The research is of major significance in relation to young people's unmet social welfare needs and the difference that getting good advice on issues like homelessness, debt and benefits can make. It indicates that a routine denial of young people's right to the same access to legal advice enjoyed by most adults is hampering government attempts to tackle youth crime, disadvantage, ill-health and social exclusion.
The research was carried out by the Legal Services Research Centre, complemented by evidence from an independent evaluation for Youth Access of successful models of legal advice for young people.
Barbara Rayment, director of Youth Access, said: "This research uncovers shocking levels of unmet need for advice among young people on issues like housing, benefits and employment rights. Too often those with the power and authority to ensure young people's rights are respected - social services, housing departments, employers - fail to protect them."
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