Judge calls on councils to review support for homeless teenagers

Councils are being urged to improve their support for homeless teenagers, following a damning Court of Appeal judgment against Lambeth Council.

The Court of Appeal ruled that the council failed to meet its legal obligations through the Children Act to support a homeless teenage boy, known as TG.

The judgment said that 16- and 17-year-olds need to be assessed by social workers rather than housing officers. Also, housing and social services departments need to ensure they have a joint protocol in place for dealing with homeless teenagers.

In his judgment, Lord Justice Wilson said the case should “serve to advertise the need for all local authorities to take urgent steps to remedy any such failure”.

The Court of Appeal’s decision has been welcomed by Shelter, which was involved in TG’s case.

Campbell Robb, the charity’s chief executive, said: “This judgement confirms once again the clear legal duty councils have to ensure that joint protocols are in place to properly assess homeless teenagers.
 
“Unfortunately, many councils have still not put these procedures in place, meaning that a vulnerable homeless child was denied the proper care and support he needed and was entitled to.”