A care leaver

If you went into the care of Children’s Social Services as a child, then Children’s Services and the Council have certain responsibilities when you turn 18.

If you are ready to live independently, then Children’s Social Services can refer you to the Council to move on into social housing. This will be with the Council you were living in when you went into care, or the area you lived or live in during your care placement.

You cannot self-refer for move-on into social housing, this has to come from your allocated social worker. If you want to discuss this further you will need to contact your social worker. You can also call the Hertfordshire County Council Children’s Services duty line on 0300 123 4043.

Under the Homelessness Reduction Act of 2017, care leavers in Hertfordshire can now approach any of the ten constituent local councils for housing assistance.

If you are a care leaver you can apply to the Council’s housing register for an allocation of social housing. Your leaving care PA will have to provide the Council with your move on paperwork for you to be considered.