A lifelong family connection through Shared Lives

Meet Jodie, David and Dante

Dante Cosby-Phillips has been part of Jodie and David’s family for many years. From a young age, Dante was cared for by them through a foster care arrangement, giving him a stable, loving and supportive family environment where he could grow and develop.

Over the years, strong and meaningful relationships grew between Dante, Jodie and David. Their family home became a place where Dante felt safe, valued and accepted. It was a place where he could develop confidence, discover his independence and feel that he truly belonged.

As Dante approached his 18th birthday, it became clear how important it would be to maintain these relationships as he moved into adulthood.

Transitioning to Shared Lives

Turning 18 can be a time of significant change, particularly for young people moving from children’s services into adult services. For Dante, leaving the family environment he had known for many years could have meant losing the familiarity, relationships and sense of belonging that mattered to him.

Working closely with everyone involved, a decision was made to transition the arrangement from fostering to Shared Lives. This meant Dante could continue living with the people he knew and trusted, while moving into adult services in a way that worked for him.

The transition was carefully planned, with continuity at its heart. Because Dante was already settled in Jodie and David’s home, the move to Shared Lives felt natural. His home, relationships and everyday life remained familiar, while the support around him changed to reflect his life as a young adult.

The Difference Shared Lives Has Made

Shared Lives has given Dante the continuity and security to keep moving forward in a place where he feels at home.

Being able to maintain his home, routines and relationships has provided a strong sense of stability at an important stage of his life. Jodie and David continue to offer encouragement, guidance and practical support, while giving Dante the space and confidence to make choices and develop his independence.

The arrangement has allowed Dante to:

• Remain within a familiar and supportive family environment.

• Maintain strong relationships with people who know him well and understand what matters to him.

• Develop his independence at a pace that works for him.

• Continue taking part in opportunities within his local community.

• Grow in confidence as he navigates adult life.

A Family Beyond Childhood

For Jodie and David, moving to Shared Lives has meant they can continue being there for someone who has become an important part of their family.

Their experience shows what makes Shared Lives different. It is built around relationships, trust and a genuine sense of belonging. For Dante, turning 18 did not have to mean leaving behind the people and place he knew. Instead, he was able to move into adulthood with the reassurance of familiar faces, a familiar home and people who continued to believe in him.

Looking Ahead

Dante continues to work towards his own goals, with Jodie and David alongside him every step of the way. Shared Lives gives him the space to keep developing his independence and confidence, while knowing he has a caring and supportive family around him.

For Dante, it is about more than continuity of support. It is about having a place where he belongs, relationships he can rely on and the freedom to keep growing into the person he wants to be.

Shared Lives has allowed Dante to continue living with the people who know him best, ensuring stability, security and a true sense of belonging as he moves into adulthood.

Could you become a Shared Lives carer?

Dante’s story shows how much a familiar home, trusted relationships and a sense of belonging can mean.

Shared Lives carers open their homes and their lives to support someone to develop confidence, independence and new possibilities — while becoming part of a genuine relationship that can last for years.

You don’t need to have worked in care before. What matters most is being caring, having time to share and being willing to make a difference in someone’s life. Ategi provides training, ongoing support and a careful matching process to help make Shared Lives work for you and the person you support.

Could Shared Lives be your next chapter?