Turning 18 doesn't mean you have to stop living with your foster carer.
Being 18 means you're an adult, and adults can't be in foster care. But that doesn't mean you have to move out. Lots of young people keep living with their foster carer once they're an adult.
As long as you're living with your foster carer the day before your 18th birthday, you'll be able to stay with them.
If it's what you and your foster carer both want, your social worker will work with you to put the right plans in place.
They'll write a 'living together agreement', which you, your foster carer, your social worker, and your personal adviser (if you have one) will sign. The agreement says what the rules are for you staying with your foster carer, and who has to do what.
We'll keep in touch with you and make sure the agreement is still working for you. And that you're getting the right support. We'll also put a copy of the agreement in your Pathway Plan.
The agreement will last until you're 21. If you'd like to stay with your foster carer after that, you can make a plan with them without needing to include us.
While you're staying with your foster carer, we'll work with you to help you to learn the skills you'll need when you move out. These will be things like looking after your money, cooking for yourself, and finding work.
You can still live with your foster carer even if you're going to university, whether it's nearby and you live with them all the time, or it's further away and you just stay with them during the holidays.