The NSW Ombudsman’s report on children presenting to specialist homelessness services has found 2,379 children presented to refuges unaccompanied in 2021-22.
This number has not declined over the past three years and only 45% of the 1,072 who needed accommodation received it.
Homelessness NSW CEO Trina Jones said: “These shocking figures show the NSW Government and its child protection system is failing its duty of care to young people.
“The thousands of children turning up to refuges on their own are some of the most vulnerable people in our society and need the right support.
“Homelessness services have been stepping up to provide them with a safe home or reconnect them with family, all without the appropriate funding to provide this safety net.
“As a minimum, the Government should urgently lift funding for specialist homelessness services, including those that specialise in youth assistance.”
Contact details:
Charlie Moore: 0452 606 171