HOUSING FIRST FOR YOUTH SERVICE. SUPPORT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE LEAVING CARE AND AT RISK OF HOMELESSNESS.

Youth Housing Focus Irelands’ Youth Housing Service was developed in recognition of the need to provide young people leaving state care or who are at risk of homelessness with support to ensure they acquire the skills necessary to live independently and to avoid the risk of becoming homeless.

Youth Housing Gaetz, S Can Housing First Work for Youth? European Journal of Homelessness, Vol 8 No.2 December Middlebrooks JS, Audage NC. The Effects of Childhood Stress on Health Across the Lifespan. Atlanta (GA): Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control; 2008.

What informs our work Housing First – for Youth Precision Housing Neurobiology and Cognitive Developmen ACE Attachment Theory Positive Youth Development Customer

Resiliency and Coping Skills ‘Resiliency in the process of adapting well in the face of adversity’ Building Resiliency Increase connectedness Clear Boundaries Life Skills Supportive relationships Realistic expectations Meaningful participation

Youth Housing Limerick Commenced in May 2013 First Young person housed in July 2013 The service is funded jointly between Focus Ireland, Tusla, Limerick City/County Council & the JP Mc Manus Trust. Referral agents; Tusla Aftercare, HAT and HSE Disability service.

Youth Housing Cork Commenced in February 2015; First Young person housed in the project in February The staffing and Housing of the service is funded jointly between Focus Ireland, HSE South and Cork City Council. Referral agents include Tusla Aftercare, HAT, HSE, Homeless Services and Drug and Alcohol Services.

Service Offered/Criteria Voluntary engagement years of age Limerick Cork Accommodation offered to individuals for a period of time proportionate to their level of need. Outreach Service

Objectives; Experience stable accommodation and create permanent connections. Positive move-on from supported accommodation to appropriate long-term secure accommodation. Personal development, attainment of independent living skills and the acquisition of social capital.

Objectives: Outreach Sustain tenancies and settle in a home and community Gain life and independent living skills Establish and maintain a safe and functional home environment Access and integration with local community facilities and services Ensure stable family connections are maintained.

Referral Agents Tusla After Care, HSE Disability, HAT identify appropriate referral. Referral agents presents case to allocations panel for approval. Referral Meeting Focus Ireland Staff meets the Referral Agent to discuss the needs of the Service user. Referral suitable for Focus Ireland Services Referral goes to allocation Panel for Consideration. Allocation of Outreach or Accommodation Referral not suitable for Focus Ireland Services Referral Goes back to Referral Agent for alternative accommodation Referral Process

Initial Meeting with Young Person; Focus Ireland, Young person, referral agent. Consent to participate in service, agree individual plan for Young person. Project worker allocated Regular Review of Service Focus Ireland, Young Person, Referral Agent, Relevant Parties are involved. First Review after 4 weeks to ascertain engagement levels Referral Process Continued

Placement planning Steps taken once the young person is accepted; Key worker allocated Needs assessment completed Placement plan drawn up Regular Reviews carried out

Readiness for Independent living Planned disengagement; when care plan goals are achieved. Readiness for disengagement is assessed through one- to-one working and periodic Support Plan Reviews and agreement with referral agent.

Core Outcomes Stable Housing Permanent Connections Social-emotional well being Education/Employ ment

OUTCOMES TO DATE LIMERICK YOUTH HOUSING

Referral and Outcomes 60 Unique customers to date; 26 Outreach; 34 Young people housed. 32 Successfully closed 9 unplanned disengagements/ never engaged 19 remain on service 7 young people with children engaged; total of 16 children engaged in service. 10 Education (2 nd and 3 rd level) 14 training 5 employment

Referral Outcomes

Success 85% Cost of Emergency Accommodation per person €29k per year Cost of service Saving Referrals and Outcomes (cont.)

M age 18 when moved into FI accommodation; moved on successfully. Completed PLC course, Jobs bridge initiative at a law firm. A age 19 previously homeless; enagaged in Outreach has secured Private Rented accommodation and is now working part time. Case Studies

P with a history of care due to family addiction and mental health was referred to the service with her son and partner. History of eviction and poor budgeting. At time of referral P was pregnant and Sofa Surfing The family were housed in FI supported accommodation in June 2013 by May 2014 the family moved to PR the tenancy is still in place and M and her Partner have returned to education. Case Studies

Lack of accommodation. Landlords not willing to accept R/A/HAP or young people without a reference. R/A HAP rates too low. Housing Assistance Payment. Two year lease not realistic for young person. Reduce payment for young people. No payment for young people in education. Challenges