16 and 17 year old young people at risk of homelessness

Young people who are accommodated under section 20 at ages 16 and 17 years will qualify for a LAC service until they are 18 years old. However, if they qualify as an eligible or relevant child (aged 16 or 17 years old who has been looked after by Buckinghamshire Council for more than 13 weeks between 14 to 17 years), or former relevant child, they will normally be entitled to a full leaving care service up to the age of 21 (or 25 if they request continuing support).

They will only cease to be entitled to a leaving care service if they have returned to living with their parent or someone with parental responsibility for a continuous period of at least 6 months and that relationship has not broken down.

Young people who are Looked After for less than 13 weeks prior to their 18th birthday will not be entitled to a leaving care service. However, they may be eligible for limited support from Buckinghamshire Council that will focus on providing support for their education, training and employment.