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HomePeople, health and careChildren and FamiliesYoung person’s guide to being homeless

Young person’s guide to being homeless

A young person friendly guide

If you are 16 or 17 and find yourself homeless or at risk of homelessness, North Lincolnshire Council will act quickly to make sure you are safe and supported. Children’s Services and Housing Services work together from the very first contact to understand what has happened, assess your needs, and make sure you have somewhere safe to stay. As part of our One Family Approach, we believe that most young people do best when they can remain within their family, extended family, or wider support network. Wherever it is safe, we will always explore family‑based options first and offer support or mediation to help repair relationships and prevent homelessness.

If going home isn’t possible and you have nowhere safe to stay, you will not be left without help. A social worker will complete an assessment with you, explain your options clearly, and make sure you receive the right support, whether that’s accommodation through Children’s Services, supported housing, or help to stay with someone you know and trust. Your views will always be listened to, and your safety and wellbeing will remain our priority throughout.

Our promise to you – The One Family Approach

At North Lincolnshire Council, we believe that young people do best when they are safe, supported, and connected to people who care about them. We will always explore safe family and network options first. Your voice matters in every decision. Read our One Family Approach information.

Women talking to a younger woman offering support

Step One: You tell someone

You can contact Housing Advice and Homelessness Prevention, Children’s Services (SPOC), or a trusted professional. If Housing is contacted, they immediately link with Children’s Services to support you as a child in need.
The phone number for Children’s Services is 01724 296500

Step Two: We check you are safe – today

We make sure you have somewhere safe to stay right now. You won’t be left without support, not even for one night.

Step Three: We listen and understand your situation

A social worker talks with you to understand why you can’t stay at home, whether it’s safe to return, what support you need, and what you want to happen next.

Your rights

You have the right to be safe, listened to, informed in a clear way, offered advocacy, and included in decisions about your future.

If you find yourself homeless or about to lose your home

You might feel unsure or worried. If you contact Housing or Children’s Services, we’ll make sure you’re safe and listened to, and you’ll only have to explain your situation once.

Contact

Teenager sat on a sofa talking to her parents

Our First Priority: Rebuilding things at home

We try mediation, relationship support, and exploring wider family or trusted adults. If it’s safe, we would try to help you stay or return home.

If you cannot go home: what happens next?

There are two types of support: Section 20 (you become looked after in care) or Section 17 (support without becoming looked after, in certain situations).

If you are a parent or carer

We aim to keep families together wherever possible and strengthen relationships. You will be included and supported unless this places the young person at risk.

If you are a young parent

We consider your needs and your child’s needs. Supported accommodation may include your partner if appropriate and safe.

If you are from another area

We help immediately and work with your home area afterwards. You won’t be sent away without support.

Related pages

Homeless or at risk of becoming homeless

Children and families