Decision details

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.

To become a signatory to the Essex Homelessness Families Protocol.

Option 1 - To become a signatory to this protocol
Option 2 - Not to become a signatory. However, this protocol has been developed to improve and promote co-operation and joint working in dealing with families at risk of homelessness who have dependent children.