Living in residential care
Who is residential care for?
Residential care means living in a house with other children and having adults who take care of you.
Sometimes, you can’t stay with your family. It might be that your parents have asked for you to be looked after, or that a court decided that you need to go into care so you can be safe.
What’s it really like living in residential care?
Residential homes look like normal family homes and are in nice areas near schools and shops. You will have your own bedroom.
Getting used to a new place with new people can take time, but the adults at the home will try their best to make you feel comfortable. They will get to know you and the things you like.
There will be a few other children living with you. They will have had similar experiences to you and will help you feel welcome.
When you live in residential care, you will still go to school. You will have time to see your friends, do fun activities, and go on holidays.
Lucy, who was 16 and lived in residential care for three years, said:
‘Even though you don’t live with your family, the staff at the homes become like family to you’.
How long will I live there?
It depends on your situation and why you are in care. You will have meetings with people supporting you to see if the residential home is still the best place for you.
We talk with you, your family, and your social worker to make a plan for your future. If possible, the plan is to help you go back home.
If going home is not possible, your social worker will explain everything to you, answer your questions, and listen to your thoughts.
What happens when I leave care?
The residential staff will help you settle into your new place, keep in touch with you, and support you. When you turn 18 and become an adult, you will still get help as a ‘care leaver’.
