Housing and Homelessness Staff
Housing and homelessness staff play an important role in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. They are in a position to recognise child welfare issues in their day-to-day dealings with the public. The role of the Local Authority’s housing service and registered social landlords in the Borough is set out in paragraphs 2.19 to 2.22 of “Working Together to Safeguard Children" 2006”.
In addition, housing authorities may hold important information that could assist the Safeguarding and Corporate Parenting Service to carry out assessments under section 17 or section 47 of the Children Act 1989. A protocol ("Protocol between Children and Families Social Services and Housing Needs" available in the document library of these procedures) between Housing Advice and the Safeguarding and Corporate Parenting service must be implemented.
Housing Authorities are also key to an assessment of the needs of families with disabled children who may require housing adaptations in order to participate fully in family life and to reach their maximum potential. In addition, housing authorities have an important part to play in the management of the risks of harm posed by dangerous offenders, including those who are assessed as presenting a risk, whether sexual or otherwise, to children. Appropriate housing can contribute greatly to the ability of the police and others to manage the risks of harm such individuals may pose to children.
The Homelessness Code of Guidance for Local Authorities 2006 sets out the legislative requirements for co-operation between statutory authorities.