Shared Health Foundation have released a report, titled ‘Children Living in Temporary Accommodation: An Absolute Scandal’, exposing thirteen violations of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) caused to homeless children.
The temporary accommodation crisis unfolding across the country is ensuring that increasing numbers of families are being placed in unsuitable accommodation that is likely to be out of their local authority area and away from support networks. As a result, the impacts to a child’s wellbeing are far-reaching, impacting every aspect of their life. This report highlights the realities of living in temporary accommodation for families, particularly in relation to the detrimental effects on children’s health and education.
With the Government’s cross-departmental homelessness and child poverty strategies being formed, the 165,510 children trapped in the temporary accommodation crisis should be at the forefront of policymaker’s agendas. The cyclical nature of homelessness means these children are at an increased risk of experiencing it again as adults so it is vital that we take measures to prevent this. The Government’s strategy for ending homelessness starts with children.
Thank you to everyone who attended the parliamentary launch of our report. It was encouraging to see a room full of advocates passionate about ending child homelessness.
