Page 87 - Getting it Right for Vulnerable Children and Young People in North Ayrshire

Appendix 3 Homelessness 1. Homelessness Risk Factors and Resilience Risk Factor Personal Lack of self-care, coping or employability skills History of institutional living, e.g. looked after children, care leavers, long term nursing or social care, periods in prison or service in the Armed Forces Domestic or sexual abuse in the household or as a child As a child, missing school, running away from home or residential care, moving house frequently and/or having a drug, solvent or alcohol problem Relationship breakdowns including between partners and between parents and their children Social isolation Rape or sexual assault as a child or an adult Learning disabilities, literacy and numeracy difficulties Physical disabilities Substance misuse issues Physical or mental health problems – especially if health deteriorating Death or incapacity of a carer Debt issues History of anti-social or offending behaviour Household with no rights to public assistance losing funding or employment Housing Previous homelessness or part of a homeless family as a child; Instability Rent or mortgage arrears Impending eviction or repossession action Tenure insecurity; staying care of; tied tenancy with prospect of unemployment, e.g. Armed Services accommodation; Living in accommodation unsuitable for adapting to meet particular needs History of/and current neighbour complaints Experiencing harassment/feeling unsafe in the area they live Research has also identified resilience factors, which can mitigate against the risks these include: • Supportive friends or family; • Strong social networks; • Appropriate support services; • House owned outright or positive equity; • Savings or access to financial help; • Competent advice and advocacy; • In stable employment or with employable skills; • Personal empowerment; • Self-esteem and confidence; and • Positive attitudes. 2 Homelessness Prevention within North Ayrshire 2.1 Early Intervention There are a range of early intervention projects which identify children and families at risk of homelessness and respond to minimise the escalation towards crisis which could lead to homelessness. They include: 2.1.1 North Ayrshire Education project Page 85