Young People and Family Breakdown
One of the most common routes into youth homelessness in the UK is family breakdown — when a young person is asked to leave, or feels that they have no choice but to leave, the family home. This can happen for many reasons: parental conflict, abuse, disagreements about identity or lifestyle, a parent’s own housing instability, or simply an inability to cope. Whatever the cause, the consequences can be devastating.
What Happens Immediately After?
When a young person first leaves or is evicted from the family home, their immediate response is typically to stay with friends or other family members — so-called “sofa surfing.” This provides temporary shelter but is inherently unstable and may not last long. Without intervention, sofa surfing often transitions into more severe forms of homelessness, including sleeping rough.
Legal Protections for Young People
Young people aged 16 and 17 have specific legal protections in England. Local councils have a duty to provide accommodation for 16 and 17-year-olds who are homeless, assessed as being in need, and do not have parents or carers willing and able to accommodate them. However, accessing this support is not always straightforward, and many young people are unaware of their rights.
The Risks of Youth Homelessness
Young people experiencing homelessness are particularly vulnerable to exploitation, including sexual exploitation and criminal exploitation. Without stable housing, they may be forced to make dangerous compromises to secure shelter. The risk of substance misuse, mental health crises, and involvement in criminal activity all increase significantly.
Support in Brighton
Brighton has several services specifically designed for young homeless people. Seaside CIC provides support for vulnerable young people, and organisations such as the YMCA East Surrey, Oasis, and Brighton and Hove City Council’s Children’s Services all play a role. Early intervention is key — reaching young people before their situation becomes critical.
Seaside CIC supports young people facing homelessness in Brighton. Contact us today for help and advice.
