Decision details

The Chair welcomed Tracy Poole-Nandy, Head of Service Children's Social Care – Central, to the meeting.

The report presented explained that the homelessness protocol for children aged 16 – 17 years was aimed to support and enable children considered to be homeless to secure appropriate assessment and accommodation. The protocol was established to ensure a streamlined process to assess and meet the needs between housing and social care.

Supported accommodation was a separate area of need which was currently included with the homelessness protocol for children aged 16 – 17 years in an attempt to support the transition of children into adulthood and independence. Support thereafter was however only provided to children who had been looked after or were relevant by means of leaving care legislation. A presentation was delivered to the Committee, a copy of which is set out in the minutes.

There was a statement of commitment to all Lancashire's children to make them feel safe, to do well, to be happy, to be healthy and to be listened to.

The Committee was informed that the needs of the children were being met in terms of providing beds and accommodation. It was explained that bed and breakfast accommodation could not be used to accommodate young people under the age of 18, even in emergency situations, and that alternative arrangements must be sought from housing partners via the Emergency Duty Department.

Regarding cross border children residing in Lancashire, it was reported that they were the responsibility of the home authority and not this Council. However, if a child had come to significant harm whilst residing in Lancashire, it was this Council's statutory responsibility to investigate such an incident.

Members enquired how the new protocol was monitored and how its success would be measured. It was reported that regular multi-agency meetings were held to ensure accountability. District Councils were very much on board from a housing perspective. Success would be measured through feedback from the districts and partner agencies. It was noted that about 40 young people had been rehomed this year and that feedback from these cases in relation to the new protocol was very positive.

Resolved: That the report be noted.