Case Study- Young People Coming Out Of Homelessness

Question 1

Importance of getting young people out of homelessness.

Answer 1

If prevented helps to break the family cycle of homelessness and poverty.
We need to ensure there is better provision for services and to support people on the threshold of poverty.
If they are not given correct help they may remain homeless for long-term.

Question 2

Why are they most vulnerable (5)

Answer 2

1. Reduced rate of social welfare (18-24 = €102.70)
2. Single parents - extra expenses. Lack of support - 22% of the homeless under 24 account for this.
3. Coming out of care.
4. Lack of networking family support.
5. No adequate skills to progress into adulthood.

Question 3

Governments response:

Answer 3

Policies are currently inadequate.
Problems are long term and not dealt with.
Spending on homelessness was cut by 72% between 2008 & 2012(€1.3bn to €390m), but short term measures like rent supplement levels, rising rents and reduced welfare rates for under 25’s have not yet been tackled and are pivitol in overcoming homelessness.