Having a laptop computer

It is also important for you to have a laptop. You should already have one but, if not, we will support you to purchase one when you leave our care. We can also provide support to secure necessary IT equipment for you up to the age of 21yrs or 25yrs if you are in full-time further or higher education.

Supported accommodation and shared lives arrangements

There is a range of supported accommodation for young people who feel ready for living independently but would benefit from or like some extra help or support. There are varying levels of support available depending on the type of accommodation. Talk to your social worker or PA about options available.

If you are disabled and need more supportive living, then a shared lives arrangement might be a possible option for you. You will live with your current carers or other carers. This should be considered as an option before your 18th birthday, with Birmingham City Council’s Adults Services, who will undertake an assessment to decide if this is the best option for you. Your social worker and Personal Advisor will support you with this.

Risk of homelessness

If you are worried that you may be at risk of becoming homeless, speak to your social worker or PA straightaway. You can also contact St Basils straightaway if you prefer. They have a Youth Hub that can help you. If you are over 25yrs please gain support from the city council’s Homelessness services. More information is available on the city council website.

GO TO CITY COUNCIL HOMELESS SERVICE PAGE

University accommodation costs

If you are at university the Trust will pay your university accommodation costs including, where agreed, over holiday periods, up to a maximum figure of £130 per week. Please discuss your accommodation options and plans in good time with your PA so that arrangements can be made. If you are living in a ‘staying put’ arrangement, we will also continue to financially support these while you are at university.