YCW Investigates: Homelessness

Jack came into contact with Christian youth charity XLP when he was just 14. His relationship with his mum had broken down to the extent where he wasn’t allowed back into the house. He slept at friends’ houses but had no long-term solution. After his mum refused to engage, staff at XLP made an emergency referral but social services wouldn’t intervene. As a last resort they had to leave Jack at a police station for officers to contact social services which resulted in emergency accommodation for one night being secured for Jack. The following day social services still refused to help and encouraged Jack to reconnect with his mum. When she refused, XLP staff escalated the situation and contacted chief police officers and the head of the social service department, as well as speaking to local churches that might have influence. Consequently, social services finally arranged a meeting, which Jack’s mum attended, and the result was that his mum’s ex-partner agreed to house Jack long term. This meant he had to move to a new home over two hours away to live in an area with limited friends and support. XLP is still in touch with Jack, trying to be a constant during a time of incredibly difficult change.