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<p>In 2014, the government introduced ‘Staying put: arrangements for care leavers
aged 18 years and above’ which allows care leavers to continue living with their former
foster carer when they reach age 18: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/staying-put-arrangements-for-care-leavers-aged-18-years-and-above"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/staying-put-arrangements-for-care-leavers-aged-18-years-and-above</a>.
This means young people can continue to benefit from a stable and secure family setting,
preparing for independence at a more gradual pace and moving into independent living
when they are ready, rather than facing a cliff-edge on reaching age 18.</p><p>To
support local authorities to implement Staying Put we have provided £68.35 million
to date. Funding for 2019/20 will be £23.77 million, and funding beyond 2020 will
be subject to future spending reviews.</p><p>The latest data show that for the year
ending March 2018, 55% of those ceasing to be looked after in a foster placement on
their 18th birthday stayed put with their former foster carer, which is an increase
of 4% on the previous year. Furthermore, 31% of 19 year-olds were still with former
foster carers on their 19th birthday, and 26% of 20 year-olds still with former foster
carers on their 20th birthday. Again, these were both increases on the previous year.</p><p>
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