What is ‘duty to refer’ for?
‘Duty to refer’ helps people at risk of becoming homeless. As part of The Homelessness Reduction Act (April 2018), certain agencies must let us know if they suspect someone is homeless, or is at risk of being homeless within 56 days.
Before somebody is referred to us, they must give their consent, and be happy to have their contact details shared with us. They can then choose any housing authority in England to be referred to.
We can take referrals from any agency including:
- Prisons
- Youth offender institutions
- Secure training centres
- Secure colleges
- Youth offending teams
- Probation services (including rehabilitation companies)
- Jobcentre Plus
- Social Service authorities
- Emergency departments
- Urgent treatment centres
- Hospitals in their function of providing inpatient care
Read the government’s guide to the duty to refer