Despite a whole load of laws that should guarantee care leavers are given 'suitable accomodation' problems persist. Many care leavers are appalled by shoddy housing and have fears about their first home.
The facts
Laws are in place to ensure local authorities have a duty to provide care leavers with 'suitable accomodation'.
Before you leave care, your Pathway Plan must cover arrangements for future accomodation and support to help you avoid becoming homeless.
Local authorities have guidance that tells them to make care leavers a priority and to give them the best chance to succeed in their accomodation. This means avoiding moving young people who are settled, offering a choice of accomodation where possible, offering proper support to the young person and having a clear financial plan for the accomodation.
If you do become homeless, as a former young person in care you may be considred in 'priority need' of help. It is therefore important to tell people that you were in care.
Know your rights
You can feel under great pressure to accept the first place you're shown, but if it doesn't relate to what was agreed in your Pathway Plan you have the right to turn it down.
Many care leavers are scared to do this as it can mean you are seen to be 'intentionally homeless'. Being 'intentionally homeless' means that you may not get benefits to which you are entitled.
While you may be considered 'intentionally homeless' if you turn down acceptable housing, this shouldn't happen if the accomodation is not right for you.
Remember that your local authority is there to help you, and that - by law - it has to help find accomodation that is right for you.
However, things don't always work out as they should. If you feel you're not being listened to, or are being put under pressure to accept something that you don't want, you can make a complaint to the complaints officer.
True storyRead about Milly's experience of moving into her first home. |
