Housing advice if you are 16 or 17
I’m at risk of being homeless
If you think you might have nowhere to live, call the Single Point of Advice (SPOA). They can help you speak to a social worker from Children’s Services.
- Telephone: 01323 464222
SPOA is open Monday to Thursday, 8.30 am to 5 pm, and Friday, 8.30 am to 4.30 pm.
What you tell us will be confidential. We will only share it if we think you are at risk or in danger.
Emergency help
If you cannot go home and it is the weekend or nighttime, try to stay with a friend or family member.
If there is an emergency, you can call the East Sussex Emergency Duty Service:
- Telephone: 01273 335 905
A social worker will call you back and tell you what to do next.
Sorting things out with your parents
When you contact Children’s Services, we will try to help you talk things through with your parents. This is called mediation. It can help when things are difficult at home.
Living with other family members
If you cannot go home, we might try to help you live with another family member if it is safe.
If you cannot go home or live with family
You might need to decide if you want to be "looked after" by Children’s Services or not. If you are looked after, you will get lots of help and support, but you do not have to choose this. You can still get help from us.
What if I choose to be looked after?
You will get a social worker to help and support you.
You will make a “Pathway plan” together. This plan will help you:
- find somewhere to live
- get help for your mental health or school
- get other support, like the Substance Misuse Team
Will I get benefits?
You will not get benefits if you are looked after, unless you are:
- a young parent
- have a disability or are unwell
Children’s Services will give you money for what you need.
You will not get Housing Benefit until you are 18, even if you are:
- a single parent
- have a disability or are unwell
- living in supported accommodation
- living in semi-independent accommodation (in special cases)
Where will I live if I choose to be looked after?
We will find you somewhere safe to live. This could be:
- with a foster carer
- with a supported lodgings provider
- in supported accommodation
- in semi-independent accommodation (in special cases)
What if I choose not to be looked after?
You will still get support. You will get a social worker who will help you make a support plan.
This plan will include:
- finding somewhere to live
- help with applying for benefits
- help to get other services, like the Substance Misuse Team
Where will I live if I choose not to be looked after?
We will find you a place to live that suits your needs. This could be:
- with a supported lodgings provider
- in supported accommodation
- in semi-independent accommodation (in special cases)