No evictions, no moves for families to reduce childhood homelessness, says report
16 October, 2009
The Does camping count? report highlights children's experience of homelessness and significant recommendations to reduce the impact of homelessness on children. Hon Richard Wynne MP, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Aboriginal Affairs, at Richmond Town Hall, 333 Bridge Road, Richmond, will launch this report on Friday 16 October 2009, at 11 a.m.
Download report 2Mb
“By speaking with children we have identified the alarming social, educational, health and family impacts experienced by homeless children”, said Dr Maggie Kirkman, of Key Centre for Women's Health in Society at the University of Melbourne.
Australian Census data shows an increase of 17% in the number of homeless families, with 21,400 children with their families in Victoria accessing Supported Accommodation and Assistance Program in 2006/07. Almost half of these children were four years and younger and one quarter were nine years or younger.
Families experiencing homelessness are currently subject to multiple moves. Children participating in this research reported having moved between three and 11 times, which has included hotels or motels, other varieties of emergency accommodation, refuges, sleeping rough or in cars, rooming or boarding houses, and caravan parks.
“This report offers an understanding of what home means for these children. Home is a place where significant family members live, is comfortable and safe. It is vital that we provide families and children experiencing homelessness with appropriate, safe and affordable accommodation where they can remain connected to their extended family, friends, community and school,” said Janet Jukes from The Salvation Army.
“This report outlines a set of key recommendations, primarily that no family should experience eviction or be asked to move on, and that greater coordination across Government and agencies is needed to assist stability, reduce impact and harm and ultimately reduce the number of homeless people,” said Ms Jukes.
“Finding any house is not a solution, we need to provide children experiencing homelessness with a home,” said Dr Kirkman.
Interview opportunities available with:
- Janet Jukes, Social Programme and Policy Unit, The Salvation Army
- Dr Maggie Kirkman senior author on the report, Key Centre for Women's Health in Society University of Melbourne
- Parents of families that have experienced homelessness
Report Launch
Where: Richmond Town Hall – 333 Bridge Road, Richmond
When: 11 a.m.
Download "Does camping count?" report 2Mb
Amity Cartwright on (03) 8878 2407 or 0418 585 970 – The Salvation Army
Rebecca Scott on 0417 164 791 – University of Melbourne
