Placement in Supported Lodgings Policy

1. Relevant Legislation and Guidance

• Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 3: Planning Transitions to Adulthood for Care Leavers (revised 2014);
• Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement, and Case Review (revised 2013/2014);
• Children and Families Act 2014;
• Fostering Regulations 2011 and 2013 (assessment and approval updates).

2. Aims of the Scheme

The scheme supports a seamless transition for looked-after young people to independent living. It provides:

• Practical preparation: Skills like budgeting, cooking, and household management;
• Emotional readiness: Building confidence and resilience for adult life;
• Supportive environments: Positive role models offering guidance and mentorship;
• Alignment with Pathway Plans: Customized support tailored to individual needs.

3. Target Group

Eligible young people are:

• Aged 16-21 (or up to 25 if in education or training);
• Assessed via the Pathway Planning Process as ready for semi-independence;
• Willing to engage in education, training, work experience, or employment;
• Prepared to adhere to reasonable house rules and work collaboratively with the provider.

Placements are unsuitable for those requiring higher levels of supervision or those seeking alternative independent living arrangements.

4. Overview of Supported Lodgings

Supported Lodgings provides:

• Shared accommodation: A young person lives with a family, couple, or individual;
• Guided independence: Opportunities for young people to develop life skills while receiving support;
• Gradual autonomy: Providers reduce support as the young person gains independence.

5. Supported Lodgings Providers

5.1 Who Can Be a Provider?

Providers must be:

• Registered with Ofsted;
• Aged 21 or over;
• Experienced in working with or supporting young people;
• Flexible, patient, and understanding of young people’s challenges;
• Available to support young people’s development while maintaining their lifestyle.

5.2 Qualities of a Provider

Providers should:

• Be warm, caring, and tolerant;
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability;
• Support young people consistently while working collaboratively with professionals;
• Provide second chances, recognizing young people may make mistakes.

5.3 Provider Responsibilities

Providers offer tailored support based on Pathway Plans:

• Practical support: Cooking, budgeting, and maintaining personal/household hygiene;
• Emotional support: Advocacy, mentorship, and fostering social connections;
• Developmental support: Encouraging education, employment, and community engagement.

6. Provider Expectations

Core Values

Providers should promote:

• Respect and equality;
• Diversity and inclusion;
• Constructive feedback and guidance;
• Confidentiality, maintaining professional boundaries.

Recording and Communication

Providers must record weekly progress and significant incidents. Supervising Social Workers will guide the documentation process to align with confidentiality protocols and the young person’s age.

Team Collaboration

Providers collaborate with Social Workers, Personal Advisors, and other professionals. They are integral to assessments, planning, and reviews, contributing valuable insights from daily interactions with young people.

7. Approval and Review Process

Assessment Process

• Initial inquiries are directed to the Fostering Team;
• A home visit assesses suitability, covering accommodation standards, provider expectations, and required checks;
• Following a positive home visit, an application form initiates formal assessment;
• The assessment adheres to Fostering Regulations 2013 and includes a competency-based approach.

Panel Approval

• A completed assessment is presented to a supported lodgings panel. The Agency Decision Maker ratifies approval;
• Approved providers receive a profile highlighting their skills and home environment.

Annual Reviews

• Annual reviews involve feedback from all stakeholders, including Social Workers and young people;
• Changes in circumstances or concerns prompt an early review. Serious complaints may require fostering panel involvement.

8. Training, Support, and Supervision

Training

Providers complete induction training within their first year and ongoing annual training. Training profiles track progress and identify development needs.

Supervision

• Supervising Social Workers visit every 4-6 weeks, with unannounced visits annually;
• Providers access support groups and Emergency Duty Services for out-of-hours assistance.

9. Accommodation

• Accommodation must meet safety and hygiene standards, including smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors;
• Young people require a private, adequately furnished room and access to shared facilities.

10. Referrals and Placement Process

• Referrals are initiated via Social Workers and a search started by the Home finding team using the Young persons profile;
• Arrangements are planned to ensure the best match. Providers and young people meet before the move in date;
• Placement Planning Meetings occur within 72 hours to finalise plans and set expectations.

11. Ending an arrangement

• • Placements should end in a planned manner, aligned with the Pathway Plan;
• • Providers must notify their Supervising Social Worker before ending any arrangement. A 28-day notice period is standard unless there are exceptional circumstances.

This policy ensures consistent, high-quality support for young people transitioning to independence and provides clear expectations and guidance for Supported Lodgings Providers.