Leaving care and finding your own house is an opportunity for you to set your own standard of living.

Before you launch yourself into house hunting, ask yourself the question:

What do I want for myself?

AND:

If there were no obstacles, what type of house would you like to live in and where would it be located?

Your dream house may be up a tree or it may be totally futuristic and extravagant – plasma walls and all. Whatever it is, let this idea of your dream house inform the decisions you make. Right now, it may not be an option for you to take residence up a tree or move straight into your futuristic dream house. But when you leave care, you can begin to move towards this dream – step-by-step.

So, you want to live in a tree house? Let that tree outside your window be a reminder to you every day.

You want to live in a house with plasma walls – well, start saving for a plasma TV!

REMEMBER: It's your dream, and if you can hold onto it, you can live it. It's only a matter of time.

So what is the first step?

The first step is to accept that you are in transition. For now, you may have to compromise. Keep in mind that you have a right to a standard of living that is adequate for your health and wellbeing.