Issue - meetings

A report seeking Cabinet endorsement of countywide protocols to guide the ways in which Leicestershire Local Authorities will support homeless 16/17-year-olds and care leavers up to the age of 25.

Cabinet:

1)    ENDORSED the ‘Leicestershire 16/17-Year-old Protocol’, for use by Melton Borough Council.

2)    ENDORSED the ‘Leicestershire Care Leavers Protocol’ for use by Melton Borough Council.

The Director for Housing and Communities (Deputy Chief Executive) introduced the report the purpose of which introduced countrywide protocols to guide the ways in which Leicestershire Local Authorities would support homeless 16/17-year-olds and care leavers up to the age of 25.

Director for Housing and Communities (Deputy Chief Executive) advised the Protocol would ensure that young people do not keep getting referred from organisation to organisation, or from District to Council, when they present as homeless and need support. The complexities of each case are investigated before reaching a duty of homelessness, even when they come from another authority.

The Director for Corporate Finance, Property and Resources advised that the Policy needs to reinforce that all the correct information is received from other authorities or districts when a young person presents, to avoid any delay in the sharing of information children with complex issues and children leaving care.

Director for Housing and Communities (Deputy Chief Executive) advised

·       The Protocol does not place an expectation on the extended family to accommodate young people. All options would be explored on a case-by-case basis to accommodate and support young people safely and appropriately.

·       The Protocol would provide support for young people to advise them where to look for legal advice and support them to understand their rights of responsibilities, on a case-by-case basis.

Cabinet:

1)    ENDORSED the ‘Leicestershire 16/17-Year-old Protocol’, for use by Melton Borough Council.

2)    ENDORSED the ‘Leicestershire Care Leavers Protocol’ for use by Melton Borough Council.

Reasons for Recommendations:

Local authorities must have regard to the corporate parenting principles identified in section 1 of the Children and Social Work Act 2017 when exercising their function in relation to looked after children and care leavers (former and relevant children). The principles apply to the whole range of local authority functions and not just to children’s services functions. The Corporate Parenting of Children in Care and Care Leavers extends to all agencies involved in their support. Melton Borough Council is one of these agencies.

The protocols set out how Leicestershire County Council and district and borough councils will work better together to prevent young people becoming homeless. It fits with the councils corporate parenting responsibilities and ensures that care leavers and 16/17-year-olds presenting as homeless are treated consistently across the county.

The protocols refine the current procedures and ensure that move on plans towards 18+ and beyond are considered.  It defines the working arrangements for all agencies involved in supporting this age group as well as defining the pathways for young people who present as struggling to remain at home can follow to access support.