ABSTRACT
Catherine Mann, Research and Evaluation Coordinator, Brisbane Youth Service
While education is known to be a critical factor in breaking cycles of homelessness for young people, new evidence from young people accessing Brisbane Youth Service paints an unexpected picture of homelessness and school attendance.
In 2020-21, 1,277 young people in Brisbane presented to Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) with 389 aged 15 to 17 years and 888 aged 18 to 24 years. Homelessness intersects with a range of other challenges in young people’s lives including exposure to violence, financial disadvantage, mental illness, substance use, overall health/wellbeing, and disengagement from education and employment. Young people experiencing homelessness find it exceedingly difficult to remain engaged in education and are at higher risk of leaving school early compared to their peers.