Supported lodgings approval process

The approval process to become a Supported Lodgings host will follow the steps below:

Step 1: enquiry

Initial enquiries to become a supported lodgings host can usually be made via phone or e-mail and often you will have the opportunity to speak with someone on the phone to find out more information. There will also be monthly online information evenings where you can meet our Supported Lodgings team, find out more information and ask any questions you may have.

Step 2: application

You will be asked to complete an application form. Application forms are usually quite in-depth and will require a range of information about you and your family. You will likely be asked to share your reasons for wanting to become a supported lodgings host.

Qualities we are looking for include:

a genuine interest in helping the young person
an understanding of the difficulties faced by young people
be warm and caring
an understanding of a young person's capabilities and limitations
flexibility and willingness to adapt to new situations
an ability to recognise and review your own strengths and weaknesses
a non-judgemental attitude
an interest in learning and attending training

The young person will need:

their own room
a clean and comfortable environment
reasonable access to the communal areas of the house - i.e. kitchen, bathroom, living room

If you decide to apply, other people in your household will also be affected, so their life experiences will also be taken into consideration.

As we will be placing young people who are under 18 years old, and can be vulnerable, we are required to make several checks into your background.

If you decide to go ahead with a formal application, you will be asked to give consent for the following:

a Disclosure and Barring Service check regarding the previous criminal record of all adults in the household. A criminal record would not necessarily rule you out, a risk assessment would be completed depending on the nature and time of the offence
a check with records held by social care
a letter from your GP giving information about any medical reasons which would prevent you from being a supported lodgings host
two personal references, providing information about your character and suitability to become a supported lodgings host
an employer reference if applicable

Step 3: preparation

At this point, we will begin checks with police, social care and health. We will check the references you have provided.

You will take part in two-day pre-approval training whilst continuing with the assessment process.

Step 4: assessment

A member of the supported lodgings team will go through your application form with you and complete a formal assessment. You will work together to identify your strengths, your suitability for the role of a supported lodgings host and any areas in which you may require further support or training.

They may also want to talk to other close members of your family, including any birth children you have, if they are old enough. The purpose of these conversations is to establish your suitability to care for a young person.

You will also receive a visit to your home to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for a young person. A health and safety check list will be completed.

Step 5: approval

Information gathered during the assessment process will be presented to a panel who will decide whether to approve you as a supported lodgings host.

This panel will be made up of a group of professionals from education, healthcare and social work backgrounds and independent individuals who have experience of the care system.

Step 6: matching

Once you have been approved as a supported lodgings host, you are available to be matched with a young person. We will perform a thorough assessment of the needs of the young person and of any associated risks before matching them with a host.

We will also take into account the beliefs, culture and values of both the young person and the host, the level of experience the host has, the family dynamics and any children already in the home and the location of the host's property, particularly in relation to the young person's place of education, training or employment and existing support network.

There will be an opportunity for the host and the young person to meet before they move in. This meeting will include a discussion around expectations, both from the young person and the host, as well as some time to get to know one another. After this meeting, if both parties agree to the match, the placement will proceed.

Step 7: on-going training and support

We will offer on-going training related to areas of safeguarding, equality and diversity, and responding to challenging behaviour through our Learning Hub. We will also offer access to support from a designated member of the supported lodgings team.

We understand that caring for young people who have experienced trauma comes with challenges alongside the joys. Every young person is unique and the struggles they face will appear in different ways, and as a supportive and trusted adult in their lives you will be doing all you can to help them work through their struggles.

We recognise that this isn't easy, so our supported lodgings team are available to you for guidance and support. For more specialist support, we can signpost you to some great organisations within Gateshead who may be able to help