Dear Northern Ireland Housing Executive,

Paragraph 2.4.1.2 of the Housing Selection Scheme guidance manual says

"Where 16 /17 years olds approach the Housing Executive for accommodation, it will be necessary to establish if they are owed a duty under the Children Order.

'The Housing Executive will not routinely refer applicants to Health and Social Services for assessment under the Children (NI) Order, 1995. Referrals will only be made to the professional head of Family and Child Care services in the relevant Trust in instances where the Housing Executive has reason to believe that the individual poses a threat to his / her or someone else’s safety and wellbeing (particularly children), or that a child may have been abused.

'Where Health and Social Services have determined that they have statutory responsibility for an Applicant aged 16 / 17 years, then the Designated Officers should obtain formal recommendations or reports from Health and Social Services to confirm or explain the client’s specific circumstances and needs."

Can you please explain what practical steps a housing adviser is required to take to satisfy this paragraph and the regional good practice guidance on meeting the accommodation and support needs of 16-21 year olds agreed between NIHE and health and social care trusts?

Yours faithfully,

E Farrell