Housing for vulnerable teens is placed under review

The "Open Door" Accommodation Project in Clooney Terrace provides a home for up to six young people in the Waterside and receives 137,667 in annual funding from the Department of Social Development.

But it has emerged that the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE), in conjunction with the Western Trust and Supporting People, are considering alternatives for the future.

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie was asked if she could confirm that NIHE intends to remove support, via the Supporting People initiative, for the 'Open Door' accommodation project.

In response to the query tabled at the Stormont Assembly the Minister stated: "There have been a number of recent developments in policy and legislation regarding the accommodation of young people aged 16-17.

"As a result, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive is working in conjunction with the Regional Health & Social Care Board, the Western Health & Social Care Trust and Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority to review the suitability and future role of a number of existing supported accommodation projects for vulnerable young people.

"As part of this process the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Supporting People and the Western Trust are engaging in discussion with a number of providers on the future role and direction of services for this client group.

"Discussions are ongoing and funding continues to be provided to the project."