Refer a service user for support (duty to refer)

Refer a service user as homeless or threatened with homelessness.

If you work for a specified public authority, you can refer a service user to us if they will have nowhere suitable to live when they leave your care. This is the 'duty to refer'.  

Understand the duty to refer on the GOV.UK website.

The service user must have a connection to Croydon Council.

There's a different kind of referral if you're concerned about someone sleeping on the streets. 

Get help for someone who is sleeping rough.

Before you make a referral

You must:  

  • get the service user's consent - they must agree to you passing on their contact details 
  • find out how they would like us to contact them - either by phone, email or letter
  • consent from the service user must be obtained to make the referral, unless they are a vulnerable adult, or you believe it to be a child safeguarding concern

Make a referral under the duty to refer

Complete the online referral form.  

Make a referral

What happens next

We'll check the details you've given and either phone, email or write a letter to the service user.

If they do not respond, we'll send information so they can get advice when they're ready.

You can also make a referral by emailing us at dutytorefer@croydon.gov.uk.