Decision details

The Cabinet Member:

Authorised the award of a framework contract for accommodation and support services for young people leaving care to the providers listed below, for a period of three years with an option to extend for 2 years.  The contract value is £2.062million over the period of the contract.

Lot 1: K2, PC Homes, Lincolns Care, Jordan Xavier, Transitions Care, Step Ahead, 16+ Ltd and Key 2

Lot 2: K2, Lincolns Care, Jordan Xavier, Transitions Care, Step Ahead, 16+ Ltd and Key 2

Lot 3: Lincolns Care, Transitions Care, Step Ahead and 16+ Ltd

Primary Legislation

The Children Act 1989, The Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000, Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010 and associated statutory guidance are the controlling legislation. National Standards in Leaving Care are set out in the Every Child Matters (ECM). Providers shall be conversant with that format and its outcomes framework. Other key documents are set out below.

The Children Act 1989, as amended by The Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000, imposed a duty on local authorities to provide support and suitable accommodation to relevant children unless they are satisfied that their welfare does not require it, by:

§  maintaining them;

§  providing them with or maintaining them in suitable  accommodation;

§  providing support of such other description as may be prescribed  [Children Act - s 23 (B) (8) (b)].

The Guidance to the Leaving Care Act suggests that, at 16 & 17, most care leavers moving into independence are likely to require supported accommodation of one type or another.

Many will, therefore, have both a care plan and a pathway plan to assist with their transition to independence. Both are regularly reviewed, the former by an Independent Reviewing Officer. The accommodation Provider shall be expected to contribute to these planning and review processes.

In relation to 16/17 year olds at risk of homelessness, the ‘Statutory Guidance on the Provision of Accommodation for 16 and 17 year old Young People who may be Homeless and/or require Accommodation’ is the key guidance document.

Providers should also be familiar with the accelerated Report for the Children’s Commissioner on Child Sexual Exploitation in Gangs and Groups (July 2012) which makes a number of recommendations with implications for the provision of accommodation for care leavers including a call for a ban on placing 16/17 year olds (and other young people) in bed and breakfast accommodation and for action to prevent the placement of vulnerable young people in neighbourhoods where adults who pose a risk to them either live or have access to them.

The following alternative options were considered:

·         Do nothing / maintain the status quo

o   This option was considered and discounted as it is not compliant with the Authority’s Contract Rules

·         Other options

o   Tender for a provider to hold a block contract. This was not considered the best value for money as this arrangement will not offer the flexibility and choice that a framework contract, and therefore multiple providers, will.

None.

Specification for the Provision of 16+ Accommodation and Support Services                   

Other Arrangements and Suitable Accommodation Toolkit