Health Minister, Simon Hamilton today announced the publication of new minimum standards for supported lodgings for young people and young adults aged 16-21 in Northern Ireland.
The aim of Supported Lodgings is to provide young people leaving care and young people facing homelessness, with safe, suitable and supportive places to live within a family type environment.
Mr Hamilton said: “As a result of joint working between my Department, the Department of Social Development (DSD), the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) and HSC Trusts in Northern Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE), an integrated approach to planning and providing a model of Supported Lodgings for young people and young adults has been developed.”
Mr Hamilton continued: “The supported lodgings environment will offer tailored levels of housing and social care support to enable the young people to develop the practical, emotional and relationship skills needed for a successful transition to independence and adulthood
“These standards will set a benchmark to be used by current and future supported lodgings service providers to ensure the provision of high quality social care and housing support.”
Notes to editors:
- The Supported Lodgings Standards have been developed in consultation with the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB), HSC Trusts, DSD, Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE), Voice of Young People in Care (VOYPIC), Council for the Homeless Northern Ireland (CHNI), the Reulation Quality and Improvement Authority (RQIA) and Fostering Network.
- Supported Lodgings offers an alternative to mainstream care placements to young people aged 16 and 17 as well as to young adults aged 18-21 who are at risk or in need of protection. Also, a young person once living in Supported Lodgings accommodation may remain until the age of 24 years where this is assessed as appropriate.
- The Standards and an analysis of the consultation responses can be accessed on the Department’s website.
- Media enquiries should be directed to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 90 522841. Out of hours please contact Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.