Homeless Pages - Subject: Young people and care leavers

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Young people and care leavers

Leaving home is a natural transition to independence for most young people. However, they are often given little help and face many obstacles, especially in finding accommodation.

Due to lower incomes and unemployment, many young people have severe problems with finding affordable accommodation. Many homeless young people leave home because of they are forced to and some runaway from home.

Research has also shown the high proportion of young homeless people who have been in local authority care. Care leavers face particular difficulties with finding somewhere to live and support with living independently. Even with the introduction of new measures to provide assistance to young people after leaving care, homelessness and sustaining independent living remain significant problems. Resources specifically about care leavers are also listed separately under Care leavers, although many resources about young people generally also include information about care leavers.

In terms of legislation, the Children Act gives local authorities duties and powers to accommodate young people and children 'in need'. The new Homelessness Act 2002 also stipulates that local authorities must now deem 16 and 17 year olds and 18 to 21 year olds leaving care to be in priority need of housing.

Some homelessness organisations have set up hostels, day centres and advice services specifically for young people and care leavers. Hostels for young people and care leavers provide staff who focus on giving support with developing independent living skills and help with finding move-on accommodation. Foyers are schemes that have been set up specifically for young people and provide accommodation and support around employment, education and training.

The government's National Youth Homelessness Scheme website gives advice and guidance on tackling and preventing youth homelessness. Two recent major research reports are Youth Homelessness in the UK: A Decade of Progress? and What is Homelessness?.

Relevant Organisations:
Centrepoint
Children's Society
Depaul Trust
Foyer Federation
National Youth Agency
YMCA England
Youth Access