Discover how Welcare’s Ofsted-registered, child-centered therapies and supported living services offer homeless children aged 16–17 the advocacy they deserve.
The Urgent Need for Better Advocacy
At Welcare, an Ofsted-registered organization focused on child-centered care, we’re acutely aware of the challenges homeless children face—especially those aged 16 and 17. A recent report from Ofsted (published 25 February 2025) highlights alarming gaps in advocacy, information, and support for this vulnerable group.
In this blog post, we’ll explore Ofsted’s findings and show how Welcare’s trauma-informed and holistic approach (including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Equine Therapy, and Pet Therapy) can help fill these gaps. Our goal is to ensure each homeless teenager gets the guidance, care, and housing they need to move toward a brighter future.
Ofsted’s Findings on Homeless 16–17-Year-Olds
- Limited Advocacy
Only 9% of homeless 16–17-year-olds reported having an advocate, leaving many in the dark about looked-after child status under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989. - Resource Pressures
Local authorities frequently operate under budget constraints and staff shortages, influencing how they handle homeless 16–17-year-olds. - Inadequate Temporary Housing
Bed-and-breakfasts and hostels, both generally ill-suited to vulnerable teens, are still used in some emergency situations. - Underutilized Looked-After Care
Although statutory guidance favors Section 20 for homeless 16–17-year-olds, only around 40% benefit from it, missing out on stable housing and consistent oversight.
Meeting the Needs of Homeless 16–17-Year-Olds: Welcare’s Approach
Welcare focuses on providing homeless 16–17-year-olds with the information and resources they need to make sound decisions:
Accessible Information
We outline differences among Section 20 (looked-after child), Section 17 (child in need), and housing support under the Housing Act.Independent Advocacy
Advocates safeguard teens’ interests, helping them navigate local authorities and ensuring they understand the benefits and drawbacks of each option.Supported Living
Beyond basic housing, our staff offers life-skills training, mentoring, and emotional support for long-term growth.
Therapeutic Services for Homeless 16–17-Year-Olds
Many homeless 16–17-year-olds have experienced trauma that affects their emotional well-being. Our child-centered offerings include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Fosters more positive thinking patterns, helping teens manage stress and build resilience.Equine Therapy
Encourages trust, empathy, and communication skills through guided interactions with horses.Pet Therapy
Promotes emotional healing and responsibility via supervised engagement with animals.
By addressing these underlying challenges, we aim to equip homeless teens with the tools they need for a stable future.
Action Steps Inspired by Ofsted’s Recommendations
- Boost Independent Advocacy
Our advocates help homeless 16–17-year-olds understand the lasting advantages of looked-after care and how to secure the best support possible. - Lower the Use of Unsafe Housing
We partner with local authorities to provide regulated and appropriate housing options, preventing the need to rely on less suitable emergency accommodations. - Conduct Ongoing Well-Being Checks
Regular monitoring confirms that each young person’s housing arrangement remains suitable and safe over time. - Offer Continued Support
We maintain contact with teens after initial placement, providing therapy, life-skills education, and emotional guidance. - Collaborate to Improve Data
Welcare works alongside partner organizations to refine methods, share best practices, and gather insights that shape future care for homeless 16–17-year-olds.
How to Help Homeless 16–17-Year-Olds
- Donate: Funding supports our advocacy initiatives and keeps therapy programs accessible.
- Volunteer: Mentors and skill-building workshop leaders are always needed.
- Share Awareness: Use social media to highlight challenges faced by homeless 16–17-year-olds.
- Partner with Us: Working with community organizations and local councils expands our capacity to support vulnerable teens.
Conclusion
Homeless 16–17-year-olds stand at a pivotal crossroads, and it takes tailored support to ensure they transition into adulthood successfully. As shown by Ofsted’s latest research, independent advocacy and safe living environments are vital to changing outcomes for these teenagers. Through Welcare’s focus on therapeutic care, supported living, and comprehensive guidance, we aim to provide the transformative support they need to move forward with confidence.
