Joint Protocol helps young people aged 16-17 that are homeless or threatened with homelessness to be fast tracked through the system to firstly get emergency accommodation if it is required, also get support in finding a longterm/permanent solution to any problems via support in the longterm. This is able to be achieved through multi agency partnership, in this case primarily between, DISC, SHAID and Moving On.
Why do we need Joint Protocol?
Joint protocol eliminates confusion about agency roles and responsibilities to young people by improving communication between agencies, thus, preventing and protecting young people from falling through through the safety net. 16-17 year olds are much more vulnerable than other homeless age groups owing to their age and relative lack of life skills, joint protocol helps prevent homelessness in this age group by ensuring homeless 16-17 year olds get access appropriate and suitable accommodation where necessary. In effect Joint Protocol enables all the agencies involved to better meet the needs of young people going through the programmes.
Other agencies nvolved in Joint Protocol
- 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
- Support2Talk Mediation Service
- As many as 66% of 16-17 year olds have been known to fail in their tenancies.
- Over 50% are homeless as a result of relationship breakdown at home.
- There are 335 16-17 year olds seeking help from local housing authorities in County Durham each year.
- Housing authorities and children and young peoples services have statutory duties toward homeless 16-17 year olds.
- 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.
- Not all homeless 16-17 year olds need or want a social worker.
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