Amendments

This chapter was updated in June 2025 to include a link to the Disclosure and Barring Service Guidance Leaflets - GOV.UK. in Section 3.4, Concluding the Investigation.

In June 2025 updates were made to reflect the Homelessness Code of Guidance - Chapter 22: Care Leavers (updated 3 May 2024) which sets out the expectation that authorities should have in place joint protocols which clearly outline jointly held corporate parenting responsibilities for care leavers. See Section 8, Joint Housing Protocols for Care Leavers.

In June 2025 information was added into Section 9, Accommodation, Bedroom Space and Sharing in relation to bunk beds.

This chapter was refreshed in June 2025 in line with How Local Authorities and Children’s Homes Can Achieve Stability and Permanence for Children with Complex Needs (Ofsted).

In June 2025 this chapter was revised in line with updated government guidance.

This chapter was updated in June 2025 to include a link to the Disclosure and Barring Service Guidance Leaflets - GOV.UK in the Related Guidance Section.

In June 2025 links were added to additional sources of guidance.