Supported homes offer young people aged 16 to 25 a safe family environment to call home whilst developing their independent skills.
Most young people living with a host are:
- currently being looked after by children’s services
- leaving the care system
- children or young people needing somewhere to stay during a family breakdown, whilst we work with the family.
In a supported home, the young person will get family-based support and advice to:
- get education, employment or training
- develop the confidence and skills to live independently.
As a supported homes host, you are not a foster carer.
Instead, the young person will live in your home. This means that you can maintain full time employment as you will not have a parenting role to fulfil.
You’ll also receive £330 per week per young person. This is to cover the cost of:
- the room rent
- the support you’ll offer the young person.
Who can be a supported homes host
Supported homes hosts can be:
- in full time employment
- single, a couple, or a family
- already working for one other local authority as a supported homes host
- a foster carer.
Values our supported homes hosts should have:
- like being with young people
- have realistic expectations of the young people living with them
- have patience and a sense of humour
- be flexible and willing to adapt to new situations.
You’ll need to be assessed to become an approved supported homes host.
An assessment can be completed within 3 to 5 months.
You cannot be a supported homes host if:
- you or any member of your family has had a serious criminal conviction or a conviction against a child
- the accommodation is not permanent (for example, short let or seasonal)
- you have a child of your own being looked after by Medway Council or another local authority.
Roles and responsibilities of the host
You’ll need to attend a one-day training course. This is called Skills 2 Succeed.
During your time as a supported homes host you’ll have the support of a social worker and access to an out-of-hours number to call.
The young person in your care will also have their own social worker (if under 18 years old) or a personal advisor (if 18 and older).
You will not have parental responsibility, and you will not be a foster carer.
Your role is to advise, assist, befriend and support.
You must also have a genuine interest in the young person and their wellbeing.
Housing requirements
The accommodation offered should be a furnished bedroom in a domestic house.
The young person must be able to access facilities including:
- electricity
- bathroom including bath or shower
- cooking
- laundry.
There should also be reasonable access to public transport.
Length of stay
How long the young person will stay will depend on their needs. The maximum age they can be is 25.
If there are any difficulties, you must inform your Supported Homes Social Worker.
When possible, it is best for the young person to move on in a planned way and arrangements will be made for this as the living arrangement progresses.
If the arrangement breaks down, you will need to give 28 days notice. This is so a suitable ongoing arrangement can be found for the young person you have been supporting.
Help and support
The young people we seek homes for come from a wide range of diverse backgrounds. They may need help with:
- budgeting and managing their money
- learning to cook and maintain a clean and safe living space
- maintaining a high level of personal hygiene and presentation
- developing a daily routine including cleaning, laundry and cooking
- education, employment and training
- support from agencies such as the Citizens Advice Bureau and Benefits Agency.
Summary of scheme
This scheme means:
- accommodating young people aged between 16 and 25 who are not ready for independent living
- offering them a room in your home
- offering the young person in your care time and flexibility in a safe and supportive environment
- giving them advice and guidance whilst they prepare to enter independence.
Make an enquiry
To make an enquiry about becoming a supported homes host:
- phone: 01634 335 726
- email: fcrecruitment@medway.gov.uk.