From the age of 15 and a half years old, the allocated social worker will work with a young person to identify, develop, and review a holistic Pathway Plan. As part of this, the social worker should assess the young person’s housing needs and discuss accommodation options in conjunction with housing colleagues where needed.
The social worker will explore the young person’s eligibility for local authority housing and support the young person to apply for the Dorset Home Choice scheme, as the young person reaches the age of 16 and a half. Should a young person be assessed as suitable and offered an independent tenancy under the age of 18, Children’s Services are liable for the rent until the young person reaches 18. Attention should be given to the cost of the rent to ensure young person can afford it post-18 in line with the local housing allowance.
All applications for local social housing should be made online via the Dorset Council Home Choice Website. The social worker should ensure that care leavers can present relevant supporting documents which may include:
- photographic ID
- birth certificates
- natural insurance number
- proof of address
- proof of income
- address history
- any relevant medical information
Development of independence skills are generally best supported in the home environment by those people care leavers are currently living with. This includes, but is not limited to:
- foster carers
- residential care providers
- semi-independent accommodation providers
- supported lodgings providers
- staying put providers
Tenancy ready
For a young person to be deemed as ‘tenancy ready’, every effort should be support them to develop life skills that they will need when they move on to live independently and should include:
- making good financial choices including earning and spending money
- keeping track of money
- household tasks such as cleaning and laundry
- addressing own health and wellbeing
- practical cooking skills within a budget
- preparing for the world of work including good educational choices
- being a good neighbour
- understanding how to be a good tenant and pay rent on time