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WQ.134/2019
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR CHILDREN AND HOUSING BY DEPUTY K.G. PAMPLIN OF ST. SAVIOUR
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 12th MARCH 2019
Question
Can the Minister confirm what processes and support are in place to support people with mental health conditions applying for social housing or housing support; and what steps his Department is taking to provide additional processes or support for such people?
Answer
People with mental health conditions require a multi-agency approach with key agencies working alongside each other to share relevant information and coordinate proportionate responses.
If the person with the mental health condition is under 50 with no dependants, they can apply for social housing via the Supported Housing Group (SHG) with a support plan from mental health services. If the person with the mental health condition is over 50 years of age and meets the Affordable Housing Gateway (AHG) criteria, medical information would be gathered to support their application. However, if they were unable to live independently without a package of care, they would also be encouraged to apply via the SHG.
The SHG is a mechanism for those who do not ordinarily meet the standard pathway via the AHG to access stable accommodation.
The SHG is run by Andium Homes and consists of a number of agencies & 3rd sector organisations. The group consists of the following agencies:
• Adults Social Care Team (including the Brain Injury Service and Learning Disability Team)
• Autism Jersey
• Barnardo's
• Community Mental Health Team
• Children's Service (Leaving Care Team)
• Drug & Alcohol Service
• Headway
• Independent Domestic Violence Advisors
• Jersey Association of Youth & Friendship
• Occupational Support Unit, Customer & Local Service
• Probation & Aftercare
• Sanctuary House
• Shelter
Agencies are able to refer their clients to the SHG and are required to provide a package of support in order to ensure that once suitable housing has been identified in the community, their client has the best chance of having a successful tenancy. A 2-year tenancy is typically offered by Andium Homes, during which time the referring agency is responsible for carrying out at least 4 reviews of the client's tenancy and to work closely with Andium Homes to provide ongoing support & advice.
People admitted to acute inpatient mental health units often experience heightened stress and distress. It is essential that their problems are not exacerbated by additional financial pressure or fear of losing their accommodation.
The Core Assessment, Risk Assessment and Care Plan are created during the initial period following admission and information pertaining to finances and home circumstances are gathered. If the patient is in receipt of any Social Security provision this information is provided to a social worker. The same applies if there are concerns relating to housing.
A protocol has been set up to provide contact between Adult Mental Health Social Workers and the Safeguarding Manager within the Customer and Local Services Department to look at liaising/supporting patients due for discharge. This protocol provides a process to ensure that no one will experience unnecessary adverse financial consequences through requiring inpatient treatment.
The Disability Strategy for Jersey (2017) set out a series of relevant principles for social housing allocations e.g. the provision of accessible advice and guidance on housing options. In response to this, a review of access to social housing is underway which includes consideration of pathways for people with specialist housing needs.