Experiencing homelessness is not only destabilising – it is traumatic.
It compounds existing mental wellbeing challenges and introduces new risks that can affect every aspect of a child or young person’s life.
“Experiencing homelessness contributes to significant safety concerns and can increase risk of anxiety, depression, psychological distress, exacerbation of existing mental health issues, post-traumatic stress disorder, self-harming behaviours, suicidal ideation and extreme loneliness,” says Michelle Ackerman, our Head of Youth Support Services (YSS).
These risks are even more pronounced for children and young people who identify as First Nations, LGBTQIA+, culturally and linguistically diverse or who live with disability.
“Couch surfing – the most common form of homelessness experienced by unaccompanied children and young people – increases their risk of sexual and physical violence, financial exploitation and isolation from positive relationships and activities,” says Michelle.
Even short-term experiences of homelessness can have lifelong consequences.
“We see exacerbation of existing health conditions due to reduced access to medications and appropriate health supports,” says Michelle.
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Mental ill-health is not only a consequence of homelessness – it can also be a cause.
“Evidence indicates a cyclical relationship between mental health concerns and experiences of homelessness for unaccompanied children and young people,” Michelle explains.
“Mental health concerns are a significant risk factor for experiencing homelessness and homelessness compounds experiences of trauma and mental health concerns.”
Last year, half of the children and young people accessing our Inner West Youth Homelessness Services (IWYHS) had a diagnosed mental health concern, yet only 21 per cent were receiving support for their diagnosis.
“This data only represents those who’ve accessed health services and received an official diagnosis,” Michelle notes. “Anecdotally, we know a higher proportion are experiencing mental health concerns but haven’t accessed appropriate services.”
Last year, half of the children and young people accessing our Inner West Youth Homelessness Services (IWYHS) had a diagnosed mental health concern.
In response to this, our YSS teams embed trauma-informed care (TIC) across their work.
“In YSS, we prioritise a deeply relational approach when working with children and young people affected by trauma,” says Britt Heard, YSS Senior Manager.
“Our teams focus on building trust, safety and genuine connection as a matter of priority, which the research shows is the most critical component of TIC.”
Staff training is central to this approach, with YSS staff being trained in evidence-based approaches, including Therapeutic Crisis Intervention and Attachment Theory.
“Without trauma-informed care, we risk re-traumatising young people and losing their engagement with much-needed supports,” says Britt.
“A trauma-informed care approach leads to better outcomes: improved wellbeing, reduced psychological distress and greater stability in housing, education and employment.”
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Michelle adds that addressing mental health within homelessness services is critical.
“Unaddressed mental health concerns can lead to crisis and increase risk factors across several life domains,” she says.
“It reduces young people’s ability to address other underlying concerns, move towards a recovery pathway and build capacity,” says Michelle.
Our youth services play a vital role in bridging the gap left by overwhelmed clinical systems.
“While we have strong relationships with key mental health services, the reality is we’re dealing with an increasing mental health crisis,” Michelle says. “Mental health services cannot meet demand and wait times continue to increase.”
Many young people fall into the “missing middle”, when their needs are too complex for low-intensity services but not acute enough for emergency care.
“These young people often wait long periods to access free clinical psychological support and they are repeat attendees at emergency departments due to mental health crises,” says Michelle.
“YSS provides consistent care, helping young people access specialist support, develop positive coping strategies, strengthen emotional resilience and engage in recovery-focused activities.”
This trauma-informed approach is essential in supporting the self-determination and empowerment of children and young people.
Supporting mental wellbeing is not just a component of our youth homelessness services; it’s essential to breaking the cycle and helping children and young people reclaim stability, safety and hope.
