The Housing Act (1996) states very clearly that housing and social services departments must work together. Recent proposals contained in the Government’s ‘Every Child Matters’ Green Paper require an even greater degree of joint working.

The Housing Act (1996)
The Housing Act 1996 is a major piece of legislation on housing and homelessness. Part VII of the act covers homelessness, eligibility for assistance and duties to provide accommodation.

The Children Act (1989)
The Children Act 1989 lays down the duties of local authorities to ‘children in need’. A child is in need if their health or development is harmed or in danger. In terms of accommodation the Act placed new duties and responsibilities on local authorities’ Social Services departments to provide accommodation for care leavers and other young people who are ‘in need’.

The Children (Leaving Care) Act (2000)
The Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 came into effect on 1st October 2001. The aim was for children in care to get the same support as children living at home. It tries to make sure that children did not leave care until they were ready, and to make sure that effective support is in place once they did leave.

The Homelessness Act (2002)
The Homelessness Act 2002 formerly the Homes Bill, makes up the main part of the government’s strategy for tackling homelessness. The Act provides greater protection for people considered to be ‘priority need’ for housing, such as families, 16 and 17 year olds, and 18 to 21 year olds leaving care and gives people more choice in the housing they receive. It also requires all local authorities to carry out a homelessness review, develop a strategy to prevent homelessness and provide accommodation and/or support for people who are or may become homeless. The homelessness Act 2002 is the most important piece of legislation on housing and homelessness since the Housing Act (1996).

Every Child Matters (2003) Victoria Climbie Report
Responding to the inquiry into the death of Victoria Climbie, this Green Paper proposed a number of measures to reform and improve children’s care. It requires local authorities to bring together services for children in one place under one service. At the same time it suggests real changes in the way those we ask to do this work carry out their tasks. The paper puts forward ideas on a number of ideas that are important to improve children’s health and security.

Children’s Act (2004)
The Children Act 2004 places a duty on agencies to work together to promote the wellbeing of, and safeguard, children and young people. It establishes the direction for a programme of change in the delivery of services that support children, young people and their families.