Supported lodgings fostering
Supported Lodgings is an accommodation scheme for young people who need a secure and supportive environment in which to stay. As a Supported Lodgings host, you will be giving a young person a helping hand towards independence.
The scheme is open to young people aged 16-21 (or 24 if they are in higher education). You may be supporting a young care leaver or someone who is unable to live at home. Sometimes this can also be a young person from overseas who is claiming asylum.
What does a Supported Lodgings host do?
You will play an important role in helping young people develop skills like cooking, washing, completing job applications and preparing for adult life. They will also need emotional support and encouragement to help them fulfil their potential.
Like fostering, the young person will stay with you and your family while they are in the Supported Lodgings scheme. Unlike fostering however, they will usually be able to get themselves around independently – to college and employment – therefore good transport links are essential.
Who can be a Supported Lodgings host?
You could be considered as a Supported Lodgings host if you have:
- A spare room
- Life experience
- An understanding of the issues young people can face
- The desire to make a difference
Our Supported Lodgings hosts come from a wide variety of backgrounds, ethnicities, faiths and age groups. They include people who have recently retired and people who work full time, single carers and carers with families of their own.
What support does a Supported Lodgings host receive?
As a Supported Lodgings host with West Sussex County Council you will have access to a wide range of support and benefits.
You will be allocated a Child and Family Support Worker, who will visit regularly and provide you with any support you require, as well as having access to out-of-hours support should you need assistance beyond office hours. You will also have access to comprehensive training and various other benefits, full details of which can be found on the why foster with us section of this website.
Young people in your care will also have their own Social Worker or Personal Advisor.
Receive over £15,000 a year, per young person in your care
Depending on the length of time for which a young person is with you. Also, did you know that as a Supported Lodgings Host you are technically considered self-employed? This means you are applicable to Qualifying Care Relief, so in your tax return, you can claim a tax exemption of up to £18,140.
become a supported lodgings host
How to apply
Once you’ve got in touch we’ll discuss arranging a visit and starting an assessment. This involves a number of checks and references, such as Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and gives us time to get to know you and your family. It also gives you time to think about the commitment you are making to supporting a young person in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What support does a Supported Lodgings host get?
As a Supported Lodgings host with West Sussex County Council you will have access to a wide range of support and benefits.
You will be allocated a Child and Family Support Worker who will visit regularly and provide you with any support you require. You will also have access to the Out of Hours Support line should you need assistance outside of office hours. You will receive comprehensive training and various other benefits.
How much does a Supported Lodgings host get paid?
As an approved Supported Lodgings provider, you will work in partnership with the County Council’s Children’s Services and will be paid a weekly allowance. Currently, the minimum payment is £289.37 per week.
