Delivering the Hackney Promise: more housing support for care leavers

Looked-after children in Hackney are now able to join the Council’s housing register from the age of 18, as part of a change in policy aiming to support care leavers to find long-term housing.

While the Council will continue to house all children and young people in its care until the age of 21, the change aims to remove the cliff-edge that sees many struggling to find a suitable place to live at this stage.

By registering for housing from 18, those in care will be able to apply for permanent accommodation, but also work with the council to consider the range of housing options that will be available to them. With close to 400 care leavers aged 18 to 25 currently seeking accommodation, it is expected to reduce the number of care leavers who go on to approach the council as homeless.

The move is a big step in delivering on the commitments of the Hackney promise to children in care  – a new charter outlining the Council’s support for children in care signed by the council in March – which commits the council to offering support and guidance to care leavers as they transition into adulthood.

Find out more about the housing register at: https://hackney.gov.uk/housing-register

Read more about the Hackney promise to children in care at: https://news.hackney.gov.uk/the-hackney-promise-to-children-in-care/

Hackney is facing a huge affordable housing shortage, and we know the challenges care leavers face finding a good home as they enter adulthood.

While this policy does not change the high demand for social housing, it will mean those in the care system can work with us at the earliest possible opportunity to explore their housing options and ensure they don’t face a cliff edge when they reach 21.

Cllr Sade Etti, Deputy Cabinet Member for Housing Needs and Homelessness

Our corporate parenting responsibilities do not end once a young person reaches a certain age, and as a Council are committed to supporting our care leavers as they transition into adulthood. 

Our new policy will offer practical support for our young people, encouraging them to think about their future and the housing options available to them without the immediate pressure to find their own accommodation.

Cllr Anntoinette Bramble, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Children's Services and Education