Foster Carers and the young people they care for are being encouraged to stay together longer, to help give young care leavers a smoother journey into adulthood.

Brother and sister – Dale, 19, and Kaleigh, 17 – have thrived growing up with their Foster family in Somerset. In this short video, they talk about why they’re pleased to be able to ‘Stay Put’ and remain with their foster carers past the age of 18, rather than leave home and become independent at 18.

It gives an insight into why Somerset County Council hopes to encourage more foster carers willing to enable young people to ‘stay put’ – giving them a better chance of a stable, successful future.

The journey into adulthood can be complex but children looked after often leave care to become independent before the age of 18. Research shows that where children in care experience an extended transition similar to their peers, their experience and chance of achieving their potential improves.

Cllr Frances Nicholson, Cabinet Member for Children and Families at Somerset County Council, said: “We would like to thank foster carers who show the commitment and dedication to help children and young people achieve their potential. The ‘staying put’ scheme gives care leavers more time to develop social and independence skills whilst being supported by a caring adult. This nurturing environment allows them to put all their energy in studying or starting their career, knowing they have a safe home to return to at the end of the day.”

You can make a difference to a child or young person in care as a Foster Carer in Somerset – visit www.fosteradoptsomerset.org.uk, phone 0800 587 9900, ‘like’ the Fostering in Somerset Facebook page or follow @fostersomerset on Twitter.

Or come along to Fostering in Somerset’s next information event on Tuesday 1st August, 7pm to 9pm at Costa Coffee, Wells, BA5 2SG. Those who attend will get a free Costa coffee and cake.

We hold fostering and adoption information events monthly all over Somerset,       7-9pm at Costa Coffee shops – these are just a few coming up:

 Tuesday 1 August, Wells, BA5 2SG

Wednesday 20 September, Yeovil, BA20 1LE

Thursday 19 October, Taunton, TA1 1JW

Tuesday 28 November, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5EG