DEVON HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 2008/09

POLICY & PRACTICE
Objective	Specific Action Required	Due Date		Lead	Measurable Output
Develop a Devon wide Sanctuary Scheme	· Draft a sanctuary scheme partnership protocol for use across Devon · Develop a sanctuary scheme leaflet for use across Devon · Arrange a launch event and publicise the scheme · Monitor the schemes introduction	May 2008 May 2008 July 2008 Ongoing		DHC DHMG	Devon wide scheme in place Leaflet in distribution Official launch held Meetings held
Develop a quality standards framework for housing options / homelessness prevention services	· Work with Shelter to develop a proposal · Commission and make arrangements for the exercise to take place · Facilitate DHMG launch	March 2008 April 2008 August 2008		DHC	Proposal produced Commissioning approved Framework developed
Project manage LAA priority 27	· Develop detailed delivery plans for all four work themes · Lead on work theme 1: Improving access to the private rented sector and work theme 2: Reducing youth homelessness by streamlining the LPSA 2 reward money · Monitor the third and fourth work themes	June 2008 Ongoing Ongoing		DHC	Project plans developed
Review the Domestic Violence Code of Good Practice	· Establish a working group to review the guide · Conduct review · Prepare report / recommendations	March 2008 October 2008		DHC	Working group established Recommendations fed back to DHMG
Develop protocols and effective working arrangements with strategic partners in order to prevent homelessness	· Work with RSLs to develop Homelessness Action Plans · Work with CYPS to develop a youth homelessness protocol · Develop partnership arrangements with prison, probation, NOMS · Work with hospital discharge teams to develop a hospital discharge protocol	Sept 2008 June 2008 January 2009 January 2009		DHC	Homelessness Action Plans developed Protocol developed Partnership arrangements in place Protocol developed
Increase capacity and skills	· Work with UWE to monitor the implementation and ongoing development of the Certificate in Housing Options and Advice · Develop a program of negotiation skills training for housing advice / homelessness officers · Organise 2 training events per year for housing advice / homelessness officers · Organise 2 training events per year between housing and external agencies	Ongoing Sept 2008 Ongoing Ongoing		DHC	Course to go live in September 2008 - 1 member of staff from each LA to complete the certificate in 2008/09 Course designed and delivered Improved knowledge base of frontline staff Improved partnership working with other agencies
Improve access to quality mortgage advice in order to prevent homelessness	· Organise training for housing advice / homelessness officers · Explore current advice and assistance available across Devon · Work with the county courts to ensure adequate provision of advice and assistance within the duty desk advice schemes	May 2008 Sept 2008 Sept 2008		DHC	Improved knowledge base of staff Mapping exercise complete Court desk schemes developed across Devon
COMMUNICATION
Raise awareness of homelessness issues both locally and nationally	· Maintain effective networks and represent the DHMG on partnership groups, including: - Supported Lodgings Panel - ADVA Partnership Meeting - SP Homelessness Steering Group - Social Inclusion Theme Group - Devon & Cornwall Training Network - SW Homelessness Delivery Group - CYP Housing Steering Group - DSHG · Prepare press releases · Identify and respond to consultation papers · Update the homelessness pages of the DSHG website	Ongoing As required June 2008		DHC	Attendance at meetings Available on DSHG website Website up to date
INFORMATION SHARING
Improve information sharing	· Maintain homelessness pages of DSHG website · Provide briefings on emerging issues · Produce regular caselaw updates · Research and disseminate information on best practice	Ongoing As required Bi-monthly Ongoing	DHC		Website up to date, increased number of people using website
PERFORMANCE MONITORING
Maintain a consistent evidence base across Devon	· Monitor number of statutory homeless acceptances and key targets, reporting trends to DHMG · Update monitoring information on the DSHG website	Ongoing Ongoing	DHC		Increased awareness of causes of homelessness across Devon Website up to date