Homeless and under 18

Last Updated: 3 April 2024

There are certain procedures to follow if you find that you are homeless or face homelessness and you are under 18.

16/17 year old

If a young person identifies themselves to an organisation other than to Children's Services and it appears that they are homeless that day, then the organisation to which they have made themselves known will have a discussion with them. If there are no safeguarding issues, the organisation will contact the young person's parents/guardians and mediate to encourage them to remain in the family home. If this is unsuccessful, a single referral will be made to Children's Services to carry out an assessment.

If a young person is homeless that night and cannot stay with the wider family or friends, the organisation will make a referral to 'Nightstop' (Westmorland and Furness Council commissioned service) or contact us for placement in our hostel. We will then contact the Children's Services Emergency Duty Team at Westmorland and Furness Council to carry out an assessment.

Under 16

Technically, you are not allowed to leave home before you are 16, but if living at home is unbearable you can get help. Children's Services has a duty to help you, so give them a call. Childline can also offer some moral support.

Leaving care

If you are leaving care your social worker will be able to work out a pathways plan which will tell you what support you are going to get.

For further advice contact the Housing Options team using the details below, the same telephone number applies for out of hours calls.