Housing services

Where we live is important to every other aspect of our lives. Housing services in councils, whether directly provided or in partnership with housing associations, are an integral member of the corporate family. Where a child or young person is looked after at home, the family may be living in a council house, or other social housing. The family’s accommodation will form part of the any needs assessment for the child or young person, and the housing provider will have an additional responsibility in relation to them.

The transition into independent living is a key milestone and a life-changing event for any young person. For young people leaving care, it is probably the most significant transition and securing accommodation that meets their needs will impact significantly on how successful it is. Looked after young people experience stigma throughout their lives and one way to reduce such stigmatisation is to ensure that relevant partners effectively plan a young person’s transition from care to avoid unnecessary homelessness.

Moving into independence is about more than simply finding a roof. Corporate parents will want to satisfy themselves that young people leaving care have the necessary life skills and confidence to cope with independent living and the supports they need to sustain the move must be in place. Some young people will need more support than others and a range of services may need to be available. A permanent, single person’s tenancy may not be the best option for a young care leaver.

Care leavers are particularly vulnerable to homelessness and prevention of homelessness amongst care leavers should be recognised in local strategies and plans.

Addressing anti-social behaviour is a sensitive issue for councils, particularly housing services. Children can be disadvantaged by the anti-social behaviour of their families, and indeed some children become looked after as a result of anti-social behaviour, or behave anti-socially whilst looked after. It is important that staff within the authority involved in addressing anti-social behaviour understand their special responsibilities as corporate parents to looked after children and young people, for example when considering pursuing an anti-social behaviour order.

It is also important to remember that there is a small but significant number of looked after children and young people and care leavers who present a risk of serious harm to themselves or others. Their care is particularly challenging to manage and can present significant issues for the corporate parent, for example when identifying suitable accommodation. Particularly in these circumstances, multi-agency risk assessment and management is essential.