Current Issues and Concerns

Anna WhalenYouth Homelessness Adviser

• Current and projected trends

• Mitigating negative impacts

• Re-thinking young people, transition and accommodation needs

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Young people in housing need are……

• Arguably the most disadvantaged group in the housing market

• Making the transition to adulthood – sometimes learning by mistakes

• In need of other types of support, not just a roof over their heads

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National picture

• Economic downturn and youth unemployment

• Supply of affordable housing

• Welfare reform changes: impact on families and single people

• Reductions in public spending – impact on services for young people

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Current and projected trends in youth housing needs

• HL survey – 48% of local authorities cited an increase in demand

• Acceptances of under 25 singles is lower in 2010/11 than in 2006/07

• B & B use for 16/17 year olds reported at lowest level since we began monitoring

• Increase in complexity and lowering age of presentations

• Reductions in some areas of SP services

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The impact of Southwark judgment on 16/17 year olds

• Variable across England

• Rise in looked after 16/17 years since 2007 – pre the judgment

• 2009 – newly LAC 16/17 yr olds: 1,280 (6% of total of newly looked after)

• 2011 – newly LAC 16/17 yr olds:2,660 ( 10% of total of newly looked after)

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Mitigating negative impacts at national level

Ministerial Working Group on homelessness

Commitment to tackling rough sleeping and funding to support

£400 million over next 4 years to tackle and prevent homelessness - maintained level of investment

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Mitigating negative impacts at national level

£6.5 billion for Supporting People over next 4 years - less than 1 per cent average cash reduction

£130 million DHP

£50 million implementing HB reforms

£20 million Homeless Transition Fund

£37.5 million for Homelessness Change Programme – new hostel investment from April 2012

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Mitigating negative impacts locally – the broad approach

• Joint and integrated working • Smart joint commissioning• Pathway approach • Key role for the voluntary sector• Leadership• Young people at the heart of planning• Homelessness strategies linked to CYP’s Plans

• Homelessness strategies

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Hold on to what we know works

For example:•Education work - reality checking•Mediation•Services not bound by age and legal status•Slowing down at crisis point•A menu of supported accommodation provision•Access to the PRS•Floating support

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What makes a difference to young people?

• Care about us

• Go the extra mile

• Give clear and realistic information

• Support our transition – its our whole lives not just housing

• Actively encourage our aspirations

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Rethinking young people, transition and accommodation needs

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The youth homelessness pathway

Positive pathway modelRestricted

A positive pathway requires:

• A whole systems approach locally• Investment in prevention and integrated

support – its not just about housing• Community budget/joint commissioning

approach• An integrated & seamless front door to

options, advice, planning and assessment of needs

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Any questions?

annawhalen@btinternet.com

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