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CHAPTER 2 - HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION ACTIVITIES TARGETED ON SPECIFIC GROUPS
Background and scope
2.1 As noted in Chapter 1, the agenda for the current generation of local authority homelessness prevention work in Scotland was set largely by the Scottish Executive's Homelessness Task Force ( HTF). Critically, the Task Force report identified a number of groups at high risk of homelessness and advocated that LA homelessness strategies give specific consideration to prevention activities in relation to these groups 13. The 'at risk' groups cited by in the HTF report were:
- Tenants threatened with eviction
- Care leavers
- Ex-offenders
- Former armed forces personnel
- Asylum seekers granted leave to remain.
2.2 As confirmed in this chapter, HTF advice was widely influential in shaping both the structure and content of the first round of LA homelessness produced in 2003.
Scope and structure of the Chapter
2.3 In the main, our research has focused on forms of prevention service (see, for example, chapters 5-8 which are explicitly service-specific). However, through our national survey, and through our reviews of LA strategies and homelessness local outcome agreements ( LOAs) and Communities Scotland LA inspection reports, we have amassed a substantial body of data on prevention activities organised according to 'target group'. This chapter draws on that data. First, we look at the 'at risk groups' as identified by the HTF report (see above). We then discuss the provision of 'homelessness prevention services' targeted on other definable groups liable to become homeless. For each 'at risk' group, we first summarise LAs' plans as outlined in 2003 strategies. We then present data drawn mainly from LOAs to sketch a picture of 'current provision' 14 for the group concerned..
Changes over time
2.4 The main body of this chapter attempts to identify the range of LA prevention activity in 2005-2006 (see footnote to previous para). For some readers, this will prompt questions about changes over time. Whilst we have no means of making precise comparisons with previous years it is relevant to note that, as reported through the telephone survey, most LAs believed the overall scale and range of their prevention activities had increased significantly since 2003. Most councils (16 of 29 responding) saw prevention activity as having 'increased significantly' over the previous three years (2003-06). Ten believed there had been a 'slight increase', although half of these thought they were moving towards a significant increase in the coming months. Only two LAs (Scottish Borders and Midlothian) believed that homelessness prevention activities had decreased. In part, this was attributed to recruitment difficulties ( SBC) and cuts in staff resources ( MC).
Provision for 'at risk groups' as highlighted in Homelessness Task Force report
Tenants threatened with eviction
2.5 Every year Scottish local authorities evict around 1,000 tenants 15 (around one quarter of one per cent of all tenants). In addition, there will be evictions by housing associations and private landlords.
2.6 The need to help minimise rent arrears evictions was an objective noted in many 2003 strategies. North Ayrshire, Orkney and West Dunbartonshire were among a number of authorities committed to better debt counselling services to this end. In contrast to most other forms of intervention cited in strategies, however, it was apparent that debt counselling was generally an established service albeit with the potential for being more fully exploited in relation to homelessness prevention.
2.7 A smaller number of authorities (e.g. Edinburgh, North Ayrshire) acknowledged in their strategies the need for prevention focusing on households at risk of losing a council tenancy due to anti-social behaviour. Clearly inspired by the Dundee Families Project, Edinburgh planned to establish a service to work with families to develop parenting skills and reduce anti-social behaviour which might otherwise lead to eviction. On the other side of the coin, Edinburgh's strategy also recognised that ASB could result in homelessness for the victim and planned to prevent this.
2.8 Many strategies acknowledged that failing council tenancies could result from impoverished new tenants moving into unfurnished flats. At least 15 strategies planned to address this problem by:
- Granting furnished tenancies
- Providing furniture packs to new tenants in need of such assistance
- Developing furniture recycling schemes.
2.9 Table 2.1 sets out information as cited in LOAs on policies and procedures designed to minimise evictions from social rented housing. For many authorities, the first priority here was systems to identify people threatened with homelessness in this way. Most LAs mentioned having set up protocols for LA housing managers to notify homelessness staff where eviction action was in train. In some instances, such protocols had also been reportedly established with RSLs. Whilst not all LAs are shown as having set up such arrangements (even with their own housing management colleagues), it may be that this is such an 'obvious' (and perhaps longstanding) measure that some councils felt it unnecessary to mention it in their LOA. Even where it can be stated with some certainty that notification protocols exist, questions remain about (a) the point at which such notifications are supposed to be made (when NOPs are served? when cases are entered in court? when possession is granted?), and (b) whether systems are effectively operated.
2.10 Having established systems to provide some warning of impending evictions, LAs acknowledge the need for policies and procedures aimed at preventing homelessness occurring. Mindful that rent arrears underlie the vast majority of social landlord evictions, many LAs referred to having established debt counselling or welfare benefits services in an effort to help tenants at risk to reach repayment agreements - see Table 2.1 (see also Chapter 8 for a more detailed discussion about the role of money advice services). Some authorities (e.g. Dundee, Fife, Midlothian, North Ayrshire) referred to initiatives aimed at helping to avoid evictions for anti-social behaviour ( ASB). A variety of other approaches were also listed (see Table 2.1).
2.11 Telephone survey evidence confirmed that the main debt counselling services offered by most LAs involved specialist in-house staff, typically located in the Chief Executive's (or other central) department. As well as being physically separated from homelessness services, debt counselling also tended to be a generic service, with little specific focus on its potential role in homelessness prevention. Some LAs were seeking to address this through the creation of dedicated Welfare Rights Officer to deal specifically with debt counselling for people who are homeless or threatened with homelessness - both Angus and Dundee had already established posts of this type.
2.12 Most LAs (22) reported that debt counselling was also available in their area through external agencies. Usually this referred to the local CAB. Debt counselling officers' remit often extended beyond early intervention. Several authorities were making use of external agencies which could also provide advice and assistance in the run up to court proceedings. Agencies such as the Govan Law Centre, the Dundee North Law Centre and in-court surgeries all contributed to countering the potential for debt to result in homelessness. This type of agency is also better placed to provide advice and information to households with mortgage arrears.
2.13 As noted above, the majority of debt counselling activity involving people referred by LAs is not targeted specifically at homeless people or households at risk of homelessness. This is reflected in the way statistics on debt counselling are maintained. Only seven LAs reported an ability to provide statistics on debt counselling as contributing to homelessness prevention (e.g. numbers of people at risk of homelessness referred to debt counselling, numbers of referrals helped to avoid homelessness by overcoming debt problems).
2.14 Whilst the main 'at risk from eviction' focus was on social renters, a number of homelessness strategies and LOAs also addressed the issue of mortgage repossession. HL1 data show that mortgage default cases have typically accounted for around 7-800 homelessness presentations across Scotland, annually, in recent years. In this connection, fourteen authorities mentioned operating a mortgage to rent scheme. Some others noted the establishment of 'early warning' protocols with major lenders or referred to money advice services seen as potentially useful to homeowners at risk of lender repossession.
Table 2.1 - Action to minimise evictions as detailed in local authority LOAs
LA | Action to minimise evictions |
|---|
Aberdeen City | (1). Improved housing benefit administration has reduced risk of rent arrears eviction - faster processing target achieved. |
Aberdeenshire | (1). Re-housing policy on former tenants with arrears reviewed. (2) Tenancy Support team set up (help for households in tenancies at risk (incl. signposting to other agencies)). 8 tenancy support staff take referrals from homelessness and estate management teams. |
Angus | (1) Will not evict LA tenants for arrears - use SSST plus support. (2) Created post of money/debt advice worker to support prevention. (3) Dedicated welfare officer post established. (4) Hillcrest HA has tenant income maximisation post. |
Argyll & Bute | (1) Money Advice Officer posts set up to cover distinct localities. (2) Established protocol for notifying homelessness staff in cases where tenants at risk of rent arrears eviction. (3) Early notification protocols established with housing providers for tenants facing eviction action. |
Clackmannanshire | (1) Tenancy support services provided. (2) Money Advice service takes referrals from estate management staff. (3) Protocol for notifying homelessness team of eviction proceedings by LA or RSL estate managers. |
Dumfries & Galloway | (1) Protocol for notifying homelessness team of eviction proceedings by RSL estate managers - evictions have subsequently reduced. |
Dundee | (1) Protocol for notifying homelessness team of eviction proceedings by LA estate managers. (2) Debt advice staff attend court to provide advice to tenants facing possible arrears eviction. (3) Established NCH Dundee Families Project to support families at risk of ASB eviction. |
East Ayrshire | (1) Developing mediation, negotiation, advocacy services for private tenants and landlords. (2) Money advice officer post established by partner RSL. (3) Welfare rights officer assists families at risk of eviction. |
East Dunbartonshire | (1) Housing support workers assist tenants in addressing issues which place tenancy at risk - ASB, arrears, furniture, childcare / family issues. (2) Protocol for notifying homelessness team of eviction proceedings by local RSL. |
East Lothian | (1) Protocol for notifying homelessness team of eviction proceedings by LA estate managers. (2) Referrals can be made to money advice team (worker with CAB) and welfare rights team. |
East Renfrewshire | (1). Established post of rent arrears liaison officer - funded through homeless strategy budget. (2) Tenants in arrears routinely offered debt advice. |
Edinburgh | (1) Operate Neighbourhood Support teams. (2) Revised policy on rent arrears to emphasise prevention - has had positive impact on reducing evictions. |
Eilean Siar | (1) Tenancy support worker receives referrals from rent arrears officer and ASB team |
Falkirk | (1) Debt advisor and welfare benefits officers seconded to homeless team - funded through homelessness strategy budget. (2) Active identification of LA tenants at risk of rent arrears. |
Fife | (1) Established money advice officer posts (2 staff). (2) Established support worker posts to assist ASB victims and perpetrators. |
Glasgow | (1) Homeless families team provides housing support and child care for families with history of repeat homelessness, arrears, ASB, eviction etc. Caseload capacity: 53 families |
Highland | (1) Money advice workers and rent arrears officers help tenants avoid debt-triggered eviction. |
Inverclyde | (1) Families at risk of ASB eviction referred to ASB team. (2) Welfare rights officer in post. |
Midlothian | (1) Mediation service available to counter ASB. (2) Additional arrears recovery staff employed to facilitate earlier intervention. (3) Informal arrangements for notification of eviction action by RSLs. |
Moray | (1) Protocol for notifying homelessness team of eviction proceedings by LA or RSL estate managers. (2) Tenants at risk of arrears eviction referred for debt counselling. |
North Ayrshire | (1) Protocol for notifying homelessness team of eviction proceedings by LA estate managers. (2) Barnardos project funded ( SP) to work with families at risk of ASB eviction. (3) Money advice/ debt counselling posts established to assist tenants at risk of arrears eviction. |
North Lanarkshire | (1) Rent arrears officer and welfare rights officer posts established. (2) Mediation service available to counter ASB. |
Orkney | Nothing specific mentioned |
Perth & Kinross | (1) Debt counselling service established (2) Breaking the Cycle project set up to help tenants at risk of ASB eviction. |
Renfrewshire | (1) Rent arrears prevention officers visit tenants in their homes. (2) Money advice service for council tenants. |
Scottish Borders | (1) Weekly or fortnightly 'advice surgery' sessions in Council offices in all main SBC settlements. |
Shetland Islands | (1) Housing managers routinely offer support to tenants facing possible loss of council tenancy. (2) Informal referrals to CAB where appropriate. |
South Ayrshire | (1) Protocol for notifying homelessness team of eviction proceedings by LA or RSL estate managers. (2) Referrals made to money advice and welfare rights officers where appropriate. |
South Lanarkshire | (1) Protocol for notifying homelessness team of eviction proceedings by LA estate managers. (2) Referrals made to Shelter families project. (3) Breaking the Cycle project set up to help tenants at risk of ASB eviction. |
Stirling | (1) Protocol for notifying homelessness team of eviction proceedings by LA or RSL estate managers. (2) Debt counselling and tenancy support services operated. |
West Dunbartonshire | (1) Protocol for notifying homelessness team of eviction proceedings by LA or RSL estate managers. (2) Targets for improved housing benefit administration being achieved. |
West Lothian | (1) Protocol for notifying homelessness team of eviction proceedings by LA or RSL estate managers. Referrals from LA housing management at earlier stage of process. (2) Debt counselling service provided. (3) Team established to identify housing support needs and minimise ASB evictions. |
Source LOA analysis
2.15 Most strategies also mentioned housing advice services as a means of helping private renters to avoid impending eviction. A few strategies highlighted plans to enhance capacity to help tenants resist illegal eviction though this was not a major focus. Many strategies saw imperfect housing benefit administration as a significant factor exacerbating homelessness - perhaps partly in terms of the risk that delays in processing claims might result in rent arrears, ultimately leading to eviction. However, few strategies were precise as to the improvements sought or the means by which these would be achieved. Similarly, LOAs tended to say little if anything about action on this front.
Vulnerable tenants in social rented housing
2.16 Some of those subject to eviction proceedings will be vulnerable tenants. A somewhat separate issue concerns vulnerable people at risk of abandoning or 'failing to sustain' their tenancy rather than necessarily being actually evicted. Almost all 2003 strategies referred to plans for helping 'vulnerable' council tenants to avoid homelessness through tenancy failure. Most strategies envisaged the establishment or enhancement of floating support for people living in mainstream council tenancies. Clearly, the availability of Supporting People funding for such activities was an important factor underpinning many such plans.
2.17 Almost every LOA reported the local establishment of tenancy support workers or teams (see Table 2.2). It can probably be assumed that most of the staff concerned will have been funded through the Supporting People budget. Some LAs (e.g. Dumfries & Galloway, Edinburgh, West Lothian) referred cases of this kind to voluntary agencies commissioned to provide floating support.
2.18 Early intervention by tenancy support workers depends on other frontline staff (such as housing officers, health workers and social workers) identifying potential problems and making timely referrals. On this point, Communities Scotland's inspection reports suggest a rather mixed pattern with some authorities criticised for having yet to address this issue effectively. East Dunbartonshire Council's recent successful bid for Scottish Executive 'innovation fund' resources seeks to address this issue through training provision for front-line staff. EDC's aim here is to improve inter-agency working and promote active signposting to services acting to prevent homelessness.
2.19 Another take on 'early identification' of 'at risk' individuals, as cited by Angus, Dundee and West Dunbartonshire, was the plan to screen households joining the mainstream housing waiting list (in the former case involving all applicants, in the latter, all aged over 25). This was to be achieved through the designation of certain 'trigger questions'.
2.20 In some cases, support was reported as being targeted at specific tenant groups - for example young people or people with mental health problems. In South Ayrshire all households coming through the homelessness system are referred to a support worker. Local authorities felt that support services were under pressure - both as a result of increasing demand and cuts in Supporting People funding.
2.21 Drawing on detailed case study evidence, two specific forms of tenancy support schemes are further discussed in Chapter 8.
Table 2.2 - Actions to minimise tenancy failure involving vulnerable individuals
LA | Actions to minimize tenancy failure |
|---|
Aberdeen City | (1) Advice and resettlement worker in post. |
Aberdeenshire | (1) RSI-funded outreach support worker post established. (2) Tenancy support established to help households in tenancies at risk (see entry for minimising evictions). |
Angus | (1) Created post of money / debt advice worker post established. to support prevention. (2) Tenancy support team tasked with identifying vulnerable individuals and providing assistance as appropriate. |
Argyll & Bute | (1) Outreach support services provided to all vulnerable people. |
Clackmannanshire | (1) Tenancy support team established: 6/7 officers assist vulnerable tenants, including young people. |
Dumfries & Galloway | (1) Tenancy support provided by DGHP to DGHP tenants. (2) Referrals to Shelter family support service. |
Dundee | (1) Tenancy support teams established. |
East Ayrshire | (1) Procedures developed to identify people at risk of homelessness through tenancy failure and to target assistance. |
East Dunbartonshire | (1) Housing support workers assist tenants in addressing issues which place tenancy at risk - ASB, arrears, furniture, childcare / family issues. |
East Lothian | (1) Housing support staff deliver floating support to tenants and applicants. (2) SELP project provides housing advice resource and outreach work to homeless households. |
East Renfrewshire | (1) Housing support officer team established. |
Edinburgh | (1) Established tenancy support teams to assist households at risk of losing tenancies. (2) Make referrals to Shelter Families Project. (3) Newly established project to provide early intervention for vulnerable families. |
Eilean Siar | (1) Established tenancy support worker posts. |
Falkirk | (1) Provide tenancy support for vulnerable tenants - e.g. those with addiction and/or mental health problems |
Fife | (1) Operate floating support services for vulnerable tenants. (2) Make referrals to specialist agencies where appropriate. |
Glasgow | (1) Households at risk of losing tenancies identified by Area social work teams. (2) Co-sponsored (with GHA) research on tenancy sustainment. Implementing recommendations. (3) Homeless families team provides housing support and child care for families with history of repeat homelessness, arrears, ASB, eviction etc. Caseload capacity: 53 families |
Highland | (1) Tenancy support staff identify and assist individuals in need of such help. |
Inverclyde | (1) Created outreach, resettlement and tenancy support posts. |
Midlothian | (1) Operate tenancy support team. (2) Referrals to Aspire which provides a SP-funded tenancy support. |
Moray | (1) Operates resettlement and tenancy support services. |
North Ayrshire | (1) Tenancy support team established - caters for NAC tenants. (2) Allocation Policy adjusted to allow staff to respond to potential triggers of homelessness at point of application to waiting list. |
North Lanarkshire | (1) Tenancy support service established. Housing officers identify risk / signals amongst their tenants. Triggers (such as arrears) will result in an automatic referral to support services. |
Orkney | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place |
Perth & Kinross | (1) Joint assessment panels involving social work, health and housing staff. (2) Operate tenancy support services - both in-house and commissioned from voluntary agencies. |
Renfrewshire | Housing support team and resettlement team |
Scottish Borders | (1) Community support workers support homeless people and those at risk of homelessness. (2) Notification arrangements with RSLs, social work and police on people at risk of homelessness. |
Shetland Islands | (1) Outreach workers provide tenancy support - aim to enable tenants to develop 'home making skills' to maintain existing and future tenancies. |
South Ayrshire | (1) Support provided to vulnerable tenants. |
South Lanarkshire | (1) Tenancy support team based in temporary accommodation unit. (2) All homeless households assessed on support needs. |
Stirling | (1) Tenancy support service to social renters triggered by estate manager referral - e.g. due to tenancy at risk because of severe mental ill health. |
West Dunbartonshire | (1) Tenancy support service commissioned from social work. (2) New entrants to housing waiting list screened to identify those potentially at risk of homelessness. (3) Establishment of young families support service for households with under fives. |
West Lothian | (1) SP-funded housing support services commissioned from voluntary agencies. |
Source: LOAs
Care Leavers
2.22 Many strategy documents acknowledged that care leavers were a key group at particular risk of homelessness. The corollary - also widely accepted - is that homelessness teams needed to work with social work colleagues to establish procedures for early identification of young people due to leave care. HL1 data suggest that care leavers making homelessness applications number 4-500 annually with about half the national total being recorded by four authorities - Edinburgh, Fife, Glasgow and West Lothian.
2.23 As in the wider case of social renters at risk of eviction, the primary issue is identifying care leavers before their discharge. Around half of authorities cited Social Work/ Homelessness Team protocols in place or under development (see Table 2.3). Again, however, it may be that some councils saw this as such an 'obvious' measure that it was felt unnecessary to mention in their LOAs. Over and above such protocols, a number of authorities (e.g. Perth & Kinross, West Lothian) reported having developed routine procedures for 'pathways planning' with young people due to leave care -a form of 'housing options' assessment or 'personal housing plan' (see paras 5.13-5.17).
Table 2.3 - Actions to prevent homelessness involving care leavers
LA | Actions/policies in place |
|---|
Aberdeen City | Plan to develop throughcare / aftercare service for young people accommodated away from home (Joint Children's Services Plan). Council will monitor via the number of young people successfully transferred to independent living. |
Aberdeenshire | Working links exist but no documented protocols are in place. Creation of protocols part of action plan. |
Angus | Effective protocol in place. |
Argyll & Bute | Pathway Planning and protocols implemented by Children's services and involving homeless service. |
Clackmannanshire | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place. |
Dumfries & Galloway | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place. |
Dundee | Protocols in place. |
East Ayrshire | Plan to strengthen protocols with partners for children leaving care to reduce numbers of Looked after and Accommodated Children becoming homeless. |
East Dunbartonshire | Protocols in place. |
East Lothian | 'Lead' tenancies have been established for young care leavers; funding agreed for new throughcare and aftercare systems and procedures. |
East Renfrewshire | Protocols in place. |
Edinburgh | (1). Young Persons Housing Advice Officer posts established within Housing Options Team. 18 Care Leavers Flats established with further 7 in pipeline subject to Supporting People Review. |
Eilean Siar | Joint working with leaving care team. |
Falkirk | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place. |
Fife | New scheme to track young people leaving care. homelessness worker based in throughcare team. Aimed to establish 15 properties with support by Dec. 2005. |
Glasgow | Plan an assessment of through-care and aftercare needs of young people who leave the looked after system after their school leaving age. Assessment framework of aftercare needs includes housing and support needs. |
Highland | Throughcare and aftercare policy in place. Includes personal housing planning. |
Inverclyde | Protocol with Throughcare and Aftercare. |
Midlothian | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place. |
Moray | Support provided to young people leaving care by through care and aftercare team. Dedicated young persons officer. Acknowledged need for protocol between housing and social work. |
North Ayrshire | Protocol in place |
North Lanarkshire | Protocol in place |
Orkney | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place. |
Perth & Kinross | Routine counselling visits to young people due to leave care. |
Renfrewshire | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place. |
Scottish Borders | Protocol in place. |
Shetland Islands | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place. |
South Ayrshire | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place. |
South Lanarkshire | Protocol in place. Dedicated child support workers work with young people due to leave care. |
Stirling | Protcol in place. |
West Dunbartonshire | Protocols in place. |
West Lothian | Throughcare team established. Joint working between homelessness and throughcare team to secure accommodation. |
Source: LOAs
Ex-offenders
2.24 HL1 data show that around 3,000 ex-prisoners make homelessness applications to Scottish LAs annually. In 2005/06 approximately 40 per cent of these applications were logged by Glasgow. Ex-offenders facing release from custody are another group mentioned in some 2003 strategies in the context of the need for 'early warning' notification protocols.
2.25 In their LOAs, nearly half of LAs reported having a protocol or protocols in place to provide early warning of prisoners due for release. Other authorities envisaged that such procedures were in development, whilst a third group referred to informal interaction with prison authorities on this matter. Again, questions remain about the precise terms of agreed protocols and - for the most part - their implementation. Angus, however, noted that the existence of a protocol did not appear to be effective in ensuring that early warning was always given. A few authorities (e.g. Dumfries & Galloway, East Lothian, Edinburgh, South Ayrshire) noted outreach advice work taking place in prisons. This tended to involve voluntary agencies (e.g. Shelter, Four Square) acting on behalf of LAs.
Table 2.4 - Actions to prevent homelessness among ex-offenders released from custody
LA | Actions/policies in place |
|---|
Aberdeen City | Protocol in place |
Aberdeenshire | Plan to establish protocols. |
Angus | Protocol in place - but arrangements not effective (ex-prisoners continue to arrive unannounced). |
Argyll & Bute | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place |
Clackmannanshire | Informal links between hospital and prisons. |
Dumfries & Galloway | Prison outreach worker and two prison liaison homeless officers working in local prison. |
Dundee | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place |
East Ayrshire | Plan to expand provision of services within HMP Kilmarnock and develop linkage with other prisons. Advice worker at Bowhouse Prison (jointly with South Ayrshire) |
East Dunbartonshire | Protocol in place. |
East Lothian | Four Square outreach project provides housing advice for inmates at HMP Edinburgh. |
East Renfrewshire | Protocols in place |
Edinburgh | Prison outreach housing and employment advice service delivered by 'Four Square'. Floating support provided to resettled prisoners where required. Project considered highly successful in enabling ex-prisoners to sustain permanent tenancies. |
Eilean Siar | Protocols in place |
Falkirk | Protocol in place with Polmont YOI and other Scottish Prisons. SACRO provides supported accommodation for resettled ex-prisoners. Developing tenancies with intensive support as short term accommodation for ex-offenders. |
Fife | Protocols established with prison outreach programmes. |
Glasgow | Established specialist posts to work with prisoners and refugees - work encompasses homelessness prevention. |
Highland | Fortnightly prison visits by LA housing staff. Shelter Prison project. |
Inverclyde | Outreach housing advice service provided to prisoners through fortnightly surgeries. |
Midlothian | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place |
Moray | Protocols in place. Shelter Prison project |
North Ayrshire | Protocols planned to be in place March 2007. |
North Lanarkshire | Protocol in place |
Orkney | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place |
Perth & Kinross | Work in partnership with prison officers trained to dispense housing advice by Shelter prisons project. |
Renfrewshire | Protocol with local prisons. Prison visits to arrange post-release accommodation. |
Scottish Borders | Occasional prison visits (usually Saughton or Barlinnie) in respect of former SBC residents due for discharge. |
Shetland Islands | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place |
South Ayrshire | Advice worker at Bowhouse Prison (jointly with East Ayrshire). |
South Lanarkshire | Protocol in place. Two resettlement officers work with high risk ex-offenders. |
Stirling | Protocol for people leaving institutional care (assumed this includes prison leavers). |
West Dunbartonshire | Protocols in place, Also prison visits - Greenock prison. Also holding focus groups with ex-prisoners. |
West Lothian | Protocols in place with prisons and Young Offenders Institution. |
Source: LOAs
Former Armed Forces Personnel
2.26 Homelessness applications involving former armed forces personnel are relatively few in most areas of Scotland: in recent years these have been running at 3-400 per annum ( HL1 data). Ex-services personnel are, nevertheless, one of the groups recognised in a number of 2003 strategies as at particular risk of homelessness; a group whose needs were recognised as calling for effective joint working between the military authorities and LAs.
2.27 As shown in Table 2.5 a small number of LOAs referred to protocols in place (or planned to develop these) to provide early warning in cases of homelessness involving former armed forces personnel. To some extent, the pattern shown below reflects the geographical distribution of military bases. Again, though, it needs to be borne in mind that some of the authorities omitted from this table may well have developed protocols not mentioned in their LOAs.
Table 2.5 - Action to prevent homelessness involving ex-armed forces personnel
Local authority | Former armed forced personnel |
|---|
Aberdeenshire | Establishment of protocols part of action plan |
Angus | Protocols in place |
East Renfrewshire | Protocols in place |
Fife | Protocols in place |
Moray | Protocols developed with RAF |
North Ayrshire | Protocols planned to be in place March 2007. |
Scottish Borders | Protocols in place |
South Lanarkshire | Protocols in place. |
West Dunbartonshire | Protocols in place |
Source: LOAs. Note: no specific procedures or policies mentioned as currently in place in remaining 23 LAs
Long-stay hospital discharges
2.28 Whilst not highlighted explicitly in the HTF report, it seems appropriate to consider here the measures put in place for people being discharged from long-stay hospitals. In common with care leavers, ex-offenders and ex-armed services personnel this group is recognised as one where 'institutional discharge' places households at a high risk of homelessness. Again, around half of all authorities reported in LOAs that early notification protocols were in place with local hospitals. In other cases, such protocols were at the planning stage. Beyond having established 'early warning procedures', a small number of authorities referred to other actions or procedures to assist this group. Glasgow, for example, noted that workers at each long-stay hospital in the city were charged with helping people being discharged who might be at risk. West Lothian mentioned the negotiation of a Service Level Agreement with health authority on community psychiatric services.
Asylum seekers
2.29 Asylum seekers granted leave to remain were another group recognised by the Homelessness Task Force as particularly at risk of homelessness. However, issues around asylum seekers tended not to have been covered in most 2003 homelessness strategies in any detail. Similarly, only four LOAs mentioned asylum seekers directly (Argyll & Bute, East Ayrshire, Glasgow, North Ayrshire) and three of these four references described only plans to develop procedures. Glasgow, by contrast, reported having established two specialist posts to work with prisoners and refugees; postholder responsibilities included homelessness prevention.
Homelessness prevention provision for other at risk groups
Young people
2.30 Beyond the specific concerns around care leavers (see above) most homelessness strategies addressed the wider issue of youth homelessness and how to prevent it. The following section looks at the measures put in place as described in telephone survey responses and LOAs. It should be read in conjunction with Chapter 6 which focuses in greater depth on two forms of youth-oriented prevention - family mediation and transitional supported accommodation projects. First, however, we look at 'housing education' provision.
2.31 As shown in Table 2.6, most authorities make some form of housing education provision. Many make use of the SCSH 'streets ahead' programme. The precise extent of housing education provision is, however, not always apparent from the limited information presented in LOAs.
2.32 Within the homelessness prevention context, family mediation services are mainly targeted on young people made homeless (or at risk of homelessness) having being asked to leave the home of parents, friends or relatives ('family/friend exclusions'). Schemes aim to reconcile young people and their parents (or other relatives). This may contribute to homelessness prevention directly (by enabling a young person to remain in or return to the family home) or indirectly (by improving the likelihood that a young person - with family support - can sustain a subsequent tenancy). (These issues are discussed in more detail in Chapter 6).
2.33 As shown in Table 2.7, some form of family mediation provision exists or is planned in most LAs. In a few cases such provision is largely or solely a local authority in-house function (e.g. Inverclyde, North Lanarkshire, North Ayrshire). More commonly authorities have commissioned voluntary agencies (e.g. NCH, SACRO, Shelter) to provide this service. This often takes place within the context of projects tasked with a wider range of responsibilities. As a rule, family mediation services appear to be running at only a fairly small scale. And in a number of instances (e.g. Angus, East Lothian, Fife, Orkney) experimental schemes have been judged (by the authorities concerned) disappointing in terms of results.
2.34 Above and beyond housing education and family mediation most authorities also operate support/independent living skills projects aimed at equipping young homeless people with the skills required to maintain a mainstream tenancy (see Table 2.8). For the most part, such services are commissioned from voluntary organisations (e.g. NCH, Quarriers). As might be expected, such schemes are mainly provided by urban and/or central belt authorities. Nevertheless, as also indicated in Table 2.8 smaller and/or more rural councils in some instances commission such services on a non-residential basis.
Table 2.6 - Housing education provision
LA | Housing education provision |
|---|
Aberdeen City | Leaving Home and Housing Education Programme - Sessions in all S4 establishments |
Aberdeenshire | Ongoing Cyrenians programme, Cygnet. Distributes SCSH Streets Ahead packs. |
Angus | Running for pupils at risk of exclusion, plan to extend. Streets Ahead literature circulated to all. |
Argyll & Bute | Sessions for school leavers being organised with guidance and Fusions staff using Streets Ahead material. |
Clackmannanshire | Make use of 'My Space, My Place' DVD |
Dumfries & Galloway | Housing education package delivered within secondary schools |
Dundee | Youth Housing Group delivers HEAT (Housing Education And Training) focusing on housing and support services. Running in schools and other locations. |
East Ayrshire | Housing education and advice programme within all secondary schools in East Ayrshire. |
East Dunbartonshire | Housing education programme delivered across the authority. |
East Lothian | Housing education in schools including targets pupils most at risk. |
East Renfrewshire | Housing education delivered in partnership with Quarriers. |
Edinburgh | Move-On' contracted from October 2004 to provide housing education programme throughout city schools |
Eilean Siar | Housing education programme in schools using Streets Ahead material. |
Falkirk | Streets Ahead in use with plans to roll out across all secondary schools and youth groups. |
Fife | Programme mapped out by the Education Service. |
Glasgow | Educational material on homelessness prevention and response distributed across schools and young persons service providers. |
Highland | Booklet produced to inform young people considering leaving home. |
Inverclyde | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place |
Midlothian | Housing education programme seen as crucial in communicating to young people the harsh realities of a stay in temporary accommodation and the typically long wait for a council tenancy offer via homelessness. |
Moray | Annual briefing sessions to fourth and fifth year pupils. |
North Ayrshire | Community housing advocacy project operates in all secondary schools; also education drama project. |
North Lanarkshire | Housing education programme in place. |
Orkney | Plans to develop a housing education programme in schools. |
Perth & Kinross | Five high schools delivering materials to all 3rd and 4th year pupils. |
Renfrewshire | Streets Ahead packs provided to all 4th year pupils; discussions on inclusion of housing education within curriculum ongoing. |
Scottish Borders | Planned |
Shetland Islands | Streets Ahead material in use. |
South Ayrshire | Step Project to direct young people into education and training; schools education programme. Awareness of homelessness now part of CPD for school teachers and classroom assistants. |
South Lanarkshire | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place |
Stirling | Educational work in local high schools. Also, housing advice through Bridge project. |
West Dunbartonshire | Delivering homelessness education in one secondary school - to be further developed |
West Lothian | Deliver housing education programme to all 4th & 5th year pupils - aim to expand to other groups as appropriate. |
Source: LOAs
Table 2.7 - Family mediation provision
LA | Family mediation provision |
|---|
Aberdeen City | No provision other than SACRO Community Mediation Service. Plan to deliver family mediation within the new advice and information service. |
Aberdeenshire | Referrals can be made to 'Family Mediation Service - Grampian' (though this operates independently - not commissioned by the LA). Number of referrals from homelessness team fairly limited. |
Angus | Project commenced August 2004. Initial target to have 15 young people re-establish relationship with family and five return home not achieved due to poor inter agency communication and low take up. |
Argyll & Bute | Project being established. Proposal for Shelter family project encompassing mediation. |
Clackmannanshire | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place |
Dumfries & Galloway | Young people's mediation project run by Firstbase as small element of larger drug and alcohol mediation project. |
Dundee | Working with NCH to establish new family mediation project. Will aim to reconcile young people with parents either while family group remains intact or after a young person has moved to NCH supported accommodation. |
East Ayrshire | Family mediation service planned. |
East Dunbartonshire | SACRO commissioned to provide service associated with wider SACRO brief to mediate in neighbour disputes. |
East Lothian | SACRO commissioned to deliver service although initial pilot project was unsuccessful - perhaps because mediation offered only at crisis point. Service users perceived it as gatekeeping. New service restricted to those willing to engage; focus on re-establishing social networks/family support. |
East Renfrewshire | Family mediation offered within context of SACRO mediation service mainly targeted on reconciling neighbours in dispute. Run by SACRO. |
Edinburgh | LA-wide pilot project commissioned from Cyrenians and SACRO will run for three years. Subsequently, service to be reviewed before decision on longer term development. |
Eilean Siar | Service targeted at children and parents having experienced relationship breakdown. However, service effectiveness seriously compromised by reluctance to engage on the part of referrals. |
Falkirk | Plan to offer family mediation service within context of new housing support team. |
Fife | Earlier scheme associated with community mediation judged unsuccessful. Consideration of whether to try a different approach though voluntary commitment to family mediation seen as essential. |
Glasgow | No specific family mediation service (community mediation only). |
Highland | Pilot project planned. Mediators being trained through external organisation to work with young people to help build bridges with family / friends. Plans to roll out the scheme across Highland. |
Inverclyde | Family mediation provided only in the context of caseworker home visits where these take place. |
Midlothian | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place |
Moray | Family mediation service in operation. |
North Ayrshire | Young persons prevention project' encompasses an element of family mediation in an effort to maximise the proportion of young homeless applicants returning to/remaining in the family home. Earlier SACRO project seen as disappointing because of reluctance to engage on the part of young people referred. |
North Lanarkshire | Discussions with SACRO on commissioning family mediation service but SACRO reportedly unenthusiastic - seeing such services in other authorities as having been unsuccessful. However, 25 NLC staff now accredited mediators through training programme. |
Orkney | Attempted but discontinued because considered ineffective |
Perth & Kinross | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place |
Renfrewshire | Designated officer based in social work delivers family mediation within the context of wider range of support services for young homeless people. Success in engaging service users perhaps because scheme seen as independent of homelessness service. |
Scottish Borders | Young people referred to trained mediation staff where caseworker confident that returning to the family home would incur no risk and where the applicant accepts on an entirely voluntary basis. |
Shetland Islands | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place |
South Ayrshire | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place |
South Lanarkshire | Scheme being piloted for 16-17 year olds without complex needs. Provide up to 3 days of 'respite care' as cooling off period whilst mediator explores scope for reconciliation |
Stirling | Provided by the Council within context of a wider range of support services for young homeless people delivered by the Bridge Project. Primary aim to reconcile young people and parents, whether or not a 'return home' is achieved. |
West Dunbartonshire | Scheme targeted on 16-17 year olds. |
West Lothian | Caseworker duties include mediation-style discussions on occasion, although staff would not consider themselves as providing a 'Mediation' service. |
Source: LOAs and telephone survey interviews
Table 2.8 - Support/independent living skills provision for young people
LA | Transitional supported housing projects | Outreach support |
|---|
Aberdeen City | Foyer provision. Young Single Persons' Housing Project for 16-17 year olds - now has sixty flats and supports young people into and through initial tenancies. | Move on project - support to sustain tenancy. Also LA befriending service to support 20-25 young people per year in the transition from Foyer accommodation to permanent tenancies. |
Aberdeenshire | Supported accommodation units in Aberdeenshire associated with Aberdeen Foyer. Also furnished tenancies (through Barnardos) and supported lodgings provision. | Commissioned by the LA, Barnardos provides support to young people either in Barnardo tenancy or in temporary accommodation. Targeted at young people other than those emerging from LA care. |
Angus | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place |
Argyll & Bute | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place | Quarriers Rooftop Project supports young people (16-25) in mainstream tenancies. Also offers drop in service, advice and outreach. |
Clackmannanshire | Accommodation with support provided through NCH Path project. Four-bedded residential project and supported lodgings also provided. | Support team comprising 6/7 officers helps vulnerable tenants, including young people. |
Dumfries & Galloway | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place | Shelter support service for young single people and families. |
Dundee | Range of provision including intensively supported tenancies for young people with complex needs (i.e. requiring a comprehensive support package by more that the one agency). | NCH outreach support and support in dispersed tenancies. |
East Ayrshire | Plan to develop young persons supported accommodation facility to assist young homeless people work toward independent living from March 2007 | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place |
East Dunbartonshire | NCH project provides shared accommodation. | Project 1-0-1 for under 25s. Provides housing advice through drop-in centre and some outreach. Visit all new tenants under 25. |
East Lothian | NCH project medium term supported accommodation for young people. | Commissioned by the Council, the Bridges Project provides tenancy support for young people leaving care or previously "looked after" |
East Renfrewshire | Developing project to support 11 young people develop living skills to allow them to live independently. | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place |
Edinburgh | Range of provision. | Young persons housing advice officers in post. Young persons support service established with dedicated staff located at each Area Office. |
Eilean Siar | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place | Foyer project (outreach component) |
Falkirk | Link Living, interim accommodation in association with Loretto. | Link Living provide 32 supported accommodation places in 16 x 2 bed flats. Tenancies with SSSTs with support package as condition of tenancy. |
Fife | Former Fife Foyer (now closed) re-branded as transitional supported accommodation. | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place |
Glasgow | No details given. | Quarriers, GENR8 (Easterhouse) |
Highland | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place | Young persons support services established in Lochaber and Caithness. |
Inverclyde | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place |
Midlothian | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place |
Moray | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place | No details given |
North Ayrshire | Quarriers North Ayrshire Supported Accommodation ( NASA) project provides supported interim accommodation at two sites (one mixed, the other for females only). | Provided through Quarriers NASA Project. |
North Lanarkshire | No details given. | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place |
Orkney | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place |
Perth & Kinross | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place | CATH day centre provides advice and resettlement support to young homeless people - resourced through Homelessness Implementation Fund |
Renfrewshire | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place | Prevention outreach with young people provided through Paisley Threads Project. |
Scottish Borders | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place | Penumbra project for young people aged 16-21. |
Shetland Islands | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place |
South Ayrshire | Quarriers run the South Ayrshire Housing Support Project providing residential housing support to young people. | Quarriers South Ayrshire Housing Support Project provides outreach support to young people |
South Lanarkshire | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place, although young people would be offered support through tenancy support team ( TAMU) |
Stirling | Loretto's Bridge Project offers residential and outreach support to young people referred by Stirling Council. | Loretto's Bridge project offers residential and outreach support to young people referred by Stirling Council. |
West Dunbartonshire | Transitional supported accommodation provided by NCH and Blue Triangle | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place |
West Lothian | Cyrenians Farm Project | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place |
Source: LOAs, telephone survey interviews, LA websites
2.35 In at least one case (Aberdeen), the 'residential project' enumerated in Table 2.8 is a foyer scheme where there is a central emphasis on linking housing and employment. However, as noted in Chapter 6, helping residents access training and/or employment is a common aspect of support packages delivered within the context of mainstream (non-foyer) independent living skills projects. It should also be noted that the Eilean Siar non-residential scheme is described as a foyer. Whilst Fife's residential foyer project has closed due to lack of funds, the scheme has been taken on as a more 'mainstream' transitional supported housing project run by a housing association.
2.36 It should, of course, be stressed that the schemes enumerated under the two 'service type' headings in Table 2.8 will be very diverse in their form, scale and objectives. The national component of the research was too small in scale to enable the collection of more detailed data on this at individual LA level. The case study evidence set out in Chapter 6 is, however, relevant here.
Furniture provision schemes
2.37 Sometimes presented as an aspect of a council's youth homelessness strategy, furniture provision schemes are operated by most authorities as a means of improving the prospects of tenancy sustainment for certain newly housed homeless households (see Table 2.9). Schemes can involve the promotion of furniture recycling and/or the provision of 'starter packs' containing essential items for people setting up their own household for the first time. Service user testimony (see para 9.34) indicates that the help provided through such projects can be crucial in preventing repeat homelessness.
Table 2.9 - Furniture provision services aimed at helping young (and other) homeless people sustain social rented tenancies
LA | Furniture provision service |
|---|
Aberdeen City | Furniture Inc - project developed by partnership including Tenants First, Castlehill Housing Association, Grampian Housing Association, Langstane Housing Association and Instant Neighbour. |
Aberdeenshire | Aberdeenshire Furniture Project Limited combines furniture recycling with furniture repair and training opportunities specifically for foyer residents. |
Angus | Furniture project provided assistance to 1,349 households who are homelessness or at risk of homelessness. Starter Packs provided to 302 households. |
Argyll & Bute | Bute furniture recycling project |
Clackmannanshire | Furniture provision for vulnerable households at risk of homelessness. |
Dumfries & Galloway | Furniture project aims to help boost young persons tenancy sustainment. |
Dundee | Essential goods funded by Communities Scotland grant. Starter packs supplied from Starter Pack Dundee. Additional second hand goods supplied by DCC through Tayside Furniture Project. |
East Ayrshire | Furniture tenancy grant to fund RSL and private sector furnished tenancies. |
East Dunbartonshire | Furniture recycling system to assist vulnerable households to sustain tenancies. |
East Lothian | Furniture recycling system to assist vulnerable households to sustain tenancies. |
East Renfrewshire | Furnished tenancies grant scheme - 54 households provided with furniture in 2005/06. Also furniture recylcing project. There is lack of choice in this scheme though. |
Edinburgh | Edinburgh Furniture Initiative and Fresh Start |
Eilean Siar | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place |
Falkirk | Furnished tenancies grant scheme operated. |
Fife | Castle Furniture Project - Collects donated furniture and furnishings, and distributes them to people on benefits in East Fife. Employment project for people with mental health problems. Also Fife Furniture Project. |
Glasgow | Fabpad (decoration). Essential furniture grant scheme in place. Substantial furnished tenancy provision by GHA. |
Highland | Furnished tenancy packages offered. |
Inverclyde | Nothing specific mentioned as currently in place |
Midlothian | Midlothian Furniture Recycling scheme |
Moray | Furniture with rent scheme in operation |
North Ayrshire | Fab Pad (decoration) and furniture grants scheme operated |
North Lanarkshire | Furnished tenancies scheme and furniture pack project - distributed approx. 1,000 packs in 2005/06. |
Orkney | Furniture store / recycling project due for launch in 2006/07. |
Perth & Kinross | Furniture Project (external agency) funded through homelessness implementation fund. |
Renfrewshire | Furniture recycling project operated. |
Scottish Borders | Local furniture projects in place. |
Shetland Islands | Furniture packs provided to young people taking up social rented or private tenancies. |
South Ayrshire | Furniture Re-use South Ayrshire |
South Lanarkshire | Furnished tenancies grants offered; also Hamilton Furniture Initiative |
Stirling | Developing furniture access project. Use furnished tenancy grant through Communities Scotland. |
West Dunbartonshire | Home from Home - Furniture Recycling Project |
West Lothian | HomeAid West Lothian. Also scheme to provide new white goods to care leavers and young homeless people at very low cost. |
Sources: LOAs, telephone survey interviews, LA websites
Sleeping rough and rooflessness
2.38 While the problem of rough sleeping was not specifically mentioned in the HTF report, provision for this group is clearly part of the wider homelessness prevention agenda. Evidence from strategy documents and LOAs appears to defy the media portrayal of rough sleeping as exclusively an 'urban problem' (see Table 2.10). Services targeted on rough sleepers include housing advice and advocacy, outreach workers and tenancy support. It should be acknowledged that because the Rough Sleepers Initiative ( RSI) predates homelessness strategies and because the RSI programme has tended to be funded and run in a fairly self-contained way, it may well be that some authorities have omitted to mention rough sleeper services within strategy and LOA documents.
Table 2.10 - Homelessness prevention services for rough sleepers
LA | Service |
|---|
Aberdeen City | Cyrenians Craig House Project for rough sleepers. 60 receiving support in residential setting, 75 individuals provided with support packages. Many of those access tenancies through rent deposit guarantee scheme. |
Aberdeenshire | Outreach support worker funded through RSI. |
Argyll & Bute | Outreach support for people at risk of rough sleeping in Helensburgh; direct access facility in Oban. |
Dundee | Cyrenians Outreach and Resettlement Team |
East Ayrshire | Pan-Ayrshire RSI project. |
East Lothian | Shelter East Lothian Project works with rough sleepers |
Edinburgh | Various outreach and street work programmes, support service for former rough sleepers moving to more appropriate accommodation. |
Falkirk | Outreach worker initially funded through RSI. |
Fife | Two RSI workers as part of homelessness team. |
Glasgow | Wide range of services. |
Inverclyde | Former RSI team now mainstreamed. Generally minor issue - sofa surfing more widespread. |
Moray | Outreach and resettlement workers employed to provide support to rough sleepers. |
North Ayrshire | Pan-Ayrshire RSI project. |
North Lanarkshire | Simon Community and Shelter Advocacy Project. |
Perth & Kinross | CATH outreach programme |
Renfrewshire | Homelessness & health project jointly funded with Health Board. Outreach and resettlement worker |
South Ayrshire | Pan-Ayrshire RSI project. |
South Lanarkshire | Rough sleepers project operated on outreach basis |
Stirling | Surgery at Salvation Army one Stop Shop |
West Dunbartonshire | Former RSI team now mainstreamed. |
Source: LOAs. Note that table excludes LAs whose LOAs contained no specific mention of homelessness prevention services targeted on rough sleepers
Chapter Summary
2.39 In line with Homelessness Task Force advice, many authorities structured their homelessness strategies according to groups believed to be at particularly high risk of homelessness. Hence, most homelessness strategies acknowledged the need for specific measures to address possible homelessness involving tenants threatened with eviction, and individuals scheduled for institutional discharge (e.g. care leavers). Two types of measures have been widely developed in response. Firstly, 'early warning' procedures (or protocols) to ensure that homelessness staff are made aware of such cases and, ideally, have sufficient time to act before loss of accommodation occurs. And, secondly, policies and practices aimed at preventing eviction or to arranging planned rehousing. Concerning the former, virtually all LAs reported making available some form of debt counselling to people at risk of homelessness due to rent or mortgage arrears.
2.40 Universally, LAs recognise the need to minimise homelessness resulting from tenancy failure on the part of vulnerable council tenants. In response, most LAs have established designated staff or teams tasked with providing floating support to individuals identified as otherwise at risk in this respect. A few authorities have funded voluntary agencies to deliver this service. Key to success here is the effectiveness of other frontline staff (e.g. housing officers, health workers, social workers) in identifying potential problems and making timely referrals.
2.41 At least half of authorities have protocols in place to warn homelessness staff about the impending discharge of young people in council care, prisoners and long-stay hospital patients. Around a quarter of councils have set up such protocols with military authorities with respect to personnel leaving the armed forces. A few authorities routinely provide outreach housing advice services in prison settings.
2.42 Beyond the specific concerns around care leavers (see above) most homelessness strategies addressed the wider issue of youth homelessness and how to prevent it As well as running housing education programmes, most authorities target youth homelessness through family mediation, support and independent living skills projects. Particularly in urban and/or central belt authorities projects of this latter type are generally set up on a residential basis. Typically, they are run by voluntary agencies partly or wholly funded in this endeavour by Supporting People finance. Similarly targeted mainly on young people forming households for the first time, virtually all LAs operate or fund schemes to provide essential furniture items to newly formerly homeless people taking on social sector tenancies
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