This report, 'The Door is Still Closed', published by the Coram Institute for Children, finds that local authorities are routinely failing in their legal duties to children aged between 16-17 years old who become homeless, leaving them without the support they are entitled to.
Ten years ago, the study ‘The Door is Closed’, which examined the advocacy case work of Coram Voice, found that children were being allowed to become or remain homeless because local authorities were failing to give them the support they are legally entitled to. ‘The Door is Still Closed’ report finds that little progress has been made in the intervening decade. Examination of legal rulings, case work and published reports shows that all too many homeless 16- and 17-year-olds are still being left unassessed, unsafe and denied the support and security that vulnerable children need.
The report finds seven barriers to children receiving the support they are entitled to and makes a number of important recommendations to ensure homeless 16- and 17-year-olds can access the care and support that they are entitled to.
Download the full report below or view a shorter summary here.