Homelessness: Duty to Refer – Information for Emergency Department Staff
As part of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, Emergency Department staff have a legal duty to refer patients who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless (within the next 56 days) to the local authority housing options team, provided the patient gives their consent.
This duty has been in effect since 1st October 2018 and applies to all Emergency Departments in England.
What you need to do:
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Identify if a patient is currently homeless or at risk of homelessness.
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Discuss the Duty to Refer with the patient and seek their consent to make a referral.
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Collect the necessary information:
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Patient’s name
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Contact details
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Reason for referral (homeless or at risk of homelessness)
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Refer to the appropriate local housing authority using the agreed process.
This forms part of our wider safeguarding responsibilities and ensures vulnerable patients get timely support from housing services.
Calderdale referral – Duty to Refer | Calderdale Council
Kirklees referral – Duty to refer | Kirklees Council
