DISC > Independent Living > Joint Protocol

What is the Joint Protocol?
An agreement between agencies on how they will work together to meet the needs of 16-17 year olds experiencing or at risk of homelessness

The aims of the Joint Protocol
  • Increase joint working to meet the needs of homeless 16-17 year olds.
  • Improve communication between agencies.
  • Prevent homelessness amongst 16-17 year olds.
  • Ensure homeless 16-17 year olds get the support they need.
  • Ensure homeless 16-17 year olds access appropriate and suitable accommodation where necessary.
Involves the following agencies
  • Housing Department's Housing Options Teams and East Durham Homes
  • Children and Young Peoples Services Children in Need Teams
  • Children and Young Peoples Services and Emergency Duty Teams
  • Connexions County Durham
  • Youth Engagement Service
  • SHAID/Moving On/DISC
  • Support2Talk Mediation Service
Why do we need the Joint Protocol?
  • There are more than 335 16-17 year olds seeking help from local housing authorities in County Durham each year.
  • Over 50% are homeless as a result of relationship breakdown at home.
  • 16-17 year olds are much more vulnerable than other homeless age groups owing to their age and relative lack of life skills.
  • As many as 66% of 16-17 year olds have been known to fail in their tenancies.
  • Housing authorities and children and young peoples services have statutory duties toward homeless 16-17 year olds.
  • In reality many other agencies deliver services to homeless 16-17 year olds.
  • There is often confusion about agency roles and because of this young people fall through the safety net.
  • Key issues that led to the development of the Joint Protocol.
  • Most 16-17 year olds are better off at home unless at risk from harm.
  • Young people should not be passed between agencies.
  • Only providing accommodation to a homeless 16-17 year old is unlikely to resolve their homelessness in the long term.
  • Support for 16-17 year olds can and does come from a variety of agencies.
  • Not all homeless 16-17 year olds need or want a social worker.
However, where complex needs are identified then children and young peoples services should be involved .

Download
Joint Protocol Postcard [164kb]
Joint Protocol Leaflet [148kb]

Contact
Office Suite B, St John’s Business Centre, Meadowfield, Durham, DH7 8TZ
Tel: 0191 - 378 3718
Fax: 0191 - 378 1653