The cost of youth homelessness in Australia: research brief

Abstract

Youth Homelessness remains a significant social issue in Australia. When young people are forced to leave home early, they find it very difficult to gain sufficient income to live independently. Family support is crucial for young people during the transition to an independent adulthood and a sustainable livelihood. When family support is weak or non-existent, young people are much more likely to experience homelessness and long-term disadvantage.

Family violence is a major issue and a major driver of young people becoming homeless. Over one third of the homelessness youth surveyed reported that violence in the home had reached the point where police had to called. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of the homeless youth surveyed had been placed in some form of out-of-home care by the time that they had turned 18.