Vulnerable youngsters could live with carers

A SERVICE where vulnerable people have the chance to live at home with their carers could be offered to 16-year-olds.

Council chiefs in Tameside want to expand the age bracket for their ‘Shared Lives’ scheme, which gives adults who have social care needs, disabilities and mental health issues the opportunity to share daily life with their carer.

Currently the service is only open to people aged 18 and above, but the council is now exploring offering it to 16 and 17-year-olds as an alternative to fostering and care homes.

Shared Lives can make ‘positive, lasting changes in people’s lives’ according to the authority.

It could be supported by a grant from the Department for Education, but the total extra cost to the council has not yet been revealed.

However town hall bosses say a Shared Lives placement has a ‘considerable lower cost’ than being looked after in the private sector.

A long term Shared Lives placement is around £400 a week, when compared to independent residential care which averages at a much higher £3,600.

It is thought that by offering younger teenagers the chance to take part in the scheme they could be prepared for independent living and it could prevent care leavers from becoming homeless.

A consultation will now be undertaken into the proposed changes.