Page 47 - Getting it Right for Vulnerable Children and Young People in North Ayrshire

Children and young people who are homeless and living in temporary accommodation or at risk of sleeping rough. Definition A person is homeless or potentially homeless if: • They have no accommodation which they are entitled to live • It is unreasonable to continue to stay within their accommodation • They cannot secure entry to their home • They are fleeing violence from someone they live with or previously lived with • They have a movable home but nowhere to moor or place it • Their home is overcrowded and likely to endanger health Children can become homeless for a range of reasons either as part of a family household or as a household on their own. The main reason for homelessness within North Ayrshire is people being asked to leave the family home. However for young people there are other risk factors including; • Young people leaving care • Relationship breakdown • Financial issues • Domestic abuse During 2012/13, 92 households with children approached North Ayrshire Council for assistance under homelessness legislation. This represented 14% of all homeless applications and comprised of a total of 188 children. The most common reason for homelessness was domestic abuse. Households with children are involved with a range of agencies on a daily basis including; health, education, social services, housing, Benefits agencies. If agencies are aware of the risk factors leading to homelessness and are armed with the right advice and information, the opportunity for early intervention and subsequent prevention of homelessness is strengthened. Brief Overview Homelessness influences every facet of a child’s life — from conception to young adulthood. The experience of homelessness can inhibit the physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and behavioural development of children. In addition, homelessness impacts on children’s education, social networks, employment opportunities and access to dental & primary health care. The stress and disquiet within a family home in the lead up to the occurrence of homelessness has a significant impact on the welfare of children. In addition to this stress, Getting It Right For Vulnerable Children and Young People in North Ayrshire DRAFT V1.1 March 2014 Page No:47