Call for buddies to stop homelessness

Wright called on councils to pair up young people at risk of becoming homeless with a positive role model, to work alongside other approaches such as supported lodgings, as part of a drive to bring down youth homelessness.

"We want to help young people from becoming homeless in the first place," said Wright. "That's why prevention is so important."

The minister was speaking at last week's National Youth Homelessness Conference when he launched the document Strategy in Practice - Joint Work with Housing and Children's Services.

The strategy was put together by the Department for Children, Schools and Families and Department for Communities and Local Government.

It aims to highlight how local authorities can link housing provision with children's services to improve outcomes for young people and children at risk from factors such as violence.

www.cypnow.co.uk/doc.