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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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