Outline of the study

This report examines the link between children's social care experience and homelessness in England, reviewing the rates of homelessness among care leavers, exploring the pathways that lead them there, and assessing the evidence base on prevention strategies. Sanders and Whelan argue that despite substantial government investment, there is still insufficient knowledge about what works to prevent homelessness among this vulnerable population.

Findings in brief

• Disproportionate representation: People with care experience are vastly overrepresented among people experiencing homelessness - approximately 10% of people sleeping rough in London had been in care, compared to less than 2% of 18-year-olds being care leavers
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• Higher homelessness rates among care leavers: 26% of young people leaving care had 'sofa surfed' and 14% had slept rough, according to Centrepoint research
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• Lack of family safety net: 64% of young adults aged 18-24 live with their parents, but this option is unavailable for most care leavers who experience "accelerated and compressed transitions" to adulthood
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• Multiple disadvantages: Young people in care face significantly higher rates of mental health problems, educational difficulties, substance use, and criminal justice involvement compared to their peers
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• Placement instability compounds risks: 32.2% of children in care experienced at least one placement move in 2018-19, with 10.4% experiencing multiple moves, disrupting relationships and stability
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• LGBTQ+ youth particularly vulnerable: Young people identifying as LGBTQ+ are more likely to be taken into care and experience greater placement instability and subsequent homelessness
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• Limited robust evidence: There is a shortage of high-quality causal evidence on interventions to prevent homelessness among care leavers, with most evaluations lacking rigorous methodology
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• Promising interventions emerging: Programs like Staying Put, Staying Close, and Lifelong Links show initial promise but require more rigorous evaluation of their impact on homelessness outcomes

Recommendations in brief

• Improve data collection: Establish robust data systems to track homelessness outcomes for all young people who have had contact with children's services, not just those in care
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• Expand rigorous evaluation: Commission high-quality randomised controlled trials of promising interventions to build the evidence base on what works to prevent homelessness
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• Enhance placement stability: Prioritise reducing placement moves and improving stability for children in care to strengthen protective relationships
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• Strengthen preparation for independence: Invest in comprehensive preparation programs that develop practical life skills and emotional readiness for independent living
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• Extend support beyond 18: Expand programmes such as Staying Put to provide continued housing stability and support for young people transitioning to adulthood
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• Build lifelong connections: Implement Lifelong Links-style interventions to help young people in care develop and maintain supportive relationships that can provide safety nets
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• Address structural barriers: Tackle housing affordability and availability issues that particularly affect vulnerable young people without family support
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• Targeted homelessness services: Develop specialised homelessness services that understand the unique needs and trauma experiences of care-experienced young people
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• Cross-departmental coordination: Ensure children's services and housing departments work together to prevent homelessness among care leavers rather than responding after it occurs

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