‘Staying Put’ is a scheme that enables young people to remain with their carers up to age 21. Alison O’Sullivan, president of ADCS, makes a heartfelt case for why it must succeed

An issue close to my heart and one that is a personal priority for me during my presidential year, is strengthening the support young people receive when leaving residential care.

Families do not cut their children off simply because they reach a certain age and that is why I would like to see the ‘Staying Put’ scheme, which enables young people to remain with their foster carers up to the age of 21, extended to include children living in residential care.