Year: 2015
Type: other
Abstract: The care leaver population in Wales has risen by 18% since 2011 but levels of statutory homelessness amongst this group are relatively steady over the last three years. The main cause of homelessness is tenancy failure: the young age of care leavers, lack of preparation and experience in managing alone contribute to this. Some care leavers are at higher risk of homelessness than others: the level of support required by those with complex and multiple needs usually exceeds what is provided through Supporting People provision. The 'When I Am Ready' scheme will support some care leavers to stay with ex-foster carers but for many at higher risk of homelessness this is less likely to be an option. The effectiveness of joint working between Housing and Children's Service and Supporting People provision for care leavers varies considerably across Wales. Local authorities report reduced supply of social and private rented housing options. Landlord confidence in young people as tenants is generally low, across both the social and private sector.Being economically active, financially literate and being able to sustain settled accommodation are intrinsically linked. The new homelessness legislation provides an opportunity to prevent homelessness amongst care leavers through earlier joint planning, linked to pathway planning. Improved data collection and analysis would help increase national and local understanding of homelessness for this group and assist in commissioning. Preparation for independence, including financial literacy and expectation management are key factors to address. The importance of consistent support from a trusted adult cannot be over-stated in terms of what can make a difference to care leavers' success as young adults. A national framework or 'pathway' for accommodation and support could help improve the consistency of provision of services to this group across Wales. The Government could take more measures to eliminate the use of unsuitable accommodation for this group. Joint commissioning could reduce the probability of poor outcomes for care leavers, including periods of homelessness and reduce long term costs to the public purse across health, criminal justice, welfare, social care and housing sectors. There are numerous examples of innovation across local authorities, Third Sector agencies and housing associations.Sharing of what works well is a key factor in reducing homelessness and improving a range of outcomes for care leavers.
Author: Anna Whalen
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2910408092