Supported Placements

Providers are as varied as the young people they look after - if you are married, single, living with a partner, working or not working, rent or own your own home you can be a supported Placements provider. There are no set rules.

The most important thing we expect is that you have a willingness to accept a young person for who they are and have an understanding that some young people may have complex needs and challenging behaviours.

It is also important that you can work as part of a team: with social workers, personal advisors, therapists, the young person, their family and people from other organisations such as colleges.

No specific educational qualifications are required but there is a requirement for basic literacy.

The young person will be a lodger in your house, therefore you will not have Parental Responsibility for them.

If they are under 18 years of age their parents, and sometimes the Local Authority, will share Parental Responsibility. If the young person is over 18, he/she is an adult and is responsible for him/herself.

In addition to the support that is offered from the Supported Placements Provider the young person will receive support from the Local Authority, social worker, personal advisor, and partner agencies.

We are looking for individuals, couples and families who have a spare room in their home and live within the Southampton and/or Portsmouth area.

We need people who have an appreciation of the issues facing young people and who are able to offer non-judgemental support to a young person aiming to develop their independent living skills.

In most cases the young person will be financially maintained by the Local Authority and you will receive an allowance every week. (See the Supported Placements – Finance Framework document).

The young person will also pay a contribution. Some young people may qualify for housing benefit.

We recommend you inform these agencies, however if the young person is under 18 years it is unlikely that this will affect any benefits you are entitled to. If you are concerned, the Supported Placements social worker will be happy to discuss this with you.

Your current Insurance Policy may be affected if you have a lodger. We ask that you contact your household insurers and inform them that you are taking a lodger. Should this affect your premiums, the Local Authority will assist.

This will depend on the individual needs of the young person.

The young person will be supported by yourself, a social worker and personal advisor to help them move to more independent accommodation in a planned way.

Supported Placements are not considered to be a long term placement, the aim of this scheme is to assist with moving onto more independent living.

Yes, there will be an initial meeting, with further opportunities to get to know the young person.

A Placement Agreement is drawn up. This agreement will clarify what the accommodation consists of, what facilities are available to the young person, and the responsibilities of each signatory within the agreement.

There will be an opportunity to discuss house rules and issues such as telephone, visitors, staying out etc. This will be regularly reviewed with yourself and the young person within the placement.

The Supported Placements Social Worker will provide ongoing support for you, after office hours the Emergency Duty Team are available.

There are regular training events which will provide you with further skills and where you can meet with fellow providers.