Joint Protocol approved to support young people at risk of homelessness

A JOINT Protocol has been developed to support young people at risk of homelessness in Tameside.

Tameside Council’s Executive Cabinet has approved the plan for 16 and 17-year-olds who are homeless or threatened with homelessness in the borough.

The document outlines how the Council’s Children’s Services and Homelessness teams will work together to best deliver the support required, as well as being alert to other factors such as Safeguarding and Early Help.

It will ensure that the services have clarity on their role and responsibilities at each stage of the process, with the goal that young people and their parents or carers receive a timely and appropriate response that focuses on the wellbeing and safety of the young person and supports them to remain with their family wherever it is safe to do so.

The protocol was developed between the Council’s Policy, Children’s Services and Housing teams using best practice from other local authorities and the Department for Education.

A number of consultation and engagement events were held to receive feedback and incorporate the voices of young people with experience of homelessness. These include meetings with Tameside Care Leaver’s Forum, Tameside “Outloud” LGBTQ+ Youth Group and Tameside Youth Council.

Councillor Teresa Smith, Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Children and Families, said: “We are determined to do all we can to support our young people. This protocol sets out clearly the process and who takes responsibility when a young person aged 16 or 17 is made homeless or is at risk of being homeless, to ensure their safety and wellbeing.

“It sets out prevention and early intervention tools to help keep young people at home and prevent a crisis, as well as clear steps on what to do should a young person need somewhere safe to stay.”