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<p>The majority of children in care aged 16 or 17 are either placed in foster care
or live in a children’s home, both of which are regulated by Ofsted. However, the
Children Act (1989) allows local authorities to use ‘other accommodation’ (such as
supported lodgings; semi-independent accommodation; hostels; or foyers), if the local
authority judges that the young person’s needs will best be met by this type of placement.</p><p>
</p><p>In many cases, semi-independent accommodation provides an effective way for
young people preparing to or leaving care to make a gradual transition to independence
instead of placing them straight into an independent tenancy.</p><p> </p><p>Local
authorities are responsible for commissioning a range of accommodation that meets
the needs of young people in or leaving care and must ensure that accommodation used
to house them is ‘suitable’. ‘Suitable accommodation’ is defined in Chapter 7 of the
Children Act (1989) Volume 3 statutory guidance, which can be accessed at: <a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/397649/CA1989_Transitions_guidance.pdf"
target="_blank">https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/397649/CA1989_Transitions_guidance.pdf</a>.</p><p>
</p><p>The government ensures that local authorities are held to account for the
quality of the accommodation they provide to care leavers through Ofsted inspections
of children’s services and challenge poor practices when identified by Ofsted.</p>
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