Provision of Accommodation to Homeless 16 and 17 year olds

1. Provision of Accommodation to Homeless 16 and 17 year olds

Since 2012, organisations across the county (including all the district housing authorities and the County Council) have been working in partnership to review the way in which we respond to 16-17 year olds who present as homeless. This work resulted in the Joint Protocol to address the needs of Homeless 16-17 year old Young People in Westmorland & Furness. The approach we have taken is markedly different to that which has gone before and one of the core differences lies in the way in which it is being implemented. There are 6 very different districts within Westmorland & Furness, each with their own housing offer/approach and, in recognition of this, the overarching protocol is implemented in each of these districts by means of a Local Commitment. These Local Commitments are developed by local operational staff in each district and set out (step by step) how the protocol will be implemented.

Local Commitments have been developed and are live in all districts. The implementation of these are held by Protocol Implementation Groups, constituting local partners involved in implementation. Local Commitments can be located on the Cumbria Safeguarding Children Partnership Procedures. If you have any case specific queries or would like details of the Protocol Implementation Groups, please contact Diane Harrison, 16-17yr olds Homelessness Co-ordinator.