Some public authorities have a duty to refer users of their service who they think may be homeless or threatened with becoming homeless to a local authority of the users choice.  

The public authorities subject to the duty to refer (in England only) are: 

  • prisons 
  • young offender institutions 
  • secure training centres 
  • secure colleges 
  • youth offending teams 
  • probation services 
  • job centres in England 
  • social service authorities (both adult and children’s) 
  • emergency departments 
  • urgent treatment centres 
  • hospitals providing inpatient care 
  • The Secretary of State for Defence (members of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, regular Army and Royal Air Force

Make a referral

Before you refer someone, make sure they have:

  • nowhere they can legally live, or
  • that they are at risk of losing their home in the next eight weeks (56 days) 

You must also make sure the person is happy for you to: 

  • refer them to us and not another council in England 
  • share their contact details with us 

Download a referral form

Email your completed referral to dutytorefer@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.

You can also send us any background information about the person you are referring. Make sure you quote their name in the email subject.