Think About It ---> Leaving Home

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Leaving your family home can be one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make, so don't do it without thinking about it carefully and planning what you will do. Jobs for young people can be hard to find, and they are not usually well paid.

Also, the cost of living is always going up. There is a lot to think about before deciding to leave home.

There are good things and bad things about moving away from home. Some of them might surprise you.

Good Things

•		You'll be more independent
•		You have more control over deciding what to do - and when to do it
•		You can choose decoration and furniture that you like
•		People may treat you differently, and with more respect – more like an adult
•		You'll have more time and space to yourself.

Bad Things

•		You'll have to pay all of the bills, rent, and any other costs
•		You'll probably have less money to spend than you had before
•		You'll have to do your own shopping, cleaning and housework
•		You might feel lonely
•		It's harder if you get ill, or have a problem you want to talk about

Young people leave home for lots of reasons. The first thing you'll want to know if you leave home is what are your options? What can you do?

If you are under 16, you can't leave home unless there are serious problems, like violence or abuse. If this is the case with you, get in touch with Social Services for help and advice.

If you are 16 or 17, you can move out if your parent or guardian says yes. If they don't and you leave anyway, you could be reported to the police as a missing person and be brought home if you are considered "at risk.”

The most important things to think about if you are planning to leave home are the good and bad points of moving. You also need to think about where you’re going to go.

Think about why you're leaving. Is it because the people around you, are dragging you down, holding you back and getting on your nerves? Remember, wherever you live you'll have other people to think about, whether it’s parents, flatmates or neighbours.

If you have family problems, think carefully before you go. It could be better to try and sort things out if you can. Then you can leave at a time that suits you, and plan your move. Also, your parents will be happier if they see your leaving as a natural stage rather than on the spur of the moment.