Young and homeless: an evaluation of a resettlement service on Merseyside

Abstract

AbstractThe concept of resettlement of homeless people has become an important idea among homelessness practitioners. The principles of resettlement involve assisting homeless people to live independently providing appropriate levels of support in order to do this. For young homeless people this type of support is considered particularly important to be able to overcome social exclusion. This paper examines the perceptions and experiences surrounding resettlement of young homeless people, hostel support workers and resettlement staff in a hostel for young people in Merseyside. The paper suggests that while resettlement represents a positive step towards overcoming homelessness, certain working practices are needed to ensure the best outcomes. These include team working between hostel and resettlement staff and offering easy access to services for young people. The paper also suggests that improvements to certain housing and social security legislation may improve the pathway through homelessness as experienced by certain young people.