In the UK, the terms Children Looked After (CLA), Leaving Care, and Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC) refer to vulnerable young people under the care of local authorities due to challenging circumstances. These children and young people often require specialist accommodation and tailored support services as they transition through various life stages, including into semi-independence or adulthood.
For housing providers, local councils, and property investors, understanding the needs, legal framework, and housing solutions for this demographic is crucial. This article explores who these children are, what their legal entitlements include, the challenges in housing provision, and how stakeholders — including Fraser Bond — can help deliver suitable, compliant, and sustainable property solutions.
Children Looked After are individuals under 18 who have been taken into care by a local authority. This can result from:
Parental neglect or abuse,
Family breakdown,
Disability or health concerns,
Or as part of child protection measures.
CLA are typically placed in foster care, residential homes, or supported accommodation. Local authorities are legally required to ensure their welfare, stability, and access to suitable housing and education.
When a CLA reaches the age of 18, they are no longer legally considered a “child” but often lack the necessary life skills or support networks to live fully independently. These young people become Care Leavers and remain entitled to support until the age of 21 (or 25 if in education or training).
Key support mechanisms include:
Pathway Plans outlining their housing, education, and wellbeing goals,
Personal Advisors to guide them through post-care life,
Semi-independent accommodation, such as supported housing or shared living arrangements with onsite support.
Care leavers are particularly vulnerable to housing instability, unemployment, and mental health issues. Safe and stable housing is a critical component of successful transition to adulthood.
UASC are children under 18 who arrive in the UK without a parent or legal guardian and seek asylum. They are classified as looked-after children and receive care and protection under the Children Act 1989.
The unique needs of UASC include:
Trauma-informed care due to experiences of conflict or displacement,
Language and cultural support,
Legal assistance with asylum or immigration procedures,
Specialist accommodation with trained staff to support integration and safeguarding.
Once UASC turn 18, they may face additional challenges depending on the outcome of their asylum applications, making the transition from CLA to adulthood more complex.
Local authorities face increasing pressure to provide suitable accommodation for CLA, Care Leavers, and UASC due to:
A shortage of supported housing stock,
Rising numbers of UASC arrivals,
Limited budgets for bespoke or emergency placements.
This creates an opportunity — and a responsibility — for private sector housing providers and investors to work in partnership with councils and care organisations to deliver compliant, high-quality, and regulated accommodation.
OFSTED registration (where applicable),
Compliance with quality standards under the Care Standards Act,
Safeguarding policies and trained staff,
Flexible models of support (24/7, floating support, or key worker schemes).
Fraser Bond works closely with local authorities, charities, and specialist housing providers to facilitate the development and management of properties for vulnerable children and young people. Our services include:
Identifying suitable properties for supported accommodation use,
Advising landlords and investors on compliance and licensing,
Structuring leases and long-term arrangements for housing partnerships,
Managing property adaptations to meet safeguarding and support requirements.
With experience in high-needs housing across London and the UK, Fraser Bond ensures that accommodation not only meets regulatory expectations but also fosters positive outcomes for young people.
The provision of safe, suitable, and supportive housing for Children Looked After, Care Leavers, and UASC is both a legal duty and a social imperative. As the landscape evolves, collaborative approaches between local authorities and private sector partners are essential in bridging the gap in accommodation supply.
Fraser Bond stands ready to support this mission by offering expert guidance, property solutions, and partnership frameworks that make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable children and young people across the UK.
