Path now runs a Gateway service to provide additional housing support to offenders.
This project is part of a national pilot taking place within the south west, ending March 2008.
The service
The Gateway exists:
- to provide and add to housing support services to offenders
- aiming to maximise access to stable, long term accommodation for offenders
- thereby contributing to crime reduction.
Referral
Referral can be from Probation or prison staff, in particular, and is based on an offender having a housing need. This might be someone needing advice about longer term options for the future or the more immediate need of hostel accommodation.
Role of Gateway:
- first point of referral from Offender Managers (eg in Probation) re housing·
- supporting clients onto other housing-related services, as needed·
- providing ongoing Gateway support.
Support to offenders:
- Housing advice and support
- Accommodation-seeking
- Link working / sign-posting
- Tenancy follow-up
Team
Gateway Manager
- A role covering strategic and operational management, including significant development work to establish the service, and supervision of team.
3 Housing Support Wkrs
- To provide housing-related support to offenders, using skills re needs assessment, housing options and case management.Two posts @ 37 hrs pw; other @ 22.5.
Admin Worker
- To provide high level administrative and reception support to the team, developing and running systems for recording and monitoring, also acting as first point of contact for public and professionals re service.
Partners
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The Gateway service is provided by Path with support from Devon and Cornwall Probation Area (DCPA).
It is a Home Office pilot, initiated through the South West Regional Offender Management Unit.
Both at a planning level and in terms of service delivery, the Gateway is supported by a host of relevant bodies, including Plymouth City Housing dept, Plymouth Supporting People, Plymouth Drug & Alcohol Action Team and others.