Key Takeaways
- The number of households in England with at least one young care leaver facing homelessness has risen by 37% in the past five years.
- This increase is more than double the rise for the general population, highlighting a significant issue with support for care leavers.
- Care leavers often face challenges with confidence, self-worth, and feelings of permanence due to their experiences with homelessness.
- The government has acknowledged the risk of homelessness for care leavers as "unacceptable" and is making investments in social and affordable housing.
- Charities, such as Become, are speaking out against the "complete failure" in support for care leavers, emphasizing the need for improved care and resources.
Introduction to the Issue
The story of Klarisse Smith, a 24-year-old who entered a homeless hostel in Birmingham at the age of 16, sheds light on the struggles faced by young care leavers in England. After being in the care system for two years, moving between foster care, her aunt’s, and her partner’s family, Klarisse felt abandoned by her social worker when she was sent to live with her aunt. This lack of support and guidance led to her feeling isolated and left to fend for herself, a situation she thought was normal at the time. Unfortunately, Klarisse’s experience is not unique, as new government data reveals a disturbing trend of increasing homelessness among young care leavers.
The Rise of Homelessness Among Care Leavers
The latest government data shows a 37% increase in the number of households in England with at least one young care leaver facing homelessness over the past five years. This rise is more than double the increase for the general population, indicating a significant failure in the support system for care leavers. The care charity Become has condemned this trend, stating that the figures demonstrate "a complete failure in support for care leavers." This criticism highlights the need for improved care and resources to address the unique challenges faced by young people leaving the care system. As Klarisse’s story illustrates, the lack of support and guidance can have devastating consequences, including homelessness and a loss of confidence and self-worth.
Personal Experiences with Homelessness
Klarisse’s experience with homelessness has had a profound impact on her life. She recalls feeling like her social worker had "washed her hands" of her when she was sent to live with her aunt, leaving her without much contact or support. When she eventually ended up in a homeless hostel, her social worker would only visit her when she was waiting for her Universal Credit claim, providing her with £50 in cash each week. This lack of consistent support and guidance took a toll on Klarisse’s confidence and self-worth, making her feel like she was never going to escape the cycle of homelessness. As she said, "Being homeless kind of strips your confidence away. It eats at your self-worth and has you feeling like it’s never gonna change." This personal account underscores the need for comprehensive support systems to help care leavers navigate the challenges of independent living.
Government Response and Investment
In response to the rising number of homeless care leavers, the government has acknowledged the risk of homelessness faced by this group as "unacceptable." A government spokesperson emphasized that the government is making "record investment" in social and affordable housing to address this issue. While this investment is a step in the right direction, charities like Become argue that more needs to be done to provide targeted support for care leavers. The government must work to ensure that care leavers receive the guidance, resources, and support they need to thrive in independent living, rather than simply providing temporary solutions to the symptoms of homelessness.
The Need for Improved Support
The experiences of care leavers like Klarisse Smith highlight the need for improved support systems to address the unique challenges faced by this group. The care system must provide more comprehensive guidance and resources to help young people transition into independent living, including access to affordable housing, education, and employment opportunities. Charities like Become are advocating for policy changes and increased investment in support services to address the "complete failure" in care for leavers. By working together, the government, charities, and care providers can help ensure that care leavers like Klarisse receive the support they need to build confident, stable, and successful lives.
