So it is vital that housing issues are on the radar of children's centres and schools. Staff should be clued-up and the needs of homeless families and those in temporary accommodation taken into account when delivering services.
Strive to boost your awareness of bad housing and homelessness and its effect on children and families. Ensure you have a basic knowledge of housing rights and housing organisations so you can signpost families to specialist help. Staff should get basic training, including how housing issues can affect the Every Child Matters outcomes.
Establish contact with the relevant local authority officer who deals with temporary accommodation and homelessness. Aim to set up a two-way referral process so the council can inform children's centres about families that have moved into temporary accommodation. It is important housing officers are aware of the services a centre offers. At the same time, centres or schools should be able to quickly refer families in need to the right person at the council.
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