Ask the Experts: Young homeless people

I have started to work in a homeless project in central London. A large number of the young people there have been in care and have had bad advice from social workers and families. It is frustrating that they are not helped and I have suggested that we are trained in relevant issues.

Young people in care are particularly vulnerable and often invisible, so slipping into homelessness is sometimes the only option. I am a trustee of Voice, a national advocacy charity that works with young people in care and in the secure estate. It never ceases to amaze me how young people are failed by families and services – ranging from poor contact and communication with support workers, to the lack of help in making the transition to independence.

Advocacy provides independent support for young people and will help them take control, make decisions and gain access to what they are entitled to. Voice has a team of expert advocates as well as a specialist helpline. Direct your colleagues and young people to the website www.voiceyp.org where you will find the information you need to move forward with your client group.

Answered by Tracie Trimmer-Platman, senior lecturer in youth and community work at the University of East London