Supporting Homeless 16- and 17-year-olds
With the assistance of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, the Young People’s Programme has completed a review of 138 local authority’s joint working protocols in relation to homeless 16 and 17 year olds. Protocols are documents that should set out clearly what happens to a 16/17 year old on presentation to either the Local Authorities’ housing or social services department. Protocols should go some way to ensuring that young people are not passed pillar to post between the two departments, with the potential consequence that they fall through the gap and remain homeless or in unsuitable and accommodation.
The review came as a response to anecdotal evidence from Law Centre staff, working with young people, who reported that despite clear case law and statutory guidance many homeless 16 and 17 year olds were not being correctly assessed, accommodated and provided with the support they need and are entitled to from the Local Authority.
The report looked at key questions to address whether the protocols were accurately reflecting statutory guidance and case law.
For more information about this report please contact us.