Councils Fail Homeless Teenagers

Councils are flouting government guidance designed to protect vulnerable homeless 16 and 17-year-olds, an investigation has revealed. During the first 10 months of last year, only 27 per cent of the 6,677 housing applicants in this group had their support needs assessed, according to a survey of 99 councils. Statutory guidance issued in April last year by the Department for Education and the CLG stated that all 16 and 17-year-olds should be assessed ‘without exception’. More than 3,400 teenagers in this group were housed in unsupported accommodation between 2007 and 2010, the survey also revealed.A Department for Education spokesperson said it made clear in its guidance that ‘all homeless 16 and 17-year-olds should be referred to children’s services for an assessment by them’. Read more on the Inside Housing website.