Staying Put and the future of foster care
Date published
21 January 2026
For foster carers, young people and their families, the last few weeks have brought important national conversations into sharp focus, particularly around Staying Put arrangements and how care leavers are supported as they transition into adulthood.
As discussions in the House of Lords unfold and organisations like The Fostering Network voice strong views, it’s a key moment to understand what’s happening, why it matters, and how it affects the fostering community.
Staying Put is a vital arrangement in the UK fostering system. It allows care leavers, young people who have been in foster care, to continue living with their foster family after they turn 18. Typically, this extends until age 21, if both the young person and carer agree.
The purpose of Staying Put is provide continuity and emotional security, support ongoing education, training, or early work, ease the transition to adulthood and reduce sudden moves into unsupported independent living
For many young people, Staying Put is more than policy, it’s the difference between confidence and uncertainty.
The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which is currently being discussed in the House of Lords, has reignited debate about how care leavers are supported beyond age 18.
Key points from the recent parliamentary debates include:
The Bill includes new duties around support for care-experienced young people, especially through the Staying Close framework, a complementary policy that aims to help care leavers maintain relationships with services and networks up to age 25.
While Staying Close is gaining statutory footing, Staying Put, which currently ends at 21, is not being extended in the current Bill. This has raised concerns among practitioners and advocacy groups.
Carers and peers in the Lords have highlighted that without statutory backing and clearer financial frameworks, Staying Put remains inconsistent across local authorities. Some carers struggle with the costs of continuing care once statutory support diminishes, even though the emotional and developmental need for that support continues.
These debates reflect broader thinking in Parliament, care doesn’t suddenly become less important at 18. But the legal and financial support structures behind care beyond that age are still being shaped.
As one of the UK’s leading foster care charities, The Fostering Network has publicly expressed significant concern about the current path of reform.
Their key criticisms include:
🔹Staying Put should be extended to age 25, to align with care leaver entitlements under Staying Close.
🔹Without statutory guarantees, many carers are left unclear and unsupported when extending care past 18.
🔹Financial inconsistency between local authorities creates a postcode lottery, leaving carers and young people with unequal support depending on where they live.
🔹The current Bill, while positive in some areas, still doesn’t go far enough in protecting long-term foster care relationships.
The Fostering Network’s position highlights a shared concern among carers: that the transition from care to independence, especially between ages 18 and 25, remains precarious without stronger legal backing and more consistent support.
These developments matter because they affect the real lives of young people and the carers who support them:
Young people leaving care often:
Are still completing education or training
Need emotional stability at a key developmental stage
Benefit from trusted adult relationships not sudden independence
Foster carers who offer Staying Put provide:
Crucial support for confidence and life skills
Continuity that supports better long-term outcomes
A safety net when pressures mount in early adulthood
Without clear statutory extension of Staying Put, many carers may feel reluctant or unable to continue in extended roles not because they don’t want to, but because practical and financial support isn’t guaranteed.
At Nexus Fostering, we recognise that carers need clarity, training, and support, especially as policy continues to evolve.
Here’s how we help:
Up‑to‑date policy guidance: We keep carers informed about national developments and what they mean in practice.
Practical support for Staying Put arrangements: Including discussions with local authorities and care teams.
Training and supervision: Helping carers navigate post‑18 transitions confidently.
Community and emotional support: An experienced team at your side through every step.
This means carers don’t have to face these complex issues alone, whether they are experienced or just starting their fostering journey.
The debates in the House of Lords and the response from The Fostering Network show a shared acknowledgement: extended support matters. Staying Put continues to be a lifeline for many, but carers and young people still need stronger commitments.
As reforms progress, we’ll continue to share insights, guidance, and support, ensuring that carers are prepared, informed, and confident in providing the best possible care for young people beyond age 18.
If you’re a foster carer, or thinking about becoming one and want clarity on Staying Put, Nexus Fostering is here to help, get in touch today.
News
21 January 2026
