Youth and children homelessness: facts and statistics
How many young people are experiencing homelessness?
At the time of the 2021 Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Census, nearly a quarter (23 per cent) of all people experiencing homelessness were aged 18 years and under.
Rates of homelessness were also high for the children and youth age categories (2021, ABS Census).
- The highest rates of homelessness per 10,000 people in 2021 were for the 19-24 age group at 91 people per 10,000
- The under 12 age group increased to 48 people experiencing homelessness per 10,000 in 2021, up from 45 in 2016
Accurate statistics can be challenging to confirm for youth who are experiencing homelessness as many young people may be staying temporarily with other households – sometimes known as ‘couch surfing’. It often refers to a young person sleeping at different friends’ houses every few nights because their home is unsafe or unstable. On Census night, this may mean they were able to provide a home address, even though they may not be permanently living there. When it comes to ‘couch surfing’, often the host family isn’t even aware that the young person is unable to go home.
Youth homelessness statistics – people seeking support
Of all people seeking support from Specialist Homelessness Services in 2021-22, 28 per cent were under 18. This includes children presenting as part of a family and young people presenting alone.
On any given day, across Australia in 2022, Specialist Homelessness Services were supporting over 18,900 children in families. Families with children may be sleeping in cars or temporarily with friends or family – in what could be classed as a 'severely’ crowded dwelling.
Statistics from Specialist Homelessness Services show over 11,300 young people presented on their own for support at various services across Australia, on any given day in 2022. Across 2021–2022 (as some would present on multiple days), 39,300 young people presented alone.
Source: AIHW, Young people presenting alone, 2021-22
Support provided by Specialist Homelessness Services helps to address young people’s immediate, medium-term and long-term needs. This includes emergency accommodation, assistance with tenancy advocacy and material aid (essentials such as food vouchers). The services also help young people with meeting their life goals. Many request — and receive — support with life skills, education, or employment.
Cost of youth homelessness
Youth homelessness has an overwhelming impact on young people’s mental health. Of those presenting alone to Specialist Homelessness Services in 2021-22, 48 per cent had a mental health issue. If mental health conditions are unsupported, they may severely impact a young person’s ability to participate in further education or training, successfully hold a job, live independently and confidently, and otherwise engage in society.
A report released in 2016, The Cost of Youth Homelessness in Australia, showed the average cost of health services per year for youth experiencing homelessness to be four times higher than the average for the general population ($8505 per person per annum compared to $2271 per person per annum). This includes overnight stays in mental health facilities, general practitioner visits, specialists, emergency department visits, ambulance services, and rehabilitation facilities for alcohol and other drugs.
The Cost of Youth Homelessness in Australia report also shows that health and justice services provided to youth experiencing long-term unemployment cost $120 million per year. This is significantly less than the cost for youth experiencing homelessness — $747 million per year. Providing support early — before a young person experiences homelessness — has an economic benefit for Australia, and an immense benefit to the young person’s wellbeing.
Supporting young people experiencing homelessness
The Salvation Army has tailored services throughout Australia to support youth at risk of and experiencing homelessness.
We support young people with living skills, personal development skills, educational assistance, support with gaining a driver licence, employment assistance and job training assistance. By providing these services, young people at risk of homelessness are more resilient to avoiding it, or for those who experience homelessness, these skills reduce recurrence once they’re in a stable home.
Salvation Army statistics show that in 2021-22, The Salvation Army provided:
- More than 50,000 nights of accommodation to young people who were at risk of or experienced homelessness
- More than 86,000 sessions of care to young people
- Assistance to more than 4000 young Australians through youth services programs
