Children Sleeping Rough? What The…!

According to housing charity Shelter, around 120,000 children will be homeless this Christmas.

But you probably won’t see these children on the streets. Most of them – and their families – will have to find emergency temporary accommodation in hostels or bedsits. But what should you do if you do see a young person sleeping rough?

Matt Downie, of the homelessness charity Crisis, told Lucy Pasha-Robinson of The Independent newspaper: “No child should ever be on the streets in modern day Britain. Anyone coming across an unaccompanied homeless child should immediately alert the authorities, whether that be the police or local social services.”

By law, anyone under the age of 18 is considered vulnerable and as such is classed as being in priority need for housing by their local council, which has a duty to find them somewhere to sleep. However, sources from many charities told The Independent that identifying minors can be particularly difficult, especially those who may be 16 or 17.

In 2014, The Child Rough Sleepers Project reported that numbers of homeless children across Europe have risen, despite increased prevention and protective measures being introduced over the last 20 years. The research found children who became homeless after running away, being thrown out of home or care, or other factors leading to them sleeping rough, were at high-risk of sexual exploitation, abuse and crime.

Mr. Downie said homeless young people aged 16 to 17 should go to their local authority housing office as soon as possible. “Anyone in this age group will automatically be entitled to housing help from their council.”

“Unfortunately for people aged 18 and over, this often isn’t the case. That’s why the Homelessness Reduction Bill, which is currently making its way through parliament, is so urgently needed,” he said. “If passed, this crucial bill will help to make sure all homeless people can get the support they need, regardless of their age.”

Anybody in priority need of housing – young people, the elderly, disabled, or pregnant women – should go to their local council housing office as soon as they can.

In Sefton, you should contact the Housing Options Team, Ground Floor, Merton House, Stanley Road, Bootle L20 3UU. Telephone: 0151 934 3541.

Opening Times: Monday-Thursday 10am to 4pm; Friday 10am to 3pm.