Issue - meetings

Councillor David Mellen, Portfolio Holder for Early Intervention and Early Years introduced the report on Housing Issues for 16 and 17 year olds to the Committee. Along with Samantha Danyluk, Service Manager for Children and Families, and Clive Chambers, Head of Children in Care they highlighted the following points:

(a)  Following comments from Ofsted in January 2017 Nottingham City Council’s response to 16 and 17 year olds presenting as homeless has evolved to ensure a consistent approach across the various routes of referral;

(b)  Children’s Duty Team now responds to all assessments of young people presenting as homeless and development sessions have taken place within the team to ensure a consistent approach;

(c)  other changes include:

·  the introduction of a manual tracker, which records details about each young person, the actions taken and outcomes in each case. This is then audited on a regular basis by the Service Manager to ensure that a consistent approach is maintained;

·  refresh of the guidance and policy relating to multi-agency pathway referrals. This document is currently being consulted on;

·  introduction of the Vulnerable Persons Panel which is collaborative working between Housing and Children’s Services. This panel runs fortnightly and allows early consideration of individuals at risk of eviction and allows support to be put in place to reduce the risk of eviction taking place.

(d)  Targeted Family Support is working with young people and their families to improve relationships and keep them in the family home. This support is ongoing and allows parents and young people to build resilience which works towards decreasing the chances of the young person becoming homeless;

(e)  86.5% of young people leaving care in Nottingham are judged to be in suitable accommodation.  This is higher than statistical neighbours and in part thanks to the productive relationship with housing providers and the additional support offered;

(f)  those young people who are in custody at the time of leaving care are judged to be in unsuitable accommodation so it will be very difficult to reach 100% target for suitable accommodation;

(g)  unaccompanied minors who come into care are supported to achieve their immigration status. Whilst their immigration status remains unresolved they are not eligible for social housing and housing benefits. If they leave care whilst their immigration status remains unresolved, their housing costs are met through the No Recourse to Public Funds budget;

The committee asked a number of questions and during discussion the following points were made:

(h)  Many of the accommodation providers in Nottingham also have key workers for residents. For 16 and 17 year olds who move into this kind of accommodation Children’s Services provide support until they are 18, the Key Worker also provides support ongoing after they turn 18. This support includes advice on benefits and help claiming them as well as support with practical skills;

(i)  there are robust checks in place to ensure that children are safe in care placements. There has been a significant change recently to children being cared for in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 48