Response to the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into Homelessness

Kids Under Cover was established in 1989 in response to the shocking rates of youth homelessness revealed by the National Inquiry into Youth Homelessness. The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission found a large number of Australian children were being denied their fundamental human rights to receive adequate housing, and to be protected against all forms of neglect, cruelty and exploitation. More than 30 years later, thousands of Australian children and young people are still being denied these rights. 39% of Australia’s homeless population are under 25 years of age.

Once we respond to the unique challenges of youth homelessness and increase funding for prevention, we can take steps towards a community where no young person experiences homelessness. Kids Under Cover recommends the following:

• Recognition of early intervention and prevention as being key to ending youth homelessness, combined with increased funding of prevention programs and services.
• A separate Victorian Government strategy to be developed for youth housing and youth homelessness as they are a distinct cohort with their own needs and challenges.
• Investment in appropriate emergency/short-term accommodation for young people
• The permanent extension of leaving care age from 18 to 21 years old to enable a more successful transition to independent living for young people.

Read Kids Under Cover’s full response to the Inquiry into Homelessness in Victoria here.