Threat of being kicked out of home
If you are under 18 years of age and you are unhappy at home or at risk of being kicked out of home, it is important that you talk to someone who can provide you with confidential and impartial support about the concerns and questions you may have. Many young people find relationships with their parents or carers at times difficult. In the majority of cases your health and well-being is best placed, through help and support, by living at home – although it may not always seem that way! If you decide to leave home you won't be legally entitled to a tenancy until you turn 18, so you're likely to have major problems finding a place to live. It can also disrupt your education or learning potential.
Homeless or have been asked to leave home?
Many people think you have to be living on the streets to be homeless but if you are staying somewhere where you have no legal right to live, such as a friend’s house or you are living somewhere where you are not safe then you are homeless. If you are 16-17 and homeless or have been asked to leave home you should contact your local council’s Children’s Social Care or Housing Unit. You will be asked about your housing situation and the officer will assess your situation. They may talk to your family to see if you can go back home, but cannot make you go if it is not safe. The council won’t provide you with a flat, house or bedsit but should arrange a safe place for you to stay in the meantime. The council will assess if you are a ‘child in need’, a legal term which defines whether you require additional services in order to keep up a reasonable standard of health or development. As a ‘child in need’Children’s Social Care are responsible for finding you somewhere to live, paying for it and giving you other support such as with your education or training. Read the Shelter leaflet Know Your Rights for more information.
Leaving home at 18 and beyond
Leaving home can be both a scary and exciting period in your life. The key to avoiding future problems is careful preparation. Talk to your parents or carers about why you want to leave home. They may be able to support you in different ways such as with finance, support choosing suitable accommodation, providing assistance when moving and lending a hand to get together everything you will need to live sufficiently on your own. You may want to rent, on your own or with friends, or save up a deposit for a mortgage.
Considerations before leaving home
Starting out on your own will mean it is important that you keep in control of your finances. You will need to manage your money carefully and plan ahead so you have the income to cover all the bills and the cost of living. It’s also a good idea to understand the benefits and potential pitfalls of credit as, if not managed correctly, you could end up getting into debt.
Who you can talk to?
If you are having difficulties or concerns at home speak confidentially to a Connexions Personal Adviser at your school or local Connexions Centre. The adviser will listen to your concerns and any questions you may have, providing you with the support and impartial advice you need. If required a Personal Adviser can put you in touch with more targeted teams or other organisations who can better support you. There is also ChildLine (0800 1111), Samaritans (08457 90 90 90), Connexions Direct (080 800 13 2 19) and family mediation services you can contact.
Help Lines
- Connexions Direct – 080 800 13 2 19
- Shelter – 0808 800 4444
- ChildLine – 0800 1111
- Samaritans – 08457 90 90 90
- National Domestic Violence – 0808 2000 247
If you are in danger of violence or abuse then you must get help immediately by dialling 999 for the police.
Useful websites
Shelter
The housing and homelessness charity. Provides in depth information on domestic abuse, living with parents, getting a place, been in care and a leaflet on homeless - how and when the council has to help you.
Colchester Youth Enquiry Service (YES)
A charity that helps support young people between the ages of 11 and 25. Provides help with homelessness, housing and family mediation.
Catch 22
A national charity that works with young people who find themselves in difficult situations.
Citizens Advice Bureau
The Citizens Advice service helps people resolve their legal, money and other problems by providing free information and advice, and by influencing policy makers.
Leaving Care
National advice, support and development service for young people in and from care who are aged 13-25.
Centrepoint
Helping homeless and socially excluded young people to rebuild their lives.
Foyer
UK Foyer Federation provides accommodation for disadvantaged young.
Last updated: 10/05/11