SOUTHWARK ’ S VISITING SERVICE An overview of homelessness & housing need in Southwark Jonathan Joseph, Homelessness Service 25 Bournemouth Road

Existing Structure

Facts & Figures Avg 250 new homeless applications per month (3,000 pa) 40% acceptance rate 85% of cases determined within 30 days 1300 households in temporary accommodation In excess of 12,000 households registered for housing Approx 2800 housed each year

Facts & Figures We receive on average 25 new homeless applications per month from 16/17 yr olds We successfully prevent homelessness in 60% of cases Introduced a mediation service provided by Relate in May Mediation is now mandatory for 16/17 yr olds Failure to attend mediation will result in TA being terminated Target to achieve 80% prevention by 03/07

What do we do Test their assumptions Provide a reality check Assess their living skills Undertake a risk assessment Visit parental home, provide the parent/excluder with a reality check Mandatory mediation service (parents/excluder are invited to attend)

Short, Sharp, Shock 28 day young person hostel Intensive support services provided 24 hour care Curfew Continuous reinforcement of the reality of being homeless

Other Initiatives Social Worker from 16+ team, based within the homeless service to conduct joint assessments of young people - look at risks(violence, drugs, alcohol etc), vulnerability, prior SS involvement Provide a coordinated package of care & assessment for young people.