Provision of accommodation to homeless 16 and 17-year-old young people
This policy relates to 16- and 17-year-old young people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The policy has been designed to ensure that:
- all homeless 16- and 17-year-old young people will be provided with accommodation and support to meet their immediate needs
- all professionals involved with young people will need to work together in a co-ordinated way to deal effectively with young people who have accommodation needs. They will take reasonable steps to ensure that no young person is ever left without a place to sleep
- all young people presenting with accommodation needs should be referred to Children and Young People's Services. This can be done via the Social Care Direct Customer Service Centre on 0345 8 503 503
- both the Housing Needs Service and Children and Young People's Service will work together as part of a joint protocol. This is to assist with the housing and supporting the needs of homeless 16- and 17-year-old
- the joint protocol will ensure the appropriate assessment, decision-making and delivery of services to meet the needs of this group of young people
Wakefield policy and procedure for the provision of accommodation to homeless 16- and 17-year-old young people is underpinned by the following legislation and guidance:
- The Children Act 1989 (S17 and S20)
- working together to Safeguard Children 2015
- Housing Act 1996/Homelessness Act 2002
- joint statutory guidance and legal advice in relation to the 'Southwark Judgement (May 2009)'
- guidance to children’s services and local housing authorities
The policy also fits with the Council's aspirations for children and young people as per the Integrated Children and Young People's Strategy 2016/17.