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What should parents do when a 16-year-old enters supported living?

2 replies

Bbs24 · 18/09/2026 11:51

My daughter has just gone into supported living aged 16. It all happened very fast but was accepted quickly as she wasn’t allowed home anymore due to her outbursts and police didn’t want her to be at home with siblings. She has been sofa surfing for a week at various friend’s houses. What am I meant to be doing? Feel like I should be doing something but haven’t heard anything from staff or social worker, I didn’t even know she was accepted until the day after she left to be taken there for an ‘interview’. What do parents do initially? It’s Friday and we have a meeting Monday to discuss a plan? but what to do in the meantime? We are lost with it as it’s happened so quickly, I don’t even know what the staff actually do or how she’ll be looked after

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wheretoyougonow · 18/09/2026 12:04

Hi - I’m no expert but I do have a little experience.
Firstly this is a really tough situation so 💐
At this very moment your younger children are safe and your daughter is safe. You will need to wait until Monday to get more information. It’s a positive she is in this accommodation and not sofa surfing. Staff there will initially get her settled in. On Monday they will hopefully discuss with you the plan going forward - helping her get into education/getting into a routine/life skills etc.
If you are currently on speaking terms with her maybe offer to take some clothes and food to her. If not then wait until Monday to discuss (staff there will help with food)
The main thing right now is you are all safe and there will be a plan going forward.
i hope it goes as well as it can Monday.

Ted27 · 18/09/2026 13:43

@Bbs24

Such a hard situation to navigate.
If you know where it is, I would pop round with some basic groceries, clothes, maybe some things from her bedroom. Maybe leave her a bit of cash, £5 or £10 so she can buy some treats, but not if you think she might spend it on things she shouldn't.
It would be useful to find out if she has a curfew or is free to come and go.

Good luck

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