Oak Tree Care Services Supported Housing Service Overview

1. Oak Tree Care ServicesSupported Housing Service Overview

2. Introduction to OTCS Supported Housing • Established in 2002, OTCS Supported Housing provides a wide range of accommodation and support solutions for young people aged 16 years old onwards, in both shared and self- contained accommodation.

3. Services Provided • Supported Housing • Monitored Accommodation • Staffed Accommodation • Bespoke Support Solutions • Floating Support • Move On Schemes

4. Support Levels • Supported Housing – LOW Support NeedThis accommodation is regularly monitored by a floating team. The monitoring team will undertake planned, routine and reactive visits each week, including out of hours and weekends. Each Service User receives up to four hours of 1:1 key work support each week. • Monitored Accommodation – MEDIUM Support NeedThis level of service provides a greater and more structured staffing presence within the accommodation, including in the evening and weekends. Each Service User usually receives a minimum of seven hours of 1:1 key work support each week. • Staffed Accommodation – HIGH Support NeedThis service is designed for Service Users assessed as requiring the highest level of need and is usually provided within 24 hour staffed accommodation. Each Service User usually receives a minimum of fourteen hours of 1:1 key work support each week.

5. Eligibility Criteria & Assessment Process • To be eligible for one of our Supported Housing schemes, the applicants must be; • Aged 16-24 years old and homeless or at risk of homelessness • Eligible and/or in receipt of benefits • Need both housing and accommodation related support • The flowchart below illustrates the assessment process to establish eligibility before a place is offered;

6. Making Informed Choices • Involvement • All service users are actively involved in the provision of the service to ensure it continues to meet their needs, enhance personal choice, independence and overall well-being. Support is provided to understand the obligations and/or “rules” of the service(s) and other organisations they attend. • Consultation • All services users are regularly consulted on the service they have received so that the overall provision continues to provide an environment which encourages and empowers them to voice their opinions and have a say on how the service operates. • Positive Outcomes • Through continued monitoring, involvement and consultation, each service user is supported to access and maintain/sustain the accommodation and services they need, to ensure that they achieve their planned and positive outcomes

7. Support Provided • Specific Needs:Identifying, reporting and assisting with the access/referral to relevant professionals for any specific needs such as health issues etc. • Financial Management:Assistance with shopping, budgeting, saving, bank accounts, benefits, economising and living within the provided means etc. • Social/Hobbies/Community Groups:Help develop and maintain social activities, explore new hobbies, establishing cultural/religious needs, locating local resources/places of worship and youth clubs etc. • Travel:Support on planning journeys and getting to and from appointments, college/school etc. • Healthcare:Registering with G.P, dentist and optician, arranging and attending hospital/medical appointments, sex education and general advice. • Life Skills:Support and advice on day to day living, dependency, social integration, responsibility and operating appliances etc. • Employment, Education and Training:Identifying needs/requirements, locating suitable establishments, assistance to apply, interview, enrol and study guidance etc. • Nutrition and Hygiene:Support to take care of themselves and their accommodation, dietary advice, safe cooking, food storage and preparation.

8. Assessment, Monitoring & Reporting • Each service user receives an initial assessment to determine their general needs and assist in putting together a support plan. • All service users receive on-going, regular and structured support that is recorded and used to update the support plan • A regular update of all service users is provided to the Placing Authority • Our experienced property and support teams operate 7 days a week and 24 hours a day, to ensure that all service users and accommodation is fully supported at all times

9. Resources • Staff • Over forty full time and five part time staff are currently employed, that includes qualified Social Workers, Link Workers, Support Workers, Property Managers and Administrative staff. • Office Premises • Our Support Centre manages our allocation, acts as a reception centre for all Service Users and our Link Workers and Housing Officers are all based at the following address; • OTCS Supported Housing, Central House, 62-64 Bounces Road, London N9 8JS. Tel: 020 8884 5050 • Open Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm, other times by appointment and prior arrangement.

10. Accreditation • Care Quality Commission:We successfully achieved accreditation/registration with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) as a Domiciliary Care provider in 2009. We currently have a 2 Star ‘Good’ rating and we are striving at all times to improve upon this. • Housing Association Approved Partner:We have successfully achieved Approved Partner Status and work together with St Andrews Community Housing Association (SACHA), a ‘not for profit’ Registered Social Landlord providing affordable and sustainable housing solutions for young people, single adults and families. • Supporting People Full Accreditation Status:Following a rigorous assessment process in 2008, we were approved based on our financial viability, our competence to handle a grant, effective human resources policies, robust management procedures and competence to deliver service. • Local Authority Approved Partner:We have obtained approved provider status within several local authorities and currently work with the London Borough’s of Enfield, Haringey, Waltham Forest, Camden, Islington and Hackney.