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1. When it is planned for a young person who is nearing the age of 18 to leave care, the young person’s housing assessment form should be completed.  Most authorities welcome an application up to 3 months before their 18th birthday. Some prefer one month.  In the North, contact BHYP, as under our service agreement they will complete the housing assessment on our behalf. The form should also be completed for all 16 and 17 year olds who are not previously known to Children’s Services, but who present themselves as homeless and are assessed under the Children Act 1989 to determine if they are a Child in Need.
2. The protocol applies to all 16 and 17 year olds and to Former Relevant Young Peoples aged 18 to 21.
3. The applicant will need to be seen by the local district or city council with which s/he has a local connection e.g. parents have lived in their area for many years. They will conduct a Homelessness Assessment and if the young person is homeless then issue a formal notice of acceptance.
4. Once the homeless assessment has been completed, applications should be made to the relevant housing projects for young people. Some referrals to the projects are made via the district or city housing authorities and some via Children’s Services. It is essential that accurate information is entered on the application forms; circumstances that cause concern to the projects will not necessarily preclude an individual from acceptance, failure to submit information will and could increase the risk factor for the individual and the project.
5. None of the housing projects will provide immediate housing and so the plan should be for a young person to access appropriate supported housing in a smooth manner. The young person also needs to go on to the Housing Register for permanent housing. This will enable care leavers to access permanent housing.
6. If an emergency situation arises and the young person needs housing, the young person’s housing assessment should be completed and the young person must go to the district or city council. They have the responsibility to place 16 and 17 year olds not previously known to Children’s Services, and Former Relevant Young People in temporary accommodation. This will often be in Bed & Breakfast or may be in the Bridge. Efforts should be made by both authorities to approach supported housing schemes and get the young person into more appropriate housing. 
7. When a young person moves out of care the correct forms to cover accommodation costs and personal allowance need to be completed, if he/she is a Relevant Young Person and eligible for this financial assistance.

Please note the protocol and assessment procedure is currently under review

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