Youth Homelessness A Working Definition A Working Definition

Youth Homelessness A Working Definition

• A Working Definition of Youth Homelessness in Europe o Age range o Distinction from ‘adult homelessness’ o Diversity of experience o Typology of homelessness o International & European human rights standards

Working Definition Youth homelessness occurs where an individual between the age of 13 and 26 is experiencing rooflessness or houselessness or is living in insecure or inadequate housing without a parent, family member or other legal guardian.

Process • Review of youth homelessness definitions from other jurisdictions • Online survey with service providers and experts across Europe • Analysis of results and draft definition • Feantsa Youth meeting to discuss and refine definition and guidance notes • Also collating ‘best practice’ examples

Survey Findings • Reality v Legislation • Perception of ‘youth’ differs between and within countries and services • No agreed definition of youth homelessness • Common experiences and pathways for young peope

Age range • Needed to be inclusive of different contexts • Needed to consider cognitive, emotional and psychological development • Different practices in different sectors: youth work, social welfare, housing

Distinction from ‘adult homelessness’ • Differences in pathways into homelessness • Differences in experiences while homeless • Differences in exit routes from homelessness

Distinction from ‘adult homelessness’ Things to consider: • Young people may have no experience of independence • Transitioning to adulthood • Social, cognitive, physical, psychological and emotional development • Experience of social service failure/fear of authorities • Discrimination in existing services/policies

Diversity of experience • • • Age Young people leaving state care Black & minority ethnic LGBTQ+ Drug use Mental health Housing supply and discrimination Survival sex Family conflict and violence • Household disruption and family instability • Debt • Precarious/low paid employment • Wider social exclusion • Young offenders • Pregnant young women & young people with children in their care • Roma youth • Inaccessiblity of affordable housing

Sustaining exits from homelessness • Building supportive networks • School, education, training, work • Family connections • Access to social systems and support • Psychological and mental health supports

European typology + Human rights • Definition is in line the ETHOS typology • Youth homelessness as a human rights violation - ICCPR, ICESCR, European Social Charter • Youth rights, right now guide