E Farrell 
 
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx 
 
__________________________________________________________________ 
 
01 August 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ref: FOI_22-23_075 
Freedom of Information Request  
Dear E Farrell, 
 
Thank you for your request for information, received on 08 July 2022, which reads as 
follows; 
 
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? 
 
This request has been processed under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 procedures 
and response is provided below. 
 
1)  Can you please explain what practical steps a housing adviser is required to 
take to satisfy this paragraph? 
 
In regard to your request for an explanation of processes, while this does not fall within 
the remit of the Freedom of the Information Act, you may find the details within the 
supplied document. 
 

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2)  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? 
 
Please find enclosed a copy of the Regional Guidance as requested. 
 
You have the right to request a formal review by the Housing Executive within two calendar 
months of the date of this letter. 
 
You may write to:  
 
Freedom of Information 
Information Governance Team 
Planning, Performance Risk & Governance 
Northern Ireland Housing Executive  
The Housing Centre  
2 Adelaide Street  
Belfast, BT2 8PB  
 
or contact us via email at xxx@xxxx.xxx.xx . 
 
If you are not content with the outcome of the internal review, you have the right to apply 
directly to the Information Commissioner for a review of our original decision.   
 
The Information Commissioner’s Office 
Wycliffe House 
Water Lane 
Wilmslow 
Cheshire SK9 5AF 
 
Yours Sincerely,  
 
Brian O’Kane 
Assistant Director, Housing Services 
 
 
Personal Information 
To find out how we use your personal information and your individual rights you can view 
the full version of our Privacy Notice at www.nihe.gov.uk/privacy_notice. 
 
 
 
 

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