Single adult migrants: Destitution, safeguarding and services under the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014

This briefing provides information on the duties of local authority social services departments in Wales to single adults, with a focus on safeguarding and destitution support for those whose immigration status prohibits them from accessing welfare benefits; and alternative support to destitute single adult migrants who are not eligible for local authority support and services, or other forms of statutory accommodation and financial support. In particular, it considers the implications of the transition in April 2016 for local authorities in Wales from providing services under the National Assistance Act 1948 to single adults with community care and community mental health needs to providing services under the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 to single adults with needs for care and support. The briefing considers the assessment processes and provision of services under the new legislation, as well as linking to further resources. It is intended for those working in local authorities undertaking assessments of need and/or providing services, and to service users/potential services and those providing assistance to single adult migrants seeking statutory support. The briefing also considers the support available in the voluntary and community sector to single adult migrants with no entitlement to statutory accommodation and financial support.