Provision of Accommodation to Homeless 16 and 17 year olds

We have in place a Joint Protocol for 16 & 17 year olds who are homeless or threatened with homelessness. 

Our starting point is that young adults are better off living at home or within their family network, as long as it is safe for them to do so.  Homelessness at a young age should be avoided wherever possible. 

This protocol concerns those young adults where homelessness appears not to be immediately preventable and details what respective agencies will do to assess need and support young adults.  

Our response to young adults aged 16+, who are homeless or threatened with homelessness is delivered through a Positive Housing Pathway model with a single point of access using the on-line First Contact Script to refer. Our ambition for the young adults in our service is that:

• Young adults receive the right help at the right time.
• Young adults receive a service that is personalised to their individual needs, from a service offer which is consistent across Cumberland. 
• Young adults who access our services go on to experience a bright and fulfilling future, free from the threat of homelessness.

Priority is given to:

• Young adults for whom the Council has a statutory duty (16 & 17 year olds threatened with homelessness);
• Young adults for whom the Council has a statutory duty (formerly cared for children); 
• Young adults aged under 18 leaving custody.

Eligibility remains for young adults aged 18-24 years, dependant on capacity.

If you have any case specific queries, please contact Diane Harrison, Service Manager Early Help. 

See also:

• Joint Protocol to address the needs of homeless 16/17 year olds in Cumberland;
• Cumberland Young Adult's Positive Housing Pathway: An Overview;
• Support for 16 and 17 year old young adults, who are homeless or threatened with homelessness (leaflet);
• Support for 16 and 17 year old young adults, who are homeless or threatened with homelessness (word document).