Frequently asked questions
Questions
How long will a young person live with me?
How much support will the young person need from me?
Are you only interested in recruiting families?
I have some health problems, is that an issue?
I have a conviction, will this stop me from being a lodging provider?
I would like to be a provider, what do I do next?
Answers
Q. How long will a young person live with me?
A. Most Barnardo's Supported Lodging placements usually last between 6 to 12 months. The length of the placement will vary according to the needs of the young person.
Q. How much support will the young person need from me?
A. The needs of each young person vary. The main areas of support are with day to day living skills such as budgeting, laundry, cooking, making appointments. It is important that young people learn the skills to survive independently. Sometimes young people need a little extra emotional support or encouragement. Each young person will also receive support from their project worker.
Q. Are you only interested in recruiting families?
A. No, and you don't have to be married either. If you are living with a partner we would like to know that the relationship is settled and stable.
Q. I have some health problems, is that an issue?
A. In most cases the answer will be no. Every person is considered individually and our main concern is that a person’s health and well being is not affected or that current health problems are not made worse by having the additional responsibility of having a young person with you in your home.
Q. I have a conviction, will this stop me from being a lodging provider?
A. Every applicant undergoes an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check to reveal if they have any convictions. People with convictions for violence or for offences against children or young people will not usually be considered. Other offences will be discussed with you and may not stop you from proceeding.
A. Lodging providers are paid an accommodation and support fee. This is currently £115 per week, per young person placed.
Q. I would like to be a provider, what do I do next?
A. If you think you could offer a placement to a young person fill in your contact details on the Information Pack page and we will send you an information and application pack. Alternatively you can phone 01792 455105 and speak to a supported lodgings worker. Once you have returned the application form the service co-ordinator will arrange to meet with you in person to discuss the assessment process in more detail.
The assessment process will give you the opportunity to explore issues and consider the implications of becoming a lodgings provider. It will allow you to get to know us, learn about the young people we work with, and it will also give us the opportunity to get to know you. You may withdraw from the assessment process at any time if you do not think that Barnardo's Supported Lodgings is right for you. Once the assessment is completed the co-ordinator will compile a report and a recommendation in relation to your suitability as a lodging provider that is then presented to an independent approval panel for a decision.
