Leaving home can be both an exciting and scary event.  Many young people are able to plan when they leave and can prepare the things they need, whereas other young people leave home quickly without much time to think.

Living on your own or in a shared house is not always easy.  If you are thinking of leaving home because of an argument with your family, see if you can talk about it and come to a compromise, which makes living together easier.  If you have to leave home try to give yourself as much time as possible to plan where you will live as it can take time to find somewhere.

When can I leave home?

Under 16 - You can't normally legally leave home unless there is a serious problem like violence or abuse.  If this is the case for you, contact Social Services or your Connexions Personal Adviser immediately.

Age 16 - You can leave home with your parents' consent, or without it if you are leaving an abusive or neglectful situation.

Age 17 - You can leave home without your parents' consent.

Before you leave home think about:

• Where you're going to live
• How much it will cost and how you will pay for it
• How much money you will have left after paying the rent to pay bills, to buy food and go out with friends
• Who you can go to for advice and support if you need it

Further information:

Home (The Site)

Home and community (Directgov)

Housing (Directgov)