Please read some illustrative examples to help identify what the Coming Home Fund can and cannot be used for.
Background
An individual with learning disabilities and complex behavioural support needs has been in hospital for more than three years. They are recorded as Red on the Dynamic Support Register, indicating a high level of risk and the need for urgent support and planning, and an agreed discharge plan is in place. Their discharge has been delayed because of difficulties recruiting a suitably skilled support team and the need for enhanced support to ensure a safe and successful transition back into the community.
Current Position
Suitable housing has been identified, and a local tenancy is expected to be ready soon. A support provider has also been identified; however, they have been unable to mobilise a suitably skilled staff team quickly enough to support the move safely. The Local Authority has agreed funding for the individual's core support needs, but the discharge process has stalled because of workforce challenges and concerns about managing the transition safely.
ILF Role
ILF funding is used to provide additional, time-limited support to help overcome the final barriers to discharge. This includes providing funding for additional staffing or paying for enhanced training for identified staff during the initial transition period, funding to allow existing and new support arrangements to run alongside each other for a short time, and access to specialist support, such as Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)-informed input. The funding is intended to support a safe and successful move into the community.
Outcome
With this additional support in place, the individual is able to safely leave hospital. As the move becomes established, the enhanced support can be gradually reduced to a sustainable level. The individual is able to move into their own tenancy and live closer to their family and support networks.
Why this Situation is Suitable
This situation is suitable for funding because the individual was recorded as Red on the Dynamic Support Register and had an active discharge plan in place. Suitable housing and a support provider had already been identified, and the barriers preventing discharge were clear and specific. The ILF funding helps to address those barriers and unlock progress towards discharge, rather than replacing existing funding responsibilities of the local authority and other services involved.
Background
An individual had been living in a community living setting for 18 months when increasing behavioural distress began to place the arrangement at risk. Concerns were raised that the living arrangements could break down, potentially leading to a hospital admission. The individual was recorded as Red on the Dynamic Support Register due to the level of risk and the need for urgent intervention.
Current Position
The placement remains appropriate for the individual and continues to meet their needs in many respects. However, the support provider was experiencing difficulties maintaining staffing stability and responding to the complexity of the individual's support requirements. While the local authority continued to fund the person's core support package, additional measures were needed to stabilise the situation and prevent further deterioration.
ILF Role
ILF funding is used to provide short-term additional support aimed at preventing placement breakdown. This includes funding increased staffing levels, access to specialist support and expertise, and providing time for the provider to recruit, train and embed a stable staff team. The funding is focused on helping the individual remain safely in their current home while longer-term arrangements are strengthened.
Outcome
The additional support helped to stabilise the placement and reduce the immediate risks facing the individual. As a result, a hospital admission was avoided and the person was able to remain in their community. Over time, the enhanced support was gradually reduced as the situation became more sustainable.
Why this Situation is Appropriate
This situation is appropriate for funding because there is a clear and evidenced risk of placement breakdown. The placement itself remains suitable and likely to stabilise if the immediate challenges can be addressed. The intervention is targeted, time-limited and focused on preventing escalation to more restrictive institutional care arrangements.
Scenario
A request was made for ILF funding to support the construction of specialist housing or to provide an ongoing subsidy towards housing costs.
Position
This type of request would not normally be eligible for support through the Fund. ILF is not a capital funding programme and is not intended to fund the development of housing and would not normally provide long-term assistance with housing costs. Responsibility for housing provision remains with local authorities, housing associations and other housing providers.
Alternative Approach
ILF may still be able to provide support where suitable housing has already been identified and the main barriers relate to support arrangements rather than housing issues. For example, funding may be considered where additional support is required to address workforce challenges, enhance support during a transition period or overcome other care and support barriers that are preventing an individual from moving into or remaining in their community.
