John Littlemore Chair Kent Joint Policy and Planning Board (Housing)

Young Persons Homelessness Protocol – Kent JPPB Protocol originally launched in 2007 – aims were To encourage multi-agency working To prevent homelessness Share information Ensure that young people receive a seamless service

Young Persons ’ Homeless Protocol 2010 The protocol is the minimum standard for all agencies to use when dealing with homeless young people. Where local arrangements go above and beyond this protocol, these arrangements should be left in place. The emphasis is on joint working to achieve a settled, safe and secure outcome for the young person with appropriate support

YPHP 2010 Procedure Young person approaches to CSS or Kent Contact Assessment Centre (KCAS) CSS or Kent Contact Assessment Centre (KCAS) will check if YP is known to services before mediating to see whether YP can return home at least until a Child in Need (CIN) assessment is made. The YP will be given a leaflet explaining what this assessment will mean. If YP is in need of emergency accommodation CSS will arrange using its ’ provision under S17 until a joint CSS/housing assessment can be made – duty to accommodate remains with CSS until it is determined that the YP is not a CIN or is a competent YP making an informed decision to refuse to accept S20 accommodation. In that event, a referral should be made to housing for an assessment under homelessness legislation Approaches made to all agencies/schools/vol sector: referral should be made to local CSS team in first instance, who will then follow the above procedure

YPHP 2010 Procedure Approaches to Local Housing Authority Housing officer will establish reason for homelessness and attempt to mediate so that YP can return home or with family/friends until the CIN assessment is made Housing officer will contact Catch 22 16plus, Disabled children’s service and SUASC to ascertain whether YP is known to them If housing officer is unable to prevent homelessness, prior to placing the YP into interim accommodation he/she will make a referral to CSS Upon receiving this referral, CSS will contact the YP to make an appointment for an initial assessment and liaise with the housing adviser to ensure the initial assessment takes place jointly Housing Officer will make a simultaneous referral, for all 16 to 19 year olds, to their local Connexions Kent & Medway Access Point, using the referral form for children in need within 48 hours Upon receiving the referral the Connexions Kent & Medway Service will contact the young person to offer Connexions Kent & Medway service support

Provision of Support Floating Support All young people who are accepted as homeless under the protocol will be referred to the Supporting People team The floating support provider will develop a support plan for the young person and will ensure that a copy is give to the LHA or housing association landlord to assist in maintaining the accommodation.

YPHP Protocol outcomes Agencies work in partnership To ensure that reconciliation between young people and their families/carers is achieved wherever possible Encourage joint assessments of homeless young people by CSS and LHAs That there is a clear and transparent process understood by all relevant staff Prevent the young person from being ‘bounced’ between agencies Information leaflets designed by and for young people A recognition that housing alone is not an answer That joint training is delivered for all partner agencies Individual procedure guidance notes are available for each agency

Thank you for listening Additional copies of the protocol and referral forms can be downloaded from