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17 thrown out help


Hi I’m posting this for my daughters friend she is 17 andhas been living with her step dad for the last 4 years she has 2 younger halfsiblings by the mum and the step dad to my knowledge her mum is at uni orcollege and all 3 kids live with the step dad.

The step dad was single but now has a new girlfriend who doesn’tlike the 17 year old. 6 weeks ago the 17 year old was told that she had 6 weeksto find a job if not she had to get out. She goes to college full time but haslooked for a job I know this as I have helped her apply.

today he has put all her stuff out in bin bags and thrownher out her bin bags are now in my house and I am planning on taking her to thecouncil office tomorrow. However she is scared to go as by the sounds of it herstep dad is claiming what he shouldn’t and she is worried that if she saysanything then he will be in trouble.


She needs somewhere to live I have a spare room but have 2children and I cannot afford to take on another child does anyone have anysuggestions on what to do or what is likely to happen to her? I have a mortgagebut get tax credits as on a low income and get council tax benefit will I be introuble for letting her stay or would I get any financial help to support anextra child as they are not my responsibility i dont want to make money but kids are expensive?




thanks
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Comments

  • SuziQ
    SuziQ Posts: 3,042 Forumite
    I can't answer your query, however I just wanted to thank you for taking her in, in the short term. Poor kid!

    I totally understand your fears of not being able to afford to take her in long term however.
    Tomorrow is always fresh, with no mistakes in it!
  • dottygirl
    dottygirl Posts: 171 Forumite
    Hi she is lucky to have you in her life. As a mum I cant understand people who throw their children out without them having somewhere to go. I would check with her college because I know my local college supports their students very well. Sadly she will not be the first student to be in this position. Look in the phone book there are charities that support young people. Take care. x
  • debtmess
    debtmess Posts: 711 Forumite
    Debt-free and Proud!
    Hugs to you x
    I had similer last year with 17 year old sister, she was full time student, I get ctc and cb for her until August and have to apply again in September if she stays with me once she go's back to college (level 3 full time course)

    SS/ council would offer my sister no help so I took her in.

    SS and council were only going to offer help in getting her home despite the situation was never going to allow that.

    You sound lovely to take your daughters friend in x its hard work when the child is not your own (I wont lie)

    if you need help/an ear feel free to pm me x
    Debt free :beer:

    Married 15/02/14:D
  • paddedjohn
    paddedjohn Posts: 7,512 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture
    From what ive read on here, only one person can claim child benefits for her and it can take a while for that to be changed over.
    Be Alert..........Britain needs lerts.
  • Unfortunately this is quite a common scenario but thankfully all homeless 16-18 year olds are entitled to funding for supported living accommodation which prepares them to live independently at 18. Her father won't get into trouble and social services will focus on making sure she is safe and has somewhere appropriate to live - which may well be with you.

    Areas vary but social services will let you know how it all works most will pay direct to provider of the supported living (e.g. you) for accommodation, meals and support. The payments are tax free and I believe are ignored for benefits etc.
  • debtmess
    debtmess Posts: 711 Forumite
    Debt-free and Proud!
    up to 8 weeks paddedjohn depending on if the person claiming will willingly give them up iykwim. it took months to get sister sorted but I managed it
    Debt free :beer:

    Married 15/02/14:D
  • As a child in full time education, Social Services should be assisting (including financially). However, that's often easier said than done.

    Her local council should be able to assist her through the homeless route. As she is under 18, she will be in a priority group so, if accepted as homeless, they would have a duty to re-house her.

    They will also be able to point her in the direction of supported accommodation aimed at younger people. Your provision of accommodation on a temporary basis should obviate the need for the horrors of B+B.

    On the benefits side, I'm afraid you will have to wait for someone better informed on that side of things than I.
  • Bigmoney2
    Bigmoney2 Posts: 640 Forumite
    Have a look at the shelter link.
    http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/homelessness/young_people_facing_homelessness/foyers_for_young_people

    Also your local council will have details of help is available for young people.
  • I really feel for this young lady. Can you imagin the rejection she must be feeling from her family right now, poor little thing.

    I know it may be a struggle for her to consider going to the council but could you try on her behalf to see what her options are.

    In the mean time could you find her some jobs around the house to pay for her keep.

    would talking to her family be an option?

    This young lady needs all the support she can get right now

    Thank you for doing that for her.

    Bless you xxxx
    Love is: A little bit of everything
    A dream: take you away from reality
    Hope is: What get you through
    A smile: Doesn't cost a penny
  • jackieb
    jackieb Posts: 27,605 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Where is her mother? I know you said she's at uni or college, but is it not possible for her to stay there?
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