This research is the first longitudinal evaluation of the Youth Obligation to be published. It reflects the experiences of disadvantaged young people; those with the most complex needs who are furthest from the job market. The Youth Obligation is not working effectively for this group.
The Centrepoint Youth Homelessness Databank significantly increases the information that is publicly accessible on youth homelessness by collecting council level data to build a more informed national understanding of the problem. This report presents an analysis of data collected by local authorities in 2018/19, which was the first year of the Homelessness Reduction Act (HRA).
The research reveals how young people across the country are faced with shocking conditions and are forced to make impossible choices. It shows the impact of not having a stable place to call home on a young person’s mental and physical health, on their ability to succeed in education and employment, and on their relationships with family and friends. It shows the risks and physical dangers that young people going through homelessness face every day and every night without safe accommodation - and why it is so important that we campaign for change
This research explores the experiences of some of the most vulnerable young people. The causes of youth homelessness are many and complex, though the main driver is family breakdown. The young people in this research described their own, often complex, experiences such as close family bereavements or family breakdown that resulted in them having to leave home. Some also described the impact of mental health problems, substance misuse issues, and criminal activity. Homelessness resulted in disruption to employment or education while they sought a stable housing situation and support for personal issues.
Unemployment is particularly common among disadvantaged groups, including those who have experienced or are at risk of homelessness.
We explored which elements of Moneywise work well/least well with young people through a process evaluation focusing on engagement, experience and effectiveness.
The solutions identified in this report span a wide range of themes. These are presented as recommendations for both local and national government alongside examples of good practice.
A report based on the accounts of young people who have left the care system and have navigated their way through the complex systems and processes to find a place to call home.
A study which aims to provide a snapshot of the barriers that young people face when they are seeking safe and stable housing on release from custody. Considering these barriers alongside the wider policy context, we wanted to provide a renewed focus on this critical challenge and explore how we could collectively work together to provide practical solutions.
With the introduction of the Homelessness Reduction Act, local housing authorities face more responsibility to support those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness than ever before. The need for additional support is high. Centrepoint estimates that in 2016/17, 66,500 young people approached their local authority for help because they were homeless or at risk of homelessness in England alone.Only 33 per cent of these young people were recorded as receiving a documented assessment.
