Federal Crossbenchers have joined the call for safe housing and support for children trapped in homelessness.
A group of Federal Parliamentarians has called on the Albanese Government to act urgently on national data showing that children and young people experiencing homelessness are becoming trapped in homelessness and are at significantly increased risk of suicide and death.
New Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data shows that in 2023–24, 4,462 children who presented for help needed medium term housing, but 2,863 did not receive it. Over the same period, 4,435 children needed long term housing, but 3,551 or 80.7 missed out.
Of the 13,300 children who sought help from a specialist homelessness service without a parent or guardian across the country in 2023-24, 1,195 were in South Australia. Across South Australia, 5,263 children received support from homelessness services in 2023-24. This is up on figures in 2021-22 when 5,212 children received support.
"Most children who are homeless without a parent or guardian are fleeing homes where they have experienced violence, abandonment or neglect. They go from danger of one kind into danger of another, " Homelessness Australia CEO Kate Colvin said.
The Home Time campaign, which is an alliance of housing and homelessness organisations, is calling for national action so children and young people can escape homelessness. The plan includes 15,000 dedicated tenancies with support for young people, removal of the youth housing penalty from the social services system, and prioritisation of 16 to 24 year olds in the Housing Australia Future Fund.
"The reality is that there are very few dedicated homes with age-appropriate support for adolescent children and young people. The data reveals the magnitude and urgency of a problem that our current system cannot adequately address. If nothing changes, we will see more children and young people harmed, and dying, as a result," Kate Colvin said.
