A new report from Ofsted highlihtes that although in 2022–23, a report by the Children’s Commissioner revealed that approximately 6,500 16- and 17-year-olds reported being homeless, the true scale of homelessness for 16- and 17-year-olds is a ‘hidden issue’. Many children are living in unstable environments, such as staying with a friend, and may not be known to authorities.
They conclude that some local authorities work effectively with homeless children. They involve children in co-creating services and information, give them practical support, and structure their teams so that children and staff have access to expertise about youth homelessness. However, the children and young people who took part in the Oftsed commissioned research reported a lack of information about their accommodation options when they presented as homeless. Some felt they were not given a choice or were not provided with the necessary information to make an informed decision about their next steps.
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