Warnings after young care leavers face increase in homelessness

"Young people leaving care in England face a sharper increase in homelessness compared to the population more broadly, latest figures show. It comes after warnings the youngest care leavers face a "devastating care cliff", which sees them losing support when they turn 18 and leave care, as well as difficulties with joblessness. Children's Commissioner for England Rachel De Souza told the BBC she was concerned the government were not providing care leavers with adequate long-term support."

"The numbers of households with care leavers aged 18 to 20 threatened with homelessness in the past year increased by 9% on the previous year, and those already homeless and owed a relief duty grew by 6%. On average in England among the general population, those threatened with homelessness increased by 0.3% and homelessness grew by 1%. It follows a trend of homelessness among the youngest care leavers which campaigners say is growing more acute."

Homelessness among care leavers in England is rising faster than in the general population, with households of 18-to-20-year-old care leavers threatened with homelessness up 9% and those already homeless and owed a relief duty up 6%. By contrast, the general population saw a 0.3% increase in those threatened and a 1% rise in homelessness. Campaigners report an acute upward trend for the youngest care leavers, with past figures showing sharp year-on-year increases and one in three care leavers becoming homeless within two years of leaving care. Officials cite strategies and housing funding aimed at reducing homelessness and temporary B&B use.

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