Staying Put is a scheme that enables young people are able to remain with their foster carers, if both parties agree, from the age of 18 to 21. We evaluated how this reduces the risk of homelessness in care leavers.

What we found: 

Consistent and strong evidence that Staying Put significantly lowers the risk of homelessness for care leavers.

If number of participants in the Staying Put scheme is increased by just 13%, over 300 care leavers could be prevented from experiencing homelessness per year.

What we recommend:

Awareness of Staying Put as an option is increased among foster carers around the UK.

Local authorities do what they can to increase the number of Staying Put arrangements.

Central government increases the funding available for local authorities to support Staying Put arrangements.