About this Course

This interactive and practical course aims to assist officers who are making decisions in relation to applications where homelessness is stated to be due to domestic abuse or violence from third parties.

 

Domestic Abuse is the second largest reason for families becoming homeless and we recognise the importance of safeguarding victims of abuse. We will help you to understand the Domestic Abuse 2021 in the context of the homeless legislation, existing case law and the Code of Guidance 2018 together with tools and practices so that officers who work in housing option services can make fair and balanced decisions. This includes making appropriate decisions around offers of accommodation and their suitability.

 

We will also look at assessing probability of risk and harm to the applicant while the whole-time giving consideration to the Public Sector Equalities Act. The course will detail what reasonable enquiries can be made and guidance will be given as to when ‘not homeless’ or ‘not eligible’ decisions can be given.

 

Where it is found that an applicant is at risk of domestic abuse or violence from third parties the course explores when the prevention or relief duties can be accepted. The course provides guidance on what appropriate steps should be taken when drawing up personal housing plans.

 

The course also looks at the challenges of assessing the eligibility of family members of EEA nationals who are fleeing domestic abuse from them. Information will be provided on what support can be provided by the Home Office and certain embassies.

 

Whilst a person who is homeless as a result of fleeing domestic abuse is automatically priority need those single persons homeless as a result of fleeing violence from non-associated persons require a vulnerability assessment. The course looks at how to assess vulnerability.

 

Course Contents:

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• Domestic Abuse Act 2021

• Case Law  relating to Domestic Abuse

• The Code of Guidance 2018 as amended (Chapters 6 & 21)

• Issues with eligibility

• Support for ineligible family members

• Investigations & Enquiries (DAASH)

• When to accept the prevention duty and when to accept the relief duty

• PHP Plans

• Safeguarding

• Making a not homeless decision

 

Every delegate will be given templates to help them make legally sound decisions.

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Who Should Attend

This course is suitable for officers who have to make S184 and S202 decisions. 

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Trainer

Minos Perdios, Director & Reviews Manager at Housing Reviews Ltd