Issue - meetings

To receive a report from the Director of Children’s Services in relation to the protocol established for homeless individuals aged 16 & 17.

The Children and Families Advisory Panel receive a report from the Director of Children’s Services providing an overview of the reviewed joint working protocol between Hampshire’s Children’s Services Department and District Housing departments. This was as a result of the expanded duties for local authorities in the Homelessness Act 2017 in relation to housing for 16 & 17 year olds.

The Panel noted that this duty means that the local authority must undertake enquiries for someone where there is reason to believe they may be threatened with homelessness in the same way as someone who is homeless. The timescale for this is now 56 days. The Panel also heard that the accommodation provided must be suitable for their needs and there is no situation in which a bed & breakfast can be considered suitable.

In response to questions members heard that;

• Assessment often leads to an identified accommodation need, but as a top tier authority, Hampshire has no control over this area. This could lead to frustrations in relation to this duty, but the protocol is in place to help prevent that.
• There is a pressure on spaces which differs depending on the District concerned. The first option is family and friends then supported accommodation is concerned.
• If there is no imminent risk of homelessness a referral will usually be made to the Early Help Hub.
• Sometimes children are registered as Looked After Children to assist with the timely allocation of accommodation.
• There are specialist placements available for young mums and some foster carers are happy to assist in this regard. However, this is only when the individual is willing to become Looked After.

Resolved: That the Children and Families Advisory Panel note the contents of the report and agree that the key challenges are to be considered by the Corporate Parenting Board.