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Charities question councils' treatment of teenagers presenting as homeless

3 mins read Social Care Children's Services
Children’s charity leaders have raised concerns over reports that children treated as homeless by local authorities rather than as in need of care are not being offered adequate information about their entitlements.
Children's charities want more support for homeless teenagers. Picture: Adobe Stock/ Ирина Трухина.
Children's charities want more support for homeless teenagers. Picture: Adobe Stock/ Ирина Трухина.

A Freedom of Information request by the BBC sent to all London councils revealed figures for the number of councils who accommodated 16-and 17-year-olds under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989 were low or incomplete.

Homeless children getting in touch with their local authority were reported to be "misled and unsure" when making decisions regarding their accommodation and wellbeing, with some being placed under Section 17 of the act which means they are not classed as looked after.

Earlier this year, a teenager took Lambeth Council to court after being placed in hostel arguing that the local authority failed to provide her with appropriate accommodation under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989.

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