Homeless Step Down Pathway Case Study 1

CASE STUDY 1

SOCIAL BACKGROUND

The patient is a Jamaican National who came to the UK in 2002, after fleeing a threat to her life. She does not have any status in the UK, but has been working with Lewisham Refugee and Migrant Network, who submitted a “indefinite leave to remain” application to the Home Office on the 15 July 2022.

She stayed in Birmingham for several months, with a friend, before moving to London. There she sofa-surfed with friends. Both parents are deceased, but does have siblings and children living in Jamaica and a cousin in London.

MEDICAL SUMMARY

TE was admitted to the Mildmay on our homeless pathway on the 29 June 2022 with the following issues.

End stage renal failure

Dialysis (3 times a week)

Type 2 diabetes

Ischemic heart disease

Hypertension

Cataracts

IMMIGRATION SUMMARY AND SUPPORT

Before TE was admitted to the Mildmay Mission hospital, she was already working with LRMC (Lewisham Refugee & Migrant Centre) to apply for ILR (indefinite leave to remain), which was submitted on the 15 July 2022, as they believe that she has a strong case for her ILR to be granted. Later, she was referred to Lawstop, only when she was referred to Haringey ASC to request for a Care Act, which Haringey did not fulfil. Lawstop became involved to challenge Haringey ASC. Lawstop are still continuing to work on TE’s case with regards to a Care Act assessment being done.

In November, Lawstop was seeking information from both the Royal Free and Queen Elizabeth, following advice from the Barrister. The Barrister also ascertained that Tower Hamlets should be the local authority doing the Care Act assessment, which they have now approached to request for them to complete a Care Act Assessment. Lawstop have given Tower Hamlets ASC until the 19/12/22 to provide a substantive response.

The immigration officer at LRMC (Lewisham Refugee and Migrant Centre) is in the process of preparing a Schedule 10 application to the Home Office for accommodation.

SOCIAL WORK INVOLVEMENT

When TE was at QEH, a referral was made to Greenwich ASC for a Care Act assessment to be done on the 14 July 22, but this was never completed, as Greenwich has also questioned whether TE was of ordinary residence in Greenwich, but was not found to be of residence and her case was passed onto Haringey ASC to request for a Care Act assessment, based on her level or care and support needs. However, Haringey ASC could not establish that she was of ordinary residence to Haringey, despite being provided with evidence of her address history. Lawstop then made the decision to challenge Haringey ASC, following letters sent and waiting response.

HOUSING SUPPORT

Whilst at the Mildmay, TE has been supported by referring her to a number of agencies/organisations, in support of people with no recourse, just to name a few.

Emmaus community (not suitable for their service)

Housing Justice (did not hear back)

Migrant Help UK (could not assist, as she did not make an asylum claim- the immigration officer at LRMC, did not feel it was a good idea, as this could complicate her case)

With Migrant Help UK, her file was created on the 30/11/22 and advised that there is normally a 10-day window, depending on when she would be discharged. Called back on the 2/12/22 and they requested for her Home Office reference number, which was given to them, but unfortunately, this was not a PORT reference number, just her ILR application reference and advised that unless she has made an asylum claim, they were unable to assist her.

Your Place (did not hear back)

Martha House (only accept those who had been granted ILR within 6 months)

All people All places (only accept those who have a local connection to Newham)

SJOG (referrals for those recognised by the Home Office as being trafficked)

Hackney Winter Shelter (not taking any new referrals)

TE was also discussed about the possibility of staying with friends and/or family, but this was not an option for her, as she did not have anyone she could stay with.

A request to Lawstop to ask for them to refer to Hosting Schemes on the 21/10/22

DISCHARGE PLANNING

• Schedule 10 application by LRMC in process to send to Home Office to request for accommodation
• Lawstop has requested for Tower Hamlets local authority to provide substantive response following request for Care Act Assessment by 19/12/22
• Housing officer to continue to look at other possible available options for accommodation

CHALLENGES

• SERVICES STIPULATIONS REGARDING CIRTIERIA NOT SUITABLE FOR
• LACK OF RESOURCES
• DELAYED FEEDBACK FROM SERVICES ALREADY INVOLVED
• CONFLICTING INFORMATION REGARDING ADDRESS HISTORY
• FUNDING
• SOCIAL SERVICES NOT ACCEPTING DUTY FOR CARE ACT ASSESSMENT
• LIMITED ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Case studies written by Sheila James

Housing Officer