Help for Homeless Young People

• Are you 16 or 17 and homeless?  • Do you need help finding somewhere to live?  • Would you like some support to help you manage in your new place?  • You might be entitled to this help under the Children Act, from Social Services.  Social Services have to ask you what you want and can help with hostels, supported lodgings or your own flat. They will not make you go into a children's home. Don't be put off asking for help because it's social services.

But I haven't been in care.

It doesn't matter. Under section 17 they have a duty to help you if you are in need, and to provide accommodation under section 20(3), if you are homeless, 16 or 17 and are a 'child in need' whose welfare is likely to be seriously prejudiced.

What does that mean?

If your emotional, physical or intellectual development is likely to be affected by your situation. Being homeless is bad for your health in lots of ways - you may not be able to sleep or eat well or get on with your life properly. Many people become homeless because of abuse or violence or being thrown out of home - in all these cases you are 'in need'.

I was in care when I was young for a while but returned home - do I come under this part of the Act?

Yes, section 20 is for anyone who needs help and is under 18.

I was in care after my 16th birthday - do I come under this part of the Act?

Yes, if you are under 18. You can also get help from Social Services under section 24 of the Act until you are 21.

Confused?

Get an adult you trust or an advice worker to help you. Don't forget, if you are homeless you are probably a child in need.

Step-By-Step Guide

1. If possible get help or advice before going to Social Services. Try to get an adult you trust to go with you.

2. At Social Services:

- Ask to see a social worker, if possible one with responsibility for your age group.

- Don't be put off by the first person that you meet - remember that you have a right to a proper interview.

- Ask for a child in need assessment under Section 20(3) of the Children Act - use the form on the back of this leaflet to help you.

- At first you might not get an interview. Lots of social workers don't know about this part of the Act, but you do - so don't give up.

3. Your ‘Child in Need’ interview:

Explain to the social worker as much as possible about your situation or as much as you feel able.

Throughout your interview:

- Remember that you have a right to be heard

- Remember that what you say should be believed

- Remember that you can be helped without your parents agreeing - Social Services don't have to contact your parents if you don't want them to. Sorting things out with your family so you can go back isn't their only duty to you - if you can't return home or don't want contact with your family, be clear about this arid don't be pressured into doing something you don't want to.

4. Ask for a copy of your assessment in writing because...

It might help you make sure that you get the right service. Some Social Services might try and say you're not a child in need because they don't have much money - if you ask them to write down why they think you're not in need, then you can challenge them properly.

5. So you're a child in need. What now?

6. Getting Somewhere to Live

Make sure you tell them clearly what you want - a hostel place for a while or your own flat.

What to do if you are offered a children's home or nothing:

- If this is okay for a while, then fine.

- If not, then tell social services it's not what you want - you want more independence.

Social Services have a duty to draw up a plan explaining how you are going to be prepared for independence. Get an advice worker to help you tell them what you want included.

7. Want Your Own Council Flat?

• You may have a right to this from the housing department - get an advice worker to help you ask for this.

• Social Services can also ask the housing department for your own place under the Children Act (section 27) - ask them to sort this out for you.

• Get an advice worker to help you go through what you need - supported hostels, bed and breakfast, supported landladies etc.

8. What about support?

Support means a bit of help sorting your bills out, helping you budget your money, or helping you deal with any problems you might have.

You can get an advice worker to help you decide what is best for you. If you don't want a social worker, Social Services can ask a range of people to help you apart from social workers.

If in doubt, ask an advice worker to help you sort out the best people for you.

9. What if I'm not listened to?

Get an advice worker to help you make a complaint.

Is it all worth it?

Yes, in the end you should get the help you need.

Remember - if in doubt - get help. It will make it much easier.

Web Site: www.homeless.org.uk