We are calling on political leaders to commit to a national strategy to tackle homelessness amongst children and young people in Australia.

There were 28,000 homeless children and young people aged between 12 to 24 in Australia at the 2016 Census. 

This is a 26% increase from 2006. It’s also an overrepresentation – young people make up 24% of the total homeless population, despite only making up 16% of the general population. And this is likely an undercount, as young people are more likely to couch-surf and to be counted as ‘visitors’ on Census night.

The vast majority of young people experiencing homelessness are hidden from view in refuges, couch surfing situations and sleeping in cars with their family, but their experience is very real.

Youth homelessness is a national disgrace. To end youth homelessness we need a national plan.

Pitifully low Youth Allowance payments, rising rents inflated by the housing crisis, insufficient support for young people leaving out of home care and a lack of employment pathways for vulnerable youth have all combined to create a perfect storm in which young people are increasingly likely to fall into homelessness.

A national plan to end youth homelessness would address the systemic issues that drive and exacerbate youth homelessness, including:

•  Family violence

•  Access to affordable housing

•  Youth justice

•  Young people on custody orders

•  A housing guarantee for young people leaving care

• Young people leaving care

•  Child protection

•  Education

•  Youth unemployment

It will take a whole community approach to end youth homelessness in Australia. This is why we are calling on YOU to sign the petition.

Demand that the Australian Government agreed to develop a National Strategy to end youth homelessness today and be a part of the change.

 About Yfoundations 

Yfoundations has served as the NSW peak body representing children and young people at risk of and experiencing homelessness, as well as the services that provide direct support to them.

We aim to create a future without youth homelessness by providing a voice for children and young people experiencing and at risk of homelessness. We work collaboratively with service providers, NGOs, government departments and community members to provide research, sector development and policy advice, health projects and services for children and young people.