20 March 1996

Head of Paid Service

Copy to: Directors of Social Work

Directors of Housing

Chief Social Work Officers

Holders of SWSG Guidance Package (circular only)

Dear Sir/Madam

WORKING WITH YOUNG HOMELESS PEOPLE: GUIDANCE ON GOOD PRACTICE AND EFFECTIVE ACTION.

Summary

1. The aim of the guidance is to encourage and inform good practice and build on strengths of existing arrangements. The guidance draws on the experience of innovative and collaborative developments in addressing youth homelessness in Scotland and on research commissioned by The Scottish Office. Although primarily aimed at staff in social work departments and related voluntary agencies, it will be of interest to housing staff, staff in the Benefits Agency, the Health Service and education departments.

2. The guidance is in two parts. The first, Part A, provides guidance on good practice and effective action. Part B provides factual information on the legislative and policy context and examples of good practice.

Note

3. The guidance was initially prepared by external consultants: Ann Rosengard, Gail Cunningham and Amanda Britain. This work was completed in March 1994. SWSG subsequently updated the guidance in the light of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995, and local government reorganisation.

Publication Details.

4. Copies of this guidance are available priced £7.50 from HMSO Bookshops. ISBN

01748031189

Contact Point

5. Any enquiries about this circular should be addressed to Mr John Bishop, Room 48A, James Craig Walk Edinburgh (Telephone 0131-244-5485) [ To holders of the SWSG Circulars and Guidance Package: This circular should be placed in Section F11 of the volume containing "Community Care (Sections 11-20)" circulars.] .

Yours faithfully

ANGUS SKINNER

Chief Inspector