Many families want their children to be cared for in their own home. This may involve a relative or friend moving into the family home to act as the carer, or the children caring for themselves. This plan provides maximum continuity for the family, by enabling the children to be cared for by a familiar person, within familiar surroundings while continuing their normal routine. Financial assistance may be needed from Social Services for this plan and this must be included as part of the planning process.

Sometimes the long-term plan involves the child or young person caring for themselves in the family home. Parents may regard their children as capable, independent and mature enough to establish their own home. Landlords may offer an interim tenancy in the child's name at 16 years and a proper tenancy at 17 years. Benefits may be claimed if the eldest child is old enough, perhaps with additional financial support from Social Services to help cover any shortfall such as upkeep on the family home.

This option needs detailed planning and careful consideration in looking at the practicalities of a young person being carer for themselves and any siblings. For example, who will sign contractual agreements with telephone, gas, or electricity companies?

The emotional impact on a young person being a carer will also need to be fully discussed. The young person should receive support to minimise the pressure of being responsible for managing the household while acting as a parent to other siblings. These responsibilities may also impact on the young person's social and educational development.

An adult may be the identified carer whilst staying in their own home. This adult becomes the support person for the child/young person, whilst ensuring that the children have adequate care. They may act as a guarantor for contractual agreements or take on the role of a carer as necessary, for example going to parent/teacher meetings. Alternatively, Social Services may seek a carer to move into the family home. This is not a very common arrangement, but more agencies are viewing this as a way of meeting the families’ plan.