Which skills do I need to teach my foster child so they are ready to move out?

When your foster child reaches 16, they are allowed to leave home. However, as their foster carer, you will remain legally responsible until they’re 18. This means that although they may want their freedom and independence, you have a duty to keep them safe until they become an adult.

Nevertheless, there are some vital skills you should teach your foster child as they prepare to move out. That way, they can still live independently and have a sense of freedom, while you continue to care for them from afar. Here are some skills you can teach your foster child so they can feel ready to move out:

• Budgeting – Teach your foster child how to manage their money, prioritising their utility and food bills before anything else.
• Cooking – Being able to cook basic dishes and their favourite meals will help them save money, bring them satisfaction, and encourage healthy eating.
• Cleaning – Helping them maintain an organised and clean living space is important for their health and well-being. It also encourages responsibility and self-reliance.
• Communication – Have a conversation about how they expect you to keep in touch. Are they happy with on-the-spot visits, or would they want to be notified beforehand? Remember, before the age of 18, they are still legally under your protection, and so although they may want independence, you may need to explain to them that for their own safety and your peace of mind, you must have a form of communication with each other.
• Relationship skills – Your foster child might be moving out to live with their partner. If that’s the case, teaching them some relationship skills is a good idea, especially since the dynamics of a relationship shift when you start living together.