Homeless under-16s unprotected by government policy

The report, which surveyed more than 100 children and young people living on the streets, found that more than two-thirds children experienced violence and mental health issues.

All the young respondents reported using drugs and alcohol to varying degrees. Some used cannabis, ecstasy and cocaine from the age of nine and heroin from the age of 12.

Almost one in 10 experienced sexual abuse while still living at home and almost all young respondents were either excluded from school or left before the age of 16.

Emilie Smeaton, author of the report and national research and strategy manager at Railway Children, said there was a particular group of children and young people living on the streets who are left unprotected by current policy and practice. She said they are not necessarily runaways as they may not been reported as missing, and would not be offically classed as homeless as they are under 16.

"Those missed or failed by service providers resort to dangerous survival strategies on the streets and are at risk of harm and exploitation from others. Cut off from support, they all too quickly become socially excluded, both as a child and into adulthood," she said.

The charity is calling on local authorities to invest more in early intervention services to support children at risk of running away from home.

It also wants the government to fund informal drop-in centres for children and young people, providing shelter, food and additional support.