What steps is the Welsh Government taking to address youth homelessness in Wales?
In 2016 the Welsh Government launched the ‘Welsh Youth Homelessness Positive Pathway’, which sets out a comprehensive approach to helping young people avoid homelessness. We believe this is the best approach to planning local services for young people, and are working to embed this approach across government, in particular in relation to access to mental health services.
The First Minister announced in late 2017 an additional £10 million for 2019/20 specifically to tackle youth homelessness. We have commissioned the Welsh Centre for Public Policy to undertake a review into the causes and prevention of youth homelessness. We are seeking to build on existing knowledge and practice, in Wales and internationally, to inform future policy development.
We are continuing to work with End Youth Homelessness Cymru, who have estimated around 7000 young people fall into the category of hidden homeless.