Running Away / Homelessness

Running away is my only way out

Before you do it, talk to someone about your options. You can speak to people anonymously and for free by calling ChildLine or the National Missing Persons Runaway Helpline (numbers below). Being homeless is scary, cold and dangerous. Wouldn't you rather find out the alternatives before giving it a go?

Running Away factoid Government street counts estimate there are about 502 people sleeping outside around England on any one night.
Homelessness charity Crisis, 2006

I just can't stay at home

OK, these are your options:

• If you're 16 or 17, homeless and in danger, Social Services have to provide you with accommodation, usually in a hostel sharing with other homeless people.
• If you're under 16 and leave home, your parents are still legally responsible for you. If you're staying with another adult, they can apply for a residence order for you to stay with them if there's a clear reason why you can't return home.
• If you’re under 16 and don’t have another adult to stay with, you need to talk to someone about your options. Remember that by law you've got to go to school, you can't claim benefits and you can't work full-time. Many young people in this situation end up sleeping rough on the streets. So before you do anything, talk to social services or call one of the numbers below.
• There are also services aimed at preventing homelessness, by helping families sort out the reasons why teens want to leave home. So it's worth talking to social services before making any decisions.

Written by Ali Cronin

Last updated 17th June 2007

Further help and advice

• Runaway Helpline
• Centrepoint
• Crisis: info for the homeless.
• Find your nearest Social Care Services
• Or call ChildLine on 0800 1111 (free) or The Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 (cost of a local call) 24/7 to talk about your problems.

Disclaimer: Thee BBC cannot be held responsible for the content of external websites

  Previous article  |  Next article