A House of Lords ruling earlier this year reinforced the duty on councils to provide support as well as accomm-odation to homeless 16- and 17-year-olds under the Children Act 1989.
Last month, CYP Now revealed that the cost of this could be as much as £2.4m a year for local authorities, based on a survey by lobby group London Councils.
In response, homelessness charity Shelter is to publish a briefing document this month for professionals and those advising homeless young people. Crucially, it will examine the ruling's impact on policy and practice.
Landmark ruling
Jo Underwood, a solicitor in Shelter's legal service, says: "It is clear to many that local authority practices of assessing and advising homeless 16- and 17-year-olds vary widely and young people are often passed between housing and social services without proper advice."
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