Thousands of children seeking homelessness support

NEW data released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that in the period 2023–24, more than 6000 children across NSW without a parent or guardian, sought help from a specialist homelessness service.

More than 80 percent of these children did not receive support.

While it is hard to put a figure on the number of children in similar situations in Coffs Harbour, local homelessness and community service providers say they “jump on it very quickly” to get emergency housing and wrap around support in place.

In addition to those who are without guardianship and housing, there are 894 children across the state who are under state guardianship in some kind of out-of-home care – either supported residential or foster care.

In Coffs Harbour alone, there are 191 children in care.

“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 peak body is heading up the “The Home Time” campaign, an alliance of housing and homelessness organisations calling for a national action plan so children and young people can escape homelessness.

The plan stresses prioritisation of additional housing solutions with wrap around support for 16- to 24-year-olds.

It also calls for removal of the various social housing policy levers that discourage community housing providers from leasing housing to young people.

“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.”

By Leigh WATSON