Leaving Home

Plans to give local councils greater freedom in how they allocate social housing, how long tenants get it for and how much tenants pay for it have been announced see www.directgov.uk for more information.

What Age Can I Leave Home?

Parents have the responsibility for you until you are 18.

16/17 If you get married.

18 or over You can leave home without consent.

It can be difficult to cope when you first leave home and you are on your own. However, there are agencies which can help and support you and if you are in doubt or are experiencing difficulties - always ask for help.

Leaving Home Voluntarily

In most circumstances you can leave home and live independently without consent of your parents or carers when you are 16, however, a parent or carer could still go to court and try to force you to return home. First consider the additional responsibilities you could have i.e rent, bills etc. (You will be deemed ‘intentionally homeless’, if you go to a homeless project.)

Leaving Home Against Your Will

If you are under 16 and have to leave to home because you are told to do so by parents/family/guardian because there has been arguments, then Services to Children & Young People can help with support and advice. They may have to place you in fostercare if the disagreements are not resolved.

A local authority has a duty to provide accommodation to a young person who meets a certain criteria for being homeless:

• No-one has parental responsibility for you; or
• You are lost or abandoned; or
• The person who has been caring for you is unable to continue to
provide suitable care and accommodation; or
• You are aged 16 or 17 and the local authority considers your welfare
would be seriously threatened if it does not provide accommodation

If you are over 16 and under 18 and still not able to return home and Services to Children & Young People deem you as a child in need they will consider your welfare and if it would be seriously threatened if they do not provide accommodation, they will work with you to find you suitable accommodation. Contact your local Services to Children & Young People or  homeless project for more information.