Asylum Seekers, Refugees and Homeless Young People

Abstract

For both young asylum seekers and homeless young people, the common theme is that they have lost their home. It may be, particularly in the case of young homeless people or those originating from countries experiencing long-running violent conflict, that they never had anywhere that was stable, warm and loving to call home. Asylum seekers can be defined as people who have moved to a country to seek asylum. A refugee is someone who has arrived in another country, sought asylum and been granted either a fixed or indefinite period of leave to remain. Definitions of homeless vary considerably, but include having no security of tenure in rented accommodation, living in bed and breakfast housing, hostels or refuge houses for people fleeing from domestic violence. In working with both asylum seeking and homeless children and young people, the most important factor is to build trust by being caring and honest. Professionals should seek to understand mental health issues in the context of the young person’s whole life and not in isolation.