Landmark judgment on support for homeless teens

The Law Lords found that London Borough of Southwark had failed to follow the law in dealing with the teenager's plight, after he was evicted from his family home.

Instead of offering a care plan until the age of 21 and support from the children's services department, he was dealt with through the housing department, which was only able to deal with his accommodation issues.

The Law Lords ruled that this was in contravention of the 1989 Children's Act and that he should have been given a full assessment of his needs and support with employment, health, education and finance, as well as accommodation.

Oliver Studdert, the teenager's solicitor, said the decision was a landmark as it clearly spelled out to local authorities that they have a responsibility of care for 16- and 17-year-olds beyond simply offering accommodation.

He said: "The majority of 16- and 17-year-olds who require accommodation have needs beyond housing. Some may come from homes to which they cannot return because of irreconcilable differences and others have experienced violence or abuse, or are unaccompanied minors seeking asylum with no support and nowhere to go.

"This judgment is a huge step forward for children's rights and requires a fundamental rethink by local authorities of the level of support they offer these vulnerable individuals."