Purpose

A joint working protocol has been developed
between Essex Housing Authorities and Children and Families Service
in dealing with families at risk of homelessness with dependent
children.
The purpose of this protocol is to:
•To improve and promote cooperation and joint working
between
the partner agencies.
•To clarify the statutory duties and agreed responsibilities
of local
authority housing departments and Children and Families
Service (Children’s Social Care) across the ECC area.
•To jointly assess and meet the needs of families with
dependent
children who are facing homelessness or families in receipt of
a
negative homeless decision (within the remit of legislation
and
the resources available).
•To ensure families secure accommodation that is adequate
for
their needs and that future homelessness is prevented by
addressing support needs at the earliest opportunity,
promoting
tenancy sustainment.
•To ensure children do not become cared for by Children
and
Families Service solely because of a lack of accommodation.
•To establish and clarify an approach agreed by the
partner
agencies which will apply across all districts.

Content

To become a signatory to the Essex
Homelessness Families Protocol.