- Developing Social Housing Policy in NI
- Consultation Responses from NIFHA
- Policy & Practice
- Research
- Supporting People
- Equality And Diversity
PoCVA in Supporting People
NIFHA and CHNI invited the PoCVA Team to meet supported housing providers to discuss this issue. The PoCVA representatives provided an overview of the current system. They also highlighted administrative reforms to the system which will be happening in the near future. A copy of the presentation made may be viewed by clicking here: DHSS&PS’ PoCVA PowerPoint Presentation. Delegates then took the opportunity to ask questions relating to the PoCVA system.
It was clear from these discussions that this is a crosscutting issue. It will require inter-Departmental working to resolve this matter.
Norma Downey, a manager within the Child Care Policy Directorate with responsibility for PoCVA attended both sessions. She left with a number of queries relating to the system which she will respond to shortly via the Supporting People Officer for NIFHA and CHNI. Norma also agreed to highlight the concerns of members with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
In addition, Norma agreed to receive any particular enquiries via email. The PoCVA Team will assist one-to-one with any such enquiries: norma.downey@dhsspsni.gov.uk
The Supporting People (SP) Team was represented at both meetings by Margaret Cameron, a manager within the Department. This issue is not being driven by the SP Team. However, they are very concerned to validate implementation of good practice by providers. Margaret addressed the group on a few occasions providing an SP perspective on the framework in a supported housing context.
As a result of these concerns, a petition calling on the PSNI Chief Constable and all the relevant authorities to holistically review the current framework and adequately resource the system to ensure speedy clearance times for PoCVA checks was drafted which all delegates signed. Copies, for information, were sent to the Ministers for Social Development and for Health, Social Services and Public Safety. A copy has also been sent to the Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC) and to the Co-Chairs of the Service Users Reference Group within the NISCC. In light of the postal dispute, copies of the petition were emailed to all correspondents.
NIFHA and CHNI would take this opportunity to thank the representatives from DHSS&PS' Child Care Policy Directorate for their positive contributions to both of these fora.
Addendum:
The Volunteer Development Agency has been commissioned by the Department of Health, Social Services & Public Safety to deliver eight awareness raising sessions across Northern Ireland between September and December 2007, to provide information about the implications of the commencement of Article 46 of the PoCVA Order for providers of care to vulnerable adults.
Places for these sessions will be allocated on a strict first come, first served basis so early booking is essential.
To find out more about sessions in your area and how to book, please visit the VDA website at www.volunteering-ni.org
