Question 1

Referral Criteria

Accepted Answer

All referrals must be received from a recognised public service agency (see next section Referral Procedure). We do not accept self-referrals or referrals by family members.

We will consider referrals for all applicants over the age of 18 years with diagnosed mental health condition(s) and a documented history of mental health issues  which we consider would be responsive to our approach to supported living.

Please note that in the case of complex disorders associated with severe health-threatening behaviours it will be necessary for the person being considered to agree to retain personal contact with the appropriate specialist services throughout their stay with Dinardo Care and Supports Ltd.

Dinardo Care and Supports Ltd. will consider applicants who have co-existing substance misuse issues related to drugs or alcohol and who are able to cooperate with external specialist services to address associated health issues and behaviours.

This list is not exhaustive and applicants with other social/health related conditions may meet our criteria for acceptance as residents.

Question 2

Referral Procedure

Accepted Answer

• Referrals will be considered only from professional, sources e.g., Social Services, NHS, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Probation Services, Local Authority Housing Departments, Housing Associations and other recognised organisations dealing with homelessness. This list is not exhaustive.

• The referral form, an up-to-date risk assessment and any other available relevant documentation must be provided at the point of referral. It is particularly important to give details of the applicant’s former accommodation arrangements and indicate where problems have arisen in order that potential difficulties can be addressed in the support planning.

• The application will be considered by a senior member of staff in consultation with colleagues.

• The responsibility for the final decision will rest with the Head of Operations in consultation with the relevant service manager and the Director of Community Services.

• Every effort will be made to reach a decision promptly.

• It is essential to clarify the applicant’s financial position at the referral stage in order that appropriate funding arrangements can be agreed. These will usually be through Housing Benefit and any personal benefits e.g., ESA, PIP or Universal Credit that the person receives. Should the applicant have no recourse to public funds the Local Authority will be asked to support the costs directly.

• All referrals will be considered individually and in detail and if it is felt that our accommodation would unsuitable for the applicant a detailed explanation will be given for the decision.

• Our experience shows that a positive attitude to accepting our support, on the part the potential resident, is the most important factor in making a move to supported accommodation a success.

Question 3

Children

Accepted Answer

Dinardo Care and Supports Ltd is not considered to be a suitable environment for children, for health, safety and insurance reasons. The children of residents and employees will not be allowed access the buildings.

Question 4

Couples

Accepted Answer

We regret that we cannot accommodate couples.

Question 5

Behaviour

Accepted Answer

We are unable to offer accommodation to anyone whose behaviour is considered to pose a high risk of harm or violence to themselves or others. Questions that need to be asked to anyone wishing to enter accommodation managed by Dinardo Supports Ltd:

• Would you tell us any details you can share about your background?

• Do you have relatives, friends or carers with whom you wish to get in touch or maintain contact with and would you supply us with details in order that we can discuss any concerns with your consent?

• Do you have any source of professional support currently e.g. C.P.N, social worker or counsellor and do you have any objection to our being in touch with them?

• Have you been violent towards yourself or others in the past?

• Have you ever been to prison? (nature of offence)

• Do you drink alcohol and if so what is your daily intake? Are you prepared to receive help with problem drinking?

• Do you take narcotic or stimulant illegal substances.

• Please describe daily consumption and if undergoing a treatment programme.

• Are you willing to receive or continue to receive specialist advice and support.

• Do you take medication? If so, please provide details and prescriber.

• Are you on depot injections?

• Have you been given a health diagnosis? Can you tell me what you have been told, what it means to you and how you think your condition affects you in your day-to-day life?

• Are you happy with what you have been told about Dinardo Care and Supports Ltd?

• Do you have any special dietary requirements?

Question 6

Housing Benefit

Accepted Answer

Our Welfare Benefits Staff will assist residents to apply for Housing benefit when someone first moves into our accommodation. This will  help to fund their stay and meet housing related costs. To minimise the risk of rent arrears Housing Benefit is paid direct to the Landlord. The resident will be liable to meet the cost of their Service Charge and pay a deposit.

Question 7

Service Charge

Accepted Answer

The breakdown of the Service Charge is included in the Excluded Licence Agreement that will be signed when the person moves in. Dinardo Care and Supports Ltd can become Representative/Agent to assist with budgetary needs if the resident wishes this or, he/she can set up a Direct Debit through their bank to pay the Service Charge.

The Service Charge covers heat & light and staff support costs. Advice can always be given to enable the prospective resident to manage their financial affairs as effectively as possible.

Question 8

Holding Deposit

Accepted Answer

Dinardo Care and Supports Ltd will hold a deposit during someone’s stay in our accommodation. This is in line with a standard requirement that all landlords make. We can assist the resident to save for the Holding Deposit over several weeks if he/she does not have the funds available at the start of their stay.

The Holding Deposit will be retained until the person moves from accommodation managed by Dinardo Care and Supports when it will be refunded in full provided that there are no arrears of rent, Service Charge, or damages. This will provide the person with a Holding Deposit for his/her next home should he/she need it.

Question 9

Welfare Benefits

Accepted Answer

Our Welfare Benefits  Team will liaise with the Department of Work and Pensions to ensure that the resident is receiving the correct rate of benefit including all premiums and monitor receipt of payments. We will assist the resident to make a claim for: Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, or Personal Independence Payments. Welfare benefits will be needed in order to pay the weekly Service Charge. Our Welfare Benefits Team regularly visits all our properties and an appointment can be made to speak to one of  them personally.

Question 10

Debts

Accepted Answer

Should someone move into one of our properties with outstanding debts our Welfare Benefits Team will liaise with the Department of Work and Pensions to help arrange making payments at an affordable rate.

The Welfare Benefits Team will also assist with letter writing and advice in relation to fines incurred and any other debt repayments. We have a strong success rate in assisting clients reduce their debts effectively. This will be essential preparation for moving on at the appropriate time.

Dinardo Supports Equal Opportunities Policy and adherence to Equalities legislation

Whilst making an assessment, the following considerations should be taken into account.

Check availability.