Agenda item

The Joint Homelessness Protocols for young people in Middlesbrough had been developed by Children’s Services and Adult Health and Social Care with a plan to launch on 13 May 2026. Awareness sessions were planned to ensure colleagues were advocating for these young people. There were two protocols; one for 16/17 year olds and one for care experienced young people in Middlesbrough.

Members heard that the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) had advocated for local authorities to have these protocols in place, providing a clear direction of travel and a framework for support. It was acknowledged that the issue of homelessness and housing cut through many directorates and this had resulted in young people often feeling passed around between services, an issue that was important to the Council as corporate parents and one which the protocols would help with.

It was continued that the number of homeless young people in Middlesbrough was quite small but the risk and potential for harm was significant for young people and this was an area of priority. It was highlighted that homelessness often came in different forms such as sofa surfing or having no permanent residence and social workers and other professionals worked very closely to support young people in these scenarios. ‘Airbnbs’ had become more commonly used however it was highlighted that this type of accommodation was not suitable for 16-17 year olds and needed to be reduced. Lots of work was being done to develop accommodation specific for young people and a key legal requirement of the Renters’ Rights Act which would come into force on 1 May 2026 was for local authorities to conduct Supported Housing Needs Assessments and publish strategies by March 2027.

Several queries were raised regarding wait times for young people. It was noted that information could be obtained from Tees Valley Home Finder (TVHF) on the average wait times for care leavers once they were registered with TVHF, as well as clarification on the level of priority afforded to applicants who were care leavers.

A Member queried whether entitlements changed when a child turned 18 and it was confirmed that the nature of support changed and there were different types of accommodation tailored to individual needs, support levels, and age. There could be complexities when children had friends and acquaintances of differing ages who were entitled to different provision and this could be challenging to manage at times.

Children’s Services worked in close partnership with Adult Social Care as young people approached the age of 18, ensuring appropriate support was in place, with some cases requiring involvement from an adult social worker.

These cases would be identified and flagged through the transitional panel.

It was paramount that appropriate preparation took place well in advance of a young person turning 18 to ensure that young people felt fully prepared for the transition. Social workers were being upskilled and equipped to support young people during this time.

AGREED that:

1.     The information provided was received and noted.

2.     Clarification would be sought from Tees Valley Home Finder on the average wait times for care leavers once they were registered with TVHF and clarification on the level of priority afforded to applicants who were care leavers.