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Homeless teenagers fleeing family breakdown “failed by local councils” (23 March 2015)

Date: 23/03/2015
Duncan Lewis, Housing Solicitors, Homeless teenagers fleeing family breakdown “failed by local councils”

The Children’s Society says that more than 8,000 young adults aged 16 and 17 who are facing homelessness are sent home to their parents, without any support put in place to ensure they are not abused or neglected in their family homes.

A Children’s Society report – Getting the house in order: Homelessness and 16- and 17-year-olds – reveals that an estimated 12,000 teenagers aged 16 and 17 ask local councils for housing support every year.

However, most receive a response that falls far short of the government's guidance on the issue, says the report – and half of vulnerable young adults facing homelessness are never properly assessed.

The report also reveals that, of the 2,800 16- and 17-year-olds who are given accommodation by their local council, a total of 1,800 are housed without proper financial and personal support, which they are leally entitled to.

Researchers for the report found that the reason why young adults are homeless can be complex, with figures showing that 59% are homeless because a breakdown in their relationship with a parent or carer.

A total of 12% have to move out of their family home because of relationships with friends, girlfriends or boyfriends – and a further 12% leave home as a result of violence in the home.

The report says that 10% of 16- and 17-year-olds leave home because of substance abuse – with a further 10% leaving the family home as a result of their family’s financial problems.

A spokesman for the Children's Society, Richard Crellin, said:

“We know from our frontline work with 16- and 17-year-olds facing homelessness just how vulnerable they are. It is extremely concerning to see so many of them turned away without the support they need.

“For so many placed in accommodation without support – or sent home to families where they may experience neglect and abuse – they run the very serious risk of being sexually exploited or becoming involved in drugs or other criminal activity.

“What’s worse is that so many of these children have already been failed by local services, with at least half having been previously known to children’s services.”

Mr Crellin – from the Children’s Society’s policy team – added that homeless teenagers have very complex lives “which often further exacerbate their homelessness”.

“With a history of involvement in services and specific sets vulnerabilities it is not enough to just send them home.

“Even if home is a safe place most of these teenagers will need extra support and resources to overcome a history of neglect,” he added.

Online social housing publisher 24Dash.com reports that the Children’s Society is calling for local councils to “work harder” to support homeless 16- and 17-year-olds – and make sure they receive a full assessment when they ask local councils for help with homelessness.

Duncan Lewis Children Lawyers

Duncan Lewis children lawyers can offer expert advice on child care matters and family law, including children taken into Local Authority care and child abuse or domestic violence.

Duncan Lewis is a leading provider of legal aid services and can also advise on:

• Care proceedings
• Child contact and residence
• Court of Protection.

Duncan Lewis advises on family law under UK law and Islamic law.

For expert legal advice on child care and family law, contact Duncan Lewis children lawyers on 020 7923 4020.


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