Housing advice if you are under 16
I’m under 16 and I want to leave home – where can I go for help?
If you are experiencing difficulties at home or arguing with your family, it can be a frightening time. This can become much worse if you are worried that you will have to leave and face the risk of becoming homeless.
Whatever your situation is, you can get help from the Children’s Services team at East Sussex County Council.
If you are at risk of becoming homeless, phone the Single Point of Advice (SPOA). Tell them that you are under 16 and at risk of becoming homeless. They will put you in touch with a social worker from Children’s Services who will be able to help you.
- Telephone: 01323 464222
What you tell us will be confidential. We will only pass it on if we think you are in danger.
I’m already homeless – what can I do?
It’s not too late to see someone for help. Contact SPOA using the details above and they will give you support and advice.
What help can I expect?
The help you get will depend on your personal situation. Your parents or carers have responsibility for you, so most of the time we will try to help you return home. We will do this by using ‘mediation’. This is where we try and help sort out problems that you have with your parents or carers. We also help make sure that the same problems don’t come back again.
What if I can not resolve the problems with my family?
If we can’t help sort out the problems with your family, or if you are at risk of violence if you do go home, the social worker will carry out an assessment and look at other options. These may include:
- living with a foster family on a temporary or longer term basis
- having a ‘family group conference.' This brings together parents, extended family and significant others. It aims to find a solution to stop you becoming homeless.
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