Safeguarding Homeless Adults

Homeless is a term that includes all of the following:

1. Sleeping rough;
2. Single homeless (individuals living in shelters, hostels and temporary accommodation);
3. Statutorily homeless households (households seeking help due to being currently or imminently without accommodation); and
4. Hidden homeless (adults and households whose situation is not visible or known).

Adults who are homeless may be at increased risk of abuse or neglect. For example their lack of stable accommodation can leave them vulnerable to physical, emotional or sexual abuse, and their possessions vulnerable to theft.

Homeless adults are entitled to the same response and support from the safeguarding adult's process as all other adults.

Any support to help the adult find accommodation should also take into account the circumstances that led to their homelessness in the first place. Failing to address this may lead to unsuccessful housing and repeated homelessness.

The Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 places a duty on homeless services to assist all eligible households. This means that all households, whether they are in priority need or not, can access assistance regarding both the prevention of and the resolution of homelessness.

The Act requires a clear focus on:

• Prevention and early actions;
• Strong referral routes and joint working;
• Clear housing pathways;
• Personal housing plans.

For further guidance see: Homelessness code of guidance for local authorities.

Under the Act there is a duty to refer. This means that any professional or agency needs to consider the housing circumstances of the adults that they come into contact with. If the adult is "homeless" or "threatened with homelessness" a referral should be made to the Housing Options service within the Local Authority (with the adults consent).

For further guidance, see: A guide to the duty to refer (GOV.UK).

The LGA and ADASS have produced a briefing to support and improve practice at all levels. Each section of the briefing includes an outline of relevant law, a summary of learning from Safeguarding Adults Reviews and a consideration of effective practice.

See: Adult safeguarding and homelessness: a briefing on positive practice.

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 places specific requirements on addressing the housing needs of victims, including victims who are homeless.

For guidance, see: Homelessness code of guidance for local authorities-Chapter 21: Domestic Abuse.