Housing Link IDVAs, in both Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, accept referrals at any risk level from housing professionals.  A completed Dash Risk Indicator Checklist (Dash RIC) is not essential, but is preferred, for referrals for IDVA support only. If the referral is for MARAC a Dash RIC must be completed and reach 17 ticks.

For guidance on how to complete a Dash RIC please access the link Completing a DASH Risk Indicator Checklist | Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Safeguarding Partnership Board (safeguardingcambspeterborough.org.uk) 

Housing Link IDVAs provide trauma informed support to survivors who are experiencing domestic abuse or have experienced domestic abuse within the last 3 months.

They offer support to:

·       Survivors with any tenure of housing who are seeking housing advice and options due to domestic abuse

:·      Survivors who are experiencing homelessness due to domestic abuse

·       Survivors disclosing domestic abuse who are living in social housing

·       Survivors in local authority temporary accommodation who are homeless due to domestic abuse

·       Survivors who are NRPF / ineligible for housing who have approached housing services for assistance

Housing Link IDVAs CAN offer advice on safety planning and risk management, advocacy and liaison with agencies working with the survivor, support with housing applications, support and advise in regards the Criminal Justice System and family court. They can refer and signpost to support services, including support for survivors of Domestic abuse if required.

Housing Link IDVA’s CANNOT provide housing or refuge accommodation, they CANNOT provide legal or immigration advice. They also CANNOT provide historic information about a referred client without consent, and they CANNOT provide historic MARAC information.

Consent is required unless the referral is for MARAC, when they can be accepted without consent. Referrals to MARAC do require a completed Dash RIC whether it is a referral on number of ticks or professional judgement. The refer will be required to attend MARAC to present the case 

Please see the link for what makes a good IDVA referral: What makes a good referral