Answer

Addressing homelessness to client group aged 16-25 years

Abstract

This report represents a critical understanding of the client group aged 16 -25 years that may help foster the effective provision of accommodation and support. The paper covers youth homelessness based on its causes, and risk factors that contribute to the issue. Also, the paper analyses the key stakeholder involved in working with this group to serve their needs, as well as, the role of the government in addressing homelessness within the group. Further, the paper suggests theories to be considered while working with the group and factors to consider when providing support. The paper identifies the government and charity sector as the key stakeholder in addressing homelessness. The report concludes by recommending the use of an individualized-approach when providing support to ensure that the target needs are addressed and that they lead a successful journey out of homelessness.

Addressing homelessness to client group aged 16-25 years.

In the UK, young people represent a significant portion of the population, with those aged 10-25 accounting for nearly 18 percent of the total population (Hagell et al., 2019). The housing situation among these youths is a rising concern, especially with the increased number of youths seeking homelessness support. As of 2020, nearly 121,000 young people were reported to have reached the council for support (Center Point,2020). Even with the Homelessness Reduction Act in place, a survey shows that homelessness among youths continues to rise, an indication of the ineffectiveness of current initiatives. Center Point (2020) survey indicates increased uncertainties of securing accommodation regardless of receiving homelessness assessment. As per their report, only 36 percent of the total cases filed secured accommodation as of 2020. This report aims to address the issues of accommodation and support faced by young people aged 16 to 25 years. The paper evaluates the risk factors that prompt homelessness, the available support, and policies that protect youths from homelessness. As the paper suggests, providing support for young people aged 16-25 years demands an individualized approach as individuals differ with their needs, stage, and journey out of homelessness.

Youth homelessness is a national concern that goes beyond the council’s support. From a broader spectrum, youth homelessness arises from extensive systemic issues, including unemployment, limited social security support, as well as housing stock concerns (Center Point, 2020). Being homeless as a 16-25-year-old is associated with multiple risk factors that worsen in the absence of effective support. According to Leow (2018), youth homelessness can be caused by both individual and structured factors. Individual factors have to do with personality and behaviors influenced by ill health, dysfunctional families, or troubled childhood. Leow  (2018) associates homelessness with complex life experiences that hinder development and ability to establish meaningful life. Researchers report that the majority of homeless youth indicate individual factors as their primary cause for homelessness. A substantial number reported being victims of sofa-surfing at some point (Leow, 2018). Sofa surfing is the act of leaving unhealthy home environments or being banished from the home by parents at a young age. Regarding wellness,  nearly half (52%) of the young people aged 16 to 24 years in the UK reported a decline in their overall health-related to increased anxiety and depression before the COVID-19 pandemic (National Statistics, 2020).

Structural factors are associated with economic status, including poverty, housing limitation, and unemployment. A survey by the National Statistics (2020) indicates that the majority of the youths associated their homelessness with financial constraints as a result of economic burden and unemployment.  Further, the National Statistics survey indicated a gap in community involvement among these youths, with more than a quarter of the young population aged 16-25 years disagreeing that they felt a sense of belonging in their community between 2017 to 2018. As of 2020, Centrepoint procrastinated of a rise in homelessness among 16-24 –year-olds due to job uncertainties after the pandemic (Hughes,2020). Also, their tendency to avoid reliance on support services to meet their financial needs further complicates their situation. In the absence of support or accommodation, these youths are likely to suffer from accelerated physical and mental illnesses, hunger, along with missed employment and education opportunities.

Tackling youth homelessness in the UK involves multiple government and non-governmental organizations across the country.  The UK government plays a central role in addressing homelessness through policies, grants, and donations. One of its key contributions is providing housing benefits for low-income earners, enabling them to afford private housing. Also, the government has shaped homelessness in the country by developing the charitable sector. The UK government is a primary funder to the charity sector along with influencing private donations. Among the top charities addressing homelessness in the UK include Homelessness charity shelter, Centerpoint, The big issue foundation among others. These charities offer support in multiple ways including providing accommodation, social skills, employment and education opportunities, and social services such as mental health and addiction support.

Working with youths to help them move out of homelessness requires different support at different stages of their journey. The first consideration when providing support in identifying their needs at that particular time. The homeless needs can be stages as follows: accommodation, health, social skills, employment, and training (Blake et al., 2008). Individuals differ in their needs, abilities, and overall journey. Thus, Blake et al. (2008) recommends the use of an individualized-approach when addressing homelessness. While some might be in a total shutdown, others might be needing temporary shelter.

In addressing youth homelessness, the UK legislature presents the transversal youth policy framework, Positive for Youth. The Positive for Youth is a cross-sector strategy that focuses on encouraging key stakeholders to collaborate in supporting positive youth development (Government of the United Kingdom, 2013).  The policy adopts a decentralized approach to reach youths  through statutory provisions, youth centers, and related services provided by local authorities. Further, the country runs a national youth organization named the British Youth Council (BYC) which constitutes more than 230 youth organizations that support youth development (Government of the United Kingdom, 2013). The BYC is responsible for delivering campaigns and engagement programs such as the Vote at 16 campaign or the UK Young Ambassadors that focus on empowering youths to have a political voice and influence policy change.

Recently, the department of work and pension planned to amend the housing support regulation for youths aged 18 to 21 years to allow them to gain housing costs support within Universal Credit. These adjustments purposed strived to achieve an all-inclusive and rigorous work-forced support, regardless of whether they are learning or earning (Department of Work and Pension, 2018).  These amendment purposes to reduce youth homelessness and discriminatory evictions from houses by landlords, based on their vulnerabilities, specifically financial burdens

    In a nutshell, 16-25-year-olds in the UK represent the largest population of hidden homelessness, with around 1.3 million being reported to have slept in unsafe places as of 2015. Helping this group overcome homelessness demands an individualized-approach that addresses the particular needs of the particular individual.               

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