It can be very worrying when there are difficulties at home and your child can no longer live there. There are organisations out there that can advise and support you and your child on what to do next.

Young people aged over 18 can make a homeless application at their local authority. They will need to visit the housing office and speak to a homeless advisor about their situation. You or your child can read more in talking to the council: what you need to know.

Just because your child can’t stay with you doesn’t mean the council will provide them with housing. Their priority will be taken in to consideration - whether they have any physical or mental health issues, if they are at risk from violence, if they are pregnant or have children for example. Even if the council can’t offer accommodation, they may be able to offer a family mediation service that could help the situation at home.

If your child is under 18 it’s a bit different. They are considered a child in the eyes of the law and your local council has a legal duty to support them in some way. Social services may support you through family mediation, or accommodate your child in children’s homes, foster care or hostels if it is deemed necessary.

If the council can’t offer any support, there are also a number of services that may be able to help. You can get advice from Shelter's helpline – call 0808 800 4444 (8am to 8pm Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm at weekends). They can advise you of your child’s housing rights and which services you could support them to access.

You can also use the Homeless UK directory to find housing advice and accommodation in your area.

Your child can look through more information on our website: I am a young person.