NI Minister launches Minimum Standards for young people leaving care

Health Minister, Simon Hamilton has announced the publication of new minimum standards for supported lodgings for young people and young adults aged 16-21 in Northern Ireland.

The aim of Supported Lodgings is to provide young people leaving care and young people facing homelessness, with safe, suitable and supportive places to live within a family type environment.

Mr Hamilton said: “As a result of joint working between my Department, the Department of Social Development (DSD), the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) and HSC Trusts in Northern Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE), an integrated approach to planning and providing a model of Supported Lodgings for young people and young adults has been developed.”

Mr Hamilton continued: “The supported lodgings environment will offer tailored levels of housing and social care support to enable the young people to develop the practical, emotional and relationship skills needed for a successful transition to independence and adulthood

“These standards will set a benchmark to be used by current and future supported lodgings service providers to ensure the provision of high quality social care and housing support.”

The Standards can be accessed here.