Young People: Homelessness

The government published joint guidance in 2018 that sets out the expectations of local authorities in relation to homeless 16 and 17-year-olds. The guidance can be found here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/712467/Provision_of_accommodation_for_16_and_17_year_olds_who_may_be_homeless.pdf.

The expectation is that in circumstances where a 16 or 17-year-old is homeless, and mediation on living at home has not been possible or not prevented them being homeless, they would be accommodated as a Looked After Child (LAC) under section 20 of the Children’s Act. If they are then accommodated as a LAC for at least 13 weeks, they are entitled to a leaving care support package.