Becoming a supported lodgings foster carer

About supported lodgings

Supported lodgings is an accommodation scheme for young people who need a secure and supportive environment in which to learn and build the skills they need for independent living. 

You will play an important role in helping young people to prepare for adult life by teaching them skills such as cooking, washing, housework,managing money and completing job applications.

Like fostering, the young person will live with you and your family but unlike fostering, they will need to be able to get themselves around independently so good transport links are essential. As a supported lodgings carer, you are expected to live in your property full time, but you are free to pursue your own lifestyle including going to work and on holiday.

You can apply to be a supported lodgings carer if you are able to provide a young person with:

• their own room
• a front door key
• access to communal spaces
• practical support
• emotional support
• respect and understanding of the issues young people may face
• life experience
• time, flexibility, commitment and patience

You will receive a generous weekly payment, and the young person in your care will receive their own allowance. Part of your role will be to support them in understanding how to budget this allowance.

The process of becoming a supported lodgings carer follows many of the same steps as becoming a foster carer. A key difference is that supported lodgings carers have a shorter assessment and do not attend a fostering panel.

We host free online information events every fortnight where you can find out more about becoming a supported lodgings carer. Book a place at one of our online information sessions.