Homelessness and housing instability for 16- and 17-year-olds are recognised as significant safeguarding concerns, increasing the risk of harm outside the home.
In line with Working Together to Safeguard Children (2026), all assessments and planning must take a contextual safeguarding approach, recognising the wider risks young people may face. This includes ensuring that safeguarding responsibilities continue regardless of the accommodation pathway, with effective multi-agency information sharing and risk management in place.
Consideration must include:
- Contextual and extra-familial risks, including exploitation, coercive control and serious youth violence.
- Domestic abuse, including controlling or coercive behaviour within family or intimate relationships.
- Multiple and overlapping harms experienced by young people.
