See what schools have to say about our workshops
For many young people, the challenges that can lead to homelessness have been building for some time. Family breakdown, conflict at home, abuse or neglect, rejection or lack of support, unmet needs, financial pressures and changes in family circumstances can all leave a young person at greater risk.
Long before a young person reaches crisis point, there may be signs that something is wrong. A change in behaviour. Increased anxiety. Reduced attendance. Arriving early or leaving late. Withdrawing from friends or activities.
No single sign tells the whole story. But when someone notices a pattern, listens without making assumptions and knows how to respond, a young person has a better chance of getting help early.
These signs can have many causes, and some may already raise safeguarding concerns. Avoid making assumptions: notice changes, listen to the young person and follow the appropriate safeguarding route. As part of that response, consider whether they have a safe place to stay. Housing risk can be easy to miss when other concerns are more visible.
Family breakdown is the leading cause of youth homelessness in the UK. Behind that term sit many different pressures: money worries, high rents and overcrowded homes; a young person not feeling understood at home; sudden change, bereavement or tension in a blended family; and, for some young people, rejection, abuse or neglect. These pressures rarely arrive one at a time, and they build quietly, often while a young person is still going to school every day.
Some young people carry a far higher risk than others. Care leavers are among the most exposed groups in the UK: analysis of government data by the charity Become found that homelessness among care leavers aged 18–20 rose 37% over five years, with 4,610 care leavers in that age group facing homelessness in 2024/25. Become’s own research shows care leavers are nine times more likely to face homelessness than their peers, often because of the “care cliff”, where support is stripped away overnight when a young person turns 18. Refugee and asylum-seeking young people can also face acute housing risks, particularly when they must move on from accommodation and need help finding a safe place to stay.
Read more about what family breakdown really means
Depaul UK’s education programme helps people recognise the risks of youth homelessness and know what to do next. Alongside safeguarding procedures, our half-day workshop gives education professionals specialist knowledge of housing rights and responsibilities, how homelessness risk can develop, and where young people can access support.
Our student workshops explore the causes of homelessness, healthy relationships, managing conflict and asking for help. Smaller group sessions offer more focused support for young people at greater risk.
When a young person needs further help, Reconnect may offer family mediation where it is safe and appropriate. For a young person in an immediate housing crisis, a local Nightstop service may provide short-term emergency accommodation with a trained and vetted volunteer host.
Depaul UK works with schools and communities in areas where young people may face greater risk to build an understanding of youth homelessness and help young people access support earlier.
In 2025:
Download Depaul UK’s free Spot the Signs toolkit for anyone who supports young people.
The first warning signs of youth homelessness can appear in classrooms, corridors, youth clubs and everyday interactions long before a young person reaches crisis point.
See what schools have to say about our workshops
We help students understand the causes of youth homelessness and make safer choices. We equip staff with practical knowledge of housing rights, homelessness risks and how to access relevant support services, so they can act on concerns alongside their safeguarding procedures.