Young care leavers are facing a housing crisis

Young care leavers are facing a housing crisis, with many facing homelessness just as they transition into adulthood. This alarming trend has been highlighted by Become, a national charity supporting children in care and care leavers.

Research conducted by Become reveals a stark disparity between care leavers and their peers. A staggering 9.13% of care leavers aged 18-25 were identified as homeless or at risk of homelessness in the past year, compared to a mere 0.97% of non-care-experienced young people in the same age group. This nine-fold increase underscores the vulnerability of care leavers as they navigate the challenges of independent living.

The charity’s report also sheds light on the complex factors contributing to this crisis. Some young people feel pressured to leave care before they are adequately prepared to secure housing, often due to a lack of support and guidance. While some local authorities demonstrate commendable efforts in supporting care leavers, others prioritize their needs primarily at the point of leaving care, neglecting their ongoing housing requirements.

Katharine Sacks-Jones, CEO of Become, expressed deep concern over the situation, stating, “It’s appalling that thousands of care leavers are forced to leave their homes at 18, sometimes younger, without the family support many of us take for granted.” She emphasized the urgent need for government intervention to address the issue, calling for an end to the “care cliff” and increased investment in social housing for care leavers.

The charity’s report also suggests that the official statistics on homelessness among care leavers may significantly underestimate the true scale of the problem, as many young people experiencing hidden homelessness may not be captured in official figures.

Recent government data reveals a concerning 16% increase in the number of care leavers owed a homelessness duty by local authorities, reaching 4,300 in the past year. This highlights the growing need for urgent action to address the housing crisis faced by care leavers.

To mitigate this crisis, the Labour Party has proposed exempting care leavers, veterans, and domestic abuse victims from local connection or residency tests for social housing. This policy change aims to provide these vulnerable groups with greater access to secure and affordable housing, ensuring they have a stable foundation as they transition into adulthood.