A recent report by the Coram Institute for Children charity has shone a light on councils' failure to provide suitable housing for homeless 16- and 17-year-olds.
Coram's December 2024 report, 'The Door Is Still Closed', finds that these children are being treated like adults and placed in temporary accommodation such as bed and breakfasts and hostels – despite being entitled to be taken into care.
Councils are illegally using this as a delay tactic, known as “waiting out the clock”, until children turn 18, Coram finds.
The report states: “Statutory guidance and case law are clear that homeless 16- and 17-year-olds should receive a child in need assessment under section 17 of the Children Act 1989 and subsequently if found in need, owed a duty to be housed under section 20 of the same act.
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