Youth housing strategies

The Government requires local authorities to take a strategic approach to housing young people. This page looks at developing a youth housing strategy.

Why produce a youth homelessness strategy?

Youth housing strategies can help authorities to:

• maximise resources
• promote joint working, and
• take a proactive approach to the housing of young people.

The Homelessness Act 2002 provided an opportunity for local authorities to analyse their provision for young people in their area as part of the homelessness review and strategy process. A youth housing strategy should aim to:

• prevent youth homelessness wherever possible
• ensure sufficient accommodation is available for young people who are, or may become, homeless, and
• ensure the provision of appropriate support for homeless and badly housed young people.

Potentially, youth housing strategies are a blueprint for maximising resources. They can promote joint working and ensure a proactive approach to the housing problems of young people.

Perhaps the biggest challenge facing those responsible for producing the strategy will be to ensure that it is relevant to everyone involved in carrying it out.

Measuring need

Needs assessment is about more than measuring the difference between the numbers of bed spaces available in a locality and the number of young people seeking accommodation. A full picture of the needs of young people who are, or may become, homeless should be the outcome of a needs assessment. This could include details of their training, educational and support needs, as well as their housing needs.

Whoever is undertaking the assessment should have an understanding and knowledge of the needs of young people. They should be prepared to be innovative in collecting data, and look outside the mainstream for places where young people might seek help, advice and information.

Advice and information services

The Homelessness Act 2002 strengthened the duty on local authorities to provide advice and assistance to homeless people.

Many young people will not have planned their transition to independent living. Some will have no family help or support to guide them through the process. When considering provision of advice and assistance to young people, local authorities will need information on the following:

• types of accommodation available for young people in their local area
• how to access this accommodation
• tenancy rights
• young people's rights under housing and childcare legislation
• welfare benefits available for young people.

Local authorities will need to consider whether the services they provide are in an environment that young people will be comfortable in. Some authorities will need to consider the possibility of mobile or outreach services.

Consultation

It is extremely important to consult young people. They have a unique viewpoint that cannot be replicated, even by the most experienced housing officer or youth worker. A project is more likely to be effectively used if young people feel that they are included in the development of the project.

Monitoring and evaluation

Monitoring and evaluation of the strategy is important because it:

• is a requirement of funders and regulators
• enables progress towards objectives to be assessed
• will help to ensure a proactive service
• will reveal which parts of the strategy are working, and
• will help to set a direction for future work.

Further information

Shelter has produced a good practice guide to developing youth homelessness strategies.