Young people and homeless

Published by Homeless Link, No Excuses explores the causes of homelessness amongst 16 and 17 year olds, its long-term impact on young adults and whether they are being effectively looked after and safeguarded by local authorities.

In an analysis of Freedom of Information (FOI) responses obtained by Inside Housing from 161 councils, the report finds that these local authorities were approached an estimated 14,000 times in 2012/13 by 16 and 17 year olds who needed help with housing.

Backed by homeless charities Centrepoint, YMCA England, St.Basil’s and Depaul UK, the report also indicates that many 16 and 17 year olds are not being properly housed or assessed by councils, potentially putting them at risk.

Of those given accommodation by councils, eight percent were housed in B&Bs and nine percent in shared accommodation with adults, which goes against statutory guidance on the issue.

Many councils also appear not to be meeting their legal obligations towards 16 and 17 year olds. The 2009 House of Lords Southwark ruling, obliges local authority children’s services to assess the needs of homeless 16 and 17 year olds to ensure they get accommodation and support if they need it. Analysis of the FOI responses indicates that 59 percent of young people in 2012/13 who approached councils with housing needs were not referred directly to children’s services and fewer than half were referred to children’s services at any time during their homelessness assessment.

The report highlights that most 16 and 17 year olds find themselves homeless because of a breakdown in relationships with family or friends. The report also outlines the range of other complex problems which homeless young people often experience, such as substance misuse, mental health issues or not being in education, training and employment. These are issues which, if left unsupported, are likely to make it even harder for young people to get the help they need and could result in more problems in later life, including homelessness.

Following a number of high-profile Serious Case Reviews that have highlighted significant failings on the part of local authorities and related agencies in the support offered to homeless young people, the report makes a number of recommendations and calls for urgent action by local authority children’s services which are currently not following statutory guidance.

Using examples of effective solutions from a number of charities, the report makes a number of recommendations on how local authorities can better prevent youth homelessness and support those who need help.

To download the full report visit http://homeless.org.uk/sites/default/files/site-downloads/130627.No%20Excuses.pdf.