We expect that intentional homelessness decisions for care leavers are exceptional.
published on 03 May 2024
Here are extracts of the letter sent by the Secretary of State for Levelling up, Housing and Communities Minister for Intergovernmental Relations and Secretary of State for Education 3rd May 2024 to Local Authorities regarding Interntional Homelessness for Care Leavers.
"We expect that intentional homelessness decisions for care leavers are exceptional"
We expect that local authorities should avoid the impact of intentionally homeless decisions wherever possible. The Homelessness Code of Guidance has been updated to clarify that, when a housing authority is considering whether a care leaver has become homeless intentionally, they should be satisfied that the support and accommodation provided has met the care leaver’s needs.
While we recognise that in rare situations, a decision of intentionality may be necessary where all other avenues have been exhausted, LAs must have regard to care leavers’ vulnerability and the lack of parental support and stability that would ordinarily be provided to young people, when considering accountability. Intentional homeless decisions in respect of care leavers should therefore be exceptional.
Increasing governance around intentional homelessness decisions for care leavers.
When developing their joint housing protocols, local authorities should include arrangements for senior leader level sign off, for example Director or Assistant Director, from both housing and children’s services for any intentional homelessness decisions for care leavers. This will increase governance around negative decisions and ensure that all appropriate checks are in place and interventions have been considered.