Provision of Post 16 Supported Accommodation and Support Services Framework

Bradford Children & Families Trust (BCFT) intends to procure a new Open Framework Agreement for the provision of Supported Accommodation and Support Services for vulnerable young people aged 16 to 25, including looked-after children, care leavers, and unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC). The proposed Framework will support the delivery of a wide range of accommodation models and associated support designed to promote independence, improve outcomes, and reduce off-framework placements.

BCFT seeks to work with providers who can demonstrate continuous improvement in delivering value for money by adopting efficient and innovative approaches to meet the needs of children and young people. The Framework will commence from 1st September 2026, for a period of 8 years.

• Shared units for CLA & UASC. • Two support tiers: Standard & Higher Need (by assessment). • Risk/needs assessment before placement. • 24/7 on-site staff, crisis response. • Direct support: 16–17 yrs: 3 hrs/week; 18+: 1 hr/week. • Homely, personalisable environment. • Local knowledge & community engagement. • Higher staffing for complex needs. • Solo placements for young people with higher or risk-managed needs. • 24/7 access to support in crisis situations. • Focus on individualised support, promoting safety, resilience, and independence. • Accommodation must be within 20 miles of Bradford. • Support provided in provider-owned, private, or social landlord properties. • Minimum support: 3 hours/week (16–17), 1 hour/week (18+). • Additional hours can be purchased via Lot 6. • Providers must conduct Location Risk Assessments for each property.

• Tailored for Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC), aged 16–17. • Trauma-informed, culturally sensitive support with access to interpreters and legal advice. • Staff must understand the asylum process and provide emotional, educational, and practical support. • Accommodation can be shared or single, with 24/7 on-site staff. • Minimum of 3 hours/week support (16–17), 1 hour/week (18+). • Emphasis on integration, independence, and community participation. • Short-term emergency placements (max 28 days) for 16–17-year-olds. • Used in cases of immediate homelessness or placement breakdown. • Preferably located adjacent to group living facilities with 24/7 staffing. • Must comply with Ofsted regulations. • Available 365 days a year.

• Young person lives in a private home with a trained host (not as a family member). • Offers a safe, supportive environment to build independence. • Hosts are recruited and supported by a registered provider. • Bridges the gap between care and independent living. • Must meet minimum safer recruitment standards. • Community-based support for young people in their own tenancies. • Focus on tenancy sustainment, emotional resilience, and life skills. • Support available 7 days a week, 8am–8pm, with 24/7 crisis access. • Staffing ratio: 1 staff to 8 young people (max). • Providers must have local knowledge and support positive neighbour relations. • Support is flexible, creative, and outcome-focused.