Councils Flouting Law on Housing Young People

Council protocols for dealing with homeless 16 and 17 year olds are not complying with the law and are failing young people, according to a report. Research done by the Law Centres Network showed councils did not clearly indicate in their protocols social services are the lead authority for homeless 16 and 17 year olds.  They also showed 7 per cent advocated the use of bed and breakfast accommodation for this age group ‘as a matter of course.’  Statutory guidance published by the government in April 2010 stated children’s services should be the lead agency with regard to assessing and meeting the needs of homeless 16 and 17 year olds.  Download a copy of the report from the Law Centres website.