The reality of child and youth homelessness
What thousands of young Australians are living
While 43,000 children and young people presented to services, this doesn’t account for those that are living in unsafe conditions, couch surfing, living in over-crowded accommodation or sleeping rough.
Some don’t realise they are experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness and some aren’t aware of the services available to them.
Nearly 40% of all people experiencing homelessness are under the age of 24. This situation stems from a variety of reasons.
First Nations young people are over represented in child and youth homelessness. Approximately one-third of young people presenting alone to Specialist Homelessness Services identified as Indigenous.
Nationally, half of the young people who tried to get a bed in a crisis refuge in 2023–24 were turned away because services aren’t sufficiently funded to accommodate them.
Domestic and family violence, the housing crisis and relationship/family breakdown were the top main reasons for young people seeking assistance. According to front line workers, the majority of young people reporting to services have experienced domestic or family violence.
Young SHS clients presenting alone were more likely to be couch surfing, compared with any other SHS client group. Couch surfing leaves young people vulnerable to servitude, exploitation and abuse.
The most common reasons young people sought assistance from an SHS in 2023–24 were:
- Domestic and family violence
- Housing crisis
- Relationship/family breakdown
A safe place to call home
A home is more than just a roof over your head. For children and young people, it should be a place where they can feel safe, supported and cared for. Somewhere they can get a good night’s sleep, a decent meal and access to education and stability.
But safety goes beyond the basics. Children and young people experiencing homelessness need mental health support, spaces to overcome trauma and wrap around support to guide them into adulthood. That's why we're pushing for change.