YOUNG people leaving care in Blackburn with Darwen will be offered an increased range and level of support following a two-year review of children's residential services.

The council's executive board has given its approval for the development of a supported lodgings scheme, a government-led project where 16 to 21-year-olds move from residential care into lodgings with specially-trained families or individuals.

Around 10 familes or individuals will be trained to provide the first phase of the service. They will be expected to provide a stable base for young people to begin their route to independence.

An increase in the number of youngsters not living in residential care will also mean only fewer places are required at children's homes.

One, Wilkinson House, would be used for other purposes, while Brooklands House would be used as a reception base for youngsters about to go out on the supported lodging scheme.

Coun Sue Reid, executive member for social services, said: "Our whole approach to supporting young people preparing to leave care is changing.

"By moving to supported lodgings, we are doing more to give young people we look after the same chances as those enjoyed by people of the same age.

"Living with a supportive family outside a residential home gives young people the chance to develop independent living skills which will serve them well in future.

"We have spent a lot of time listening to what young people in care say they need. They have consistently told us they want to live in an ordinary home like others their age and have similar experiences. We are giving them that."

A package of financial help, partly using government funding, will help care leavers pay for lodgings and leave them with some cash for themselves.

Support is also being put in place to assist care leavers into education, training or work. The proposals will now be discussed by the council's executive committee on Thursday.