Reducing Youth Homelessness: advice from young people on how to reduce homelessness in Tasmania

This report captures the ‘lived experience’ of young Tasmanians who have cycled in and out of the homelessness system. The research found that most of the young people who had experienced homelessness have had involvement with the child protection or youth justice systems. The needs of young people requiring intensive support are not being met by the more transitional or emergency shelters, and the preference for most young people is to remain at home even though they know the family situation is difficult. Anglicare recommendations include a preventative and integrated family support program based on known service gaps, as well as a suite of out-of-home care options so that therapeutic long term accommodation is a first choice not an ‘end of the road’ option for vulnerable young Tasmanians.