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WQ.398/2021
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR CHILDREN AND EDUCATION
BY THE CONNÉTABLE OF ST. BRELADE
QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 11th OCTOBER 2021
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 18th OCTOBER 2021
Question
Will the Minister advise how many vulnerable children and young people in the Government's care are currently being housed in hotel or holiday accommodation in the absence of foster or residential care setting availability in the Island; and will he outline present Government policy regarding the provision of accommodation for those vulnerable young people over 18 years old once they have left the Government's care?
Answer
There are currently no children under the age of 18 years who are in the Minister's care who are being housed in a hotel or holiday accommodation. All children and young people under the age of 18 years are cared for either in foster homes or residential care settings.
We currently have 3 of our care leavers staying in a hotel.
The Government's policy on the provision of accommodation for care leavers is contained within the Care Leavers Offer which states: -
When you are ready to move on from the fully supported pathway, we will ensure you are housed in suitable accommodation. This has been defined as either a self-contained studio or one-bedroom flat but we appreciate that for some young people, the option to share might be a more suitable or desirable option.
The cost of the accommodation is funded through Social Security if the care leaver is unemployed and claiming Income Support. The Children's Social Care Service provide two Supported Accommodation Homes, including 4 training flats, for 18- to 21-year-olds. Andium Homes are responsible for prioritising care leavers on their housing list. There is considerable demand for housing and whilst care leavers are within the priority group, Andium is not currently able to provide suitable homes for the three care leavers living in hotels. Appropriate housing is also sought form the private sector but demand is outstripping supply currently, and private landlords do not prioritise care leavers.