An ambitious reform programme has been planned for the supported/semi-independent living sector, as new national standards are due to come into force later this year.
We’re excited to see the Supported Living sector is changing. At Unwin House we love change, because to us, change is growth and a chance for improvement. For a long time, Supported Living, particularly for the 16-25 age group, has been an unregulated industry, due to its unique status in providing support rather than physical care, and not falling under the definition of a children’s home.
This has left supported living rather isolated in terms of regulation, outside of Local Authorities’ own practices, but this is all about to change.
The Department of Education has released a government consultation response to the consultation on the unregulated provision for children in care and care leavers and have committed to a number of changes with the goal of reforming the industry.
So, what are the changes?
- Introducing new national standards for currently unregulated services such as supported living
- Legislating to introduce a new quality and inspection regime under Ofsted
- Under 16s will no longer be placed in supported/semi-independent living services
- New legal powers for Ofsted to act against illegal providers
How will these changes effect Unwin House?
Our aim remains to ensure that young people have a safe home where they can be supported in developing their independence. We will be listening closely to the government guidance and keeping up to date with the new standards and legislation to continue to improve in line with our commitment to providing the best quality service.
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