Aims and objectives

We recognise and understand the need for anti-discriminatory practice, empowering the individual to recognise and deal with direct and indirect discrimination. As an organisation we operate in accordance with the ArkAngel policy of equality and diversity which incorporates the race relations 1976, disability discrimination act 1995, human rights act 1998 and sex discrimination act 1975 and any subsequent amendments to these. We acknowledge the differences between individuals in a positive way and promote services that cater for those differences. We will embrace the values of diversity and ensure that in all aspects of service planning and provision, a tenant's religious and cultural views are respected.

Our policy is to provide accommodation to those who fit the following profile:

• Whose prime problem is homelessness
• Who are 18 years or over
• Who are single
• Who need support to enable them to progress towards rejoining society
• Who will be able to move to independent (or almost independent) living within 12 months

Enquiries and Applications:

The ArkAngel scheme receives self referrals and/or referrals channelled via agencies that work with individuals from minority and discriminated against groups. i.e. Service users of the Ark, Arch, Phoenix futures, forum housing ect. Who is accommodated is determined by the referral procedure and interview/assessment procedure. (see Appendix number 10.1: Interview/assessment procedure)

Referral / Application Procedure:

On receipt of a referral/application the following formal process will begin:

• Two staff or more will discuss the application information.
• If the applicant fits the ArkAngel criteria, then an interview/assessment of needs will be arranged via the applicant or the referring agency. (Within 5 working days of recipe of the Referral/application). A letter will be sent which will include the venue, time and date of the interview/assessment including the name of the staff who will facilitate the interview/assessment
• If the applicant does not fit the ArkAngel criteria then the applicant and the referring agency (If ipp) will be notified in writing stating the reasons why. (Within 5 working days of recipe of the Referral/application). A copy of the complaints procedure should also be enclosed re the rights of appeal. Any sign posting identified will also be included with the relevant contact details
• The interview/assessment will be completed
• During the interview/needs assessment the risk assessment will be started. (This will also include feedback from the applicant)
• Within 5 working days of the completion of the interview/needs assessment then the applicant and the referring agency will be notified of the outcome of the interview/needs assessment
• If the process takes longer than the stated 5 working days then the applicant and the referring agency will be notified that an extension of time is required stating the reasons why and how long the extension of time is needed.

Offer Of Accommodation

When the notification of a successful application is sent to the applicant then a pretenancy viewing of the property should be arranged. This will afford the applicant time to see the standard and location of the property as well as arranging for the prospective house mate to meet.

More Than One Applicant Per Void

In cases where there is more than one applicant per void then the priority for housing should be dictated by the interview/assessment/risk assessment procedure. The interview/needs assessment procedures are designed to identify an individual's needs and motivation for change (outcome star). The risk assessment is designed to be influenced by the interview/needs assessment and will highlight High and low risk behaviour. The risk assessment policy/procedure is designed to be inclusive not exclude so the identified higher need, motivation to change and work within the ArkAngel aims will take priority when exploring accommodation. There will also be other influences such as, the existing tenants in the ArkAngel property and what their needs are. When housing two people together negative behaviour and consequences, effects on one another must be considered when fulfilling are overall aims and objectives. The ArkAngel staffs believe we have a duty to our funders, service users and Wirral Churches to ensure the correct placement is filled by the correct applicant. Filling a void should be the last priority when considering accommodation.

Waiting List And Priority

There will be times when applicants is appropriate to accommodate but no voids are available within the ArkAngel supported Housing. This is when a waiting list would become appropriate. When considering a waiting the following factors to take in to account.

• Will the applicant still have the same level of need and motivation to change when a void becomes available?
• Has the applicant found alternative accommodation and still need assistance from our services?
• Does the Applicant want to be placed on the waiting list?
• There will be times when a vacancy becomes available whilst one or more applicants are on the waiting list. The applicant who receives the offer of accommodation will be the applicant who has the most point. When a waiting list is live then an allocations meeting should be held weekly with a minimum of two staff present. The points will be determined by the length of time a person has been on the list. A half a point will be allocated per week per applicant.

Good Practice And Promotion Of This Policy/Procedure

It is the housing manager's responsibility to ensure that all agencies/stake holders who work within partnership with Wirral Churches are aware of our services and how to assist applicants to refer to ArkAngel supported housing. This will be facilitated by visits to the premises of other service providers and an overall explanation of the service the ArkAngel supported housing offers, including this policy will be given to staff and possible applicants/service users. We will provide an ArkAngel leaflets which we will request be displayed by other service providers in a place where prospective applicants can gain access to.The leaflet will also be available to all on request.

Appeals Against Our Decisions

Appeals can be completed via the ArkAngel's complaints policy.

Referral / Application Forms

Referral forms are available on request:

ArkAngel Supported Housing
ArkAngel Supported Housing
The Grand Trunk
43 Old Bidston Rd
Birkenhead
CH41 8EL

Tel: 0151 378 6787

Fax: 0151 649 0288

Emergency Number: 07939 202 396

Alernatively you can use our online contact form: Contact ArkAngel Supported Housing

Exclusions

Some applicants may be excluded from becoming an ArkAngel tenant because of historic behaviour such as violence, aggression or criminal convictions. Each individual case will be judged on its own merits.

Length of stay

How long a service user/applicant maximine stay/ resides within ArkAngel supported housing is dictated by ArkAngel's supporting people contract, (Currently 12 months) although length of stay is also determined by the service user, staff and other agencies involved in the service users care package depending on needs and personal growth. If it is deemed by all parties that length of stay should be longer than 12 months then the housing manager should be notified at the earliest possible time. A request for an extension of stay will then be submitted in writing to the local authority supporting people team.