Can an 18-year-old get an apartment while still in high school and living as a foster child?

Answer 1

Hi, Im an 18 yr old girl been in foster care all my life sense I was 4 days old. when you turn 18 your legally able to do what you want (within boundaries) such as the law etc.

I have recently got my own place, My foster parents DO support me and I receive support and help finiancally from AFTERCARE team, I don't know if its the same where you live but something should definatley be in place to help post foster care kids like you and I, Im really glad I have the support actually.

You need to make sure you are ready, are you working a partime or fulltime job and will it be somewere close to where you are now to the area you know with people you know? who will support you with the move?

Everyones situation is different, these are questions only you can ask yourself, try to prepare yourself but if your upbringing in Care hasent been the best then you will obviousley value this leap into adult hood and independence, but yes an 18 yr old CAN get an apartment, but think finiancally.

I rent mine and its only 45 pounds a week, I live in Ireland(northern) and its only 2 seconds where I live now,and my foster sister is in the same street. It wasent so ncie to begin with but has been painted and I got MONEY an aftercare grant which you should be intitled to to do it up and get cooker and bed and tv etc. then you can work and save and add the bits you want like ornaments and pictures.

I have to pay gas and electric on top of that. they pay my rent for me until im 19, as im still in fultime edcaution but I work partime in a department store also and the gas and electric isent dear. I can check when its running out. Its little things like that you need to think about too.

I have a long term boyfriend who lives neabry with his parents for support as well as my foster family and the team..

so IF I CAN DO IT YOU CAN TOO!

but think about money and the area and you support team. the people you can call apon if something goes wrong. and find out information like do you get the grant and setting up home allowance? that I got etc

GOOD LUCK I HOPE YOU GET YOUR FIRST PLACE AND SETTLE IN WELL!

BUT REMEMBER YOU ARE 18 WE ARENT CHILDREN ANYMORE AND EVEN THOUGH WE HAVE LOTS TO LEARN LIFES WHAT YOU MAKE IT.

Cat