Evaluation of homelessness services to young people in the secure estate

The aim of the evaluation is to understand the early impacts of the legislation on those young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness as they approach their release.

Main findings

• There are low numbers of young people in the secure estate and even lower numbers being released with housing issues in Wales.
• There is limited awareness of the pathway among stakeholders, in part due to limited applicability.
• Generally, the pathway is being implemented as envisaged. However, some young people did not feel they were involved with or kept informed of accommodation planning.
• Supported accommodation and mediation were the two principal ‘reasonable steps’ considered by local authority housing departments for dealing with young people in custody threatened with homelessness.
• The Pathway aims to avoid the use of bed and breakfast accommodation in line with Welsh Government policy. However, respondents indicate that bed and breakfast accommodation is still being used.
• There is a need for more supported accommodation, specifically wrap-around specialist support.
• Main impact was felt to be the development of close relationships between partners.