Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to ensure that young people in "staying put" arrangements are supported to continue to benefit from a family environment instead of being moved into residential care.

Supporting care leavers to make a successful transition from care to independence is a priority for this government.

‘Staying Put’ arrangements ensure care leavers can continue to benefit from a stable and secure family setting and prepare for independence at a more gradual pace, rather than facing upheaval at age 18. It allows those who have been in foster care to remain with their carers until 21, where both the young person and the foster carer want it. The legislation requires local authorities to advise, assist and support both the young person and their former foster carers so that the arrangement can continue until the young person becomes 21. ‘Staying Put’ enables young people to build on and nurture their attachments to their foster carers, providing stability and support during their transition to adulthood, just as other young people can rely on their own families for such support.

The government is continuing to fund local authorities to deliver ‘Staying Put’ and project to provide £33.3 million for the programme in the 2025/26 financial year.