If it cannot be established that the young person can return home safely, secure interim accommodation must be provided for them. This will remain the responsibility of the first agency approached, until the young person’s pathway is formally agreed.
Alternative accommodation must be arranged by the receiving agency under their applicable duties triggering the relevant statutory assessments. The most suitable alternative accommodation must always be sought but depending on the time of day and availability.
The flowchart highlights the pathway, if the receiving agency does not have suitable interim accommodation, then collaboration will need to take place between the agencies to establish the most suitable offer. This could be, for example, a Crash Pad or Children’s Services Supported Accommodation. Following the joint discussion, the appropriate accommodation route will be agreed. The agency, where the young person made the initial approach will lead and fund this placement. Children’s Services will ensure their assessment is concluded without delay. This will need to be completed within 10 working days.
Housing authorities will be unable to determine whether a 16-17-year-old has priority need under the 1996 Act until a child in need assessment has been completed. It is therefore essential that referrals are made to Children’s Services, and assessments completed in a timely manner.
Importance will be placed on checking the young person’s circumstances and wellbeing, including if they have access to food and benefits, which can be discussed at the end of the interview. If the Local Housing Authority is unable to assist with emergency subsistence to the young person, Children’s Services should provide the subsistence to support the young person.
The young person may decline the offer of accommodation from the agency where the young person made the initial approach in favour of making their own decisions and accessing services from another agency (e.g. declining the offer from Children’s Services in favour of accepting an offer from Housing, or vice versa).
While this should not be encouraged, it is an option open to the young person. Such a referral will not be made until the information collected at Steps 1-4 has been recorded and transferred to the chosen authority to avoid duplication. The young person should be offered support from the independent advocacy service to promote and support decision making.
A summary of the immediate support requirements (identified at Step 3), including any that will be provided by both agencies, should be shared with each agency. The young person should also have signed the Staying Safe and Supported: Your Accommodation Choices at 16-17 and a copy shared with relevant partners.
In the best interests of the young person and to maintain effective joint working relations, the Intensive Prevention Service and both agencies will not encourage and influence a young person’s decision to reject one agency’s offer in favour of another. In most cases, the first agency approached will provide the interim accommodation during the assessment process (see Steps 7 and Step 8).
