Supported Lodgings

What is Supported lodgings?

Supported Lodgings is a scheme run by RBWM Fostering Adoption & Respite Service (FARS) to provide lodgings in the area for 16-21 year olds. It is about giving a young person the space and freedom they need to move on into independent living while doing so in a safe and supportive environment.

The young people can come from a variety of backgrounds, and are referred to the scheme by their social worker because they cannot live at home. At this age they are usually not able to live independently but need support and guidance to prepare for adulthood

Our role is to provide that space and help the young person develop the skills they need to enter the next stage of their journey into adulthood. These can be practical skills such as cooking or managing a budget or more general life skills, such as how to handle stress.

The choices they make at this stage of life will have a big impact on their future, and a supportive lodgings provider can be a positive encouragement to them as they make these choices.

What are the aims of Supported Lodgings?

The aims are to provide a stable base for a young person, to support the young person to develop independent living skills and become responsible for themselves, and to motivate, encourage and support the young person when they are ready to move on to full independence.

How long do the young people stay?

This is a flexible arrangement between the young person and the lodgings provider. If it is a successful arrangement it could be for several years.

How can I offer Supported Lodgings?

By contacting the FARS team. We will check that your home is suitable, carry out statutory police and other checks and interview all residents. At the end of this process, which takes a few months, we will invite you to meet any possible young person before making a decision about offering them accommodation.

What if there are any problems?

We will help you to draw up an agreement with the young person before they move in, which will address any rules you might have. If the young person is unable, for whatever reasons, to keep to this agreement, we would enable the young person to move on.

What support will I receive?

You will have the support of a link worker in the FARS team, financial support and training from the department.

If you would like to know more about Supported Lodgings, please click the following link and complete the Fostering Enquiries Contact Us/Self Referral Online Form or

• To contact the team by phone ring 01628-683201
• Send your enquiry by email to adoption-fostering@rbwm.gov.uk.
• The address to write to is: Fostering, Adoption & Respite Service, Town Hall, St Ives Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 1RF
  

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