Haven Eligibility Criteria
To be able to access the support services provided by The Haven you must be able to adequately meet the criteria listed below;
Eligibility Criteria – Refuge
This service is for women and dependent children who wish to leave their current homes and access temporary accommodation
Applicants must be female, 16 years or over and:
- Experienced Domestic Violence (using The Haven definition)
- Or Homeless due to Domestic Violence
- Not convicted arsonists
- Willing to follow The Haven Wolverhampton Licence agreement and conditions of residence
Women with substance misuse issues (drugs and/or alcohol) will be accepted on the proviso that they are actively engaged, or willing to engage, in a recognised treatment programme. Women with mental health issues must be supported through a mental health service.
Prioritising Strategy – Refuge
Each referral is considered on individual merit. Referrals are prioritised, however, according to mutual scheme/applicant suitability based upon the following factors:
- The location of refuge vacancies
- Availability of suitable places
- Degree of housing need through a Homelessness application
- Access to public funds
Where The Haven is unable to accommodate a referral we will endeavour to support clients in their search for alternative support.
Eligibility Criteria – Community Support
This service is for women who wish to remain living in their own homes or receive support with finding a new tenancy in the community
Applicants must be female, 16 years or over and:
- Resident within the Wolverhampton Borough
- Experienced Domestic Violence (using The Haven definition)
- Not convicted of offences against other persons*
- Able to demonstrate a commitment to the Community Advocacy Service
Women with substance misuse issues (drugs and/or alcohol) will be accepted on the proviso that they are actively engaged, or willing to engage, in a recognised treatment programme. Women with mental health issues must be supported through a mental health service. Women who have previously accessed Haven refuge support are also eligible for this service.
Prioritising Strategy – Community Support
Each referral is considered on an individual basis, using the following factors:
- Fulfilment of the Community Advocacy Support service eligibility criteria
- Outcome of Risk Assessment at point of referral including behaviour in Haven Refuges
- Degree of individual commitment to the aims, policies and procedures of the service
- Degree of tenancy support required
- Level of support offered by family, friends and referral agency
- Availability of service.
*Applications from individuals with a history of violent behaviour will be considered and assessed as to whether the referral is appropriate for Haven refuge support. Such referrals will be asked to attend an assessment interview
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