You want out

A lot of young people want to leave home once they've turned 16. They think, "I'm fed up with mum and dad. I want a place of my own." The reality is that living independently at that age is very challenging.

Some harsh realities:

• The local authority will not house under 16s.
• The local authority will not give 16 or 17 year olds a council tenancy.

This leaves two options: temporary accommodation and supported housing:

• Temporary accommodation is usually a B&B or shared house in Oxford. Don’t expect the comforts of home. Do expect strict rules and regulations. You may not be able to have visitors or remain in your room from 9am to 3pm.
• If you use drugs or alcohol you will be asked to leave. Do it again and the council will no longer be responsible for housing you because you are intentionally homeless.

If you are in danger at home or feel that you must leave regardless of the difficulties, you don’t have to do it on your own.

Find out more: Domestic Violence, Abuse, Homeless

	LEGAL ISSUES
	Under 16	You cannot leave home and a parent or carer can’t make you leave.
	Age 16/17	You cannot leave home or care without permission but if you do the police may not take you back. Your parents are responsible for you to age 18. If they don’t look after you properly, social and health care and the local housing authority may help. You may be able to claim benefits, or receive help from social and health care if you have a care history.
	Age 18	You can leave home without parental consent. You can hold a tenancy and buy a house or flat. You can remain with your carers if they agree.

Find out more: Parent Trouble, Staying at home

Could you survive on your own?

Here are just some of the essential life skills you need to live independently:

• Having a regular income
• Know how to find a place to live
• Being able to meet daily survival needs such as cooking, paying bills and getting from place to place
• Understanding how to keep yourself and your home clean and safe and in good working order
• Being able to manage your time, energy and money
• Being able to recognise physical symptoms requiring medical attention, and knowing how to get it
• Knowing how to act responsibly in work, community and leisure relationships
• Knowing how to get information and support
• Responsible enough to buy toothpaste, rubbish bags, washing powder, loo roll and tea instead of lippie or CDs

If you have a regular income and 6 or 7 of these other skills you could probably live on your own successfully. Otherwise the odds are against you.

Staying at home gives you time and the opportunity to start developing these skills. Adults are often happy to teach you what they have learned. You can also find out information from life skills courses, the internet and older friends who have already moved out.

Find out more: Home skills, Moving Out

Credit: BYHP There's No Place like Home

The pictures and some of the content on these pages came from a project in Banbury involving Banbury Youth Centre, Banbury Detached Team, Cherwell Council and Banbury Young Homeless Project called There's No Place Like Home.

If you'd like to be involved in writing materials, contributing experiences, or producing artwork for the Young People's Survival Guide for Oxfordshire, please get in touch.