This FACSIAR Summary presents the findings from an Evidence Check exploring the effectiveness of programs that support children and young people aged 12-15 years who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

In 2021, the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) contracted researchers from Deakin University and the University of Melbourne to conduct an Evidence Check exploring the effectiveness of programs that support unaccompanied children and young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The Evidence Check, Evidence on programs to address youth homelessness was released in May 2022.

The Evidence Check involved a literature search of peer-refereed systematic reviews and evaluations and published grey literature. Ten programs that met the criteria for inclusion in the review were identified. A further ten programs, some of which are being trialled or implemented in Australia, were included at the request of DCJ. The review found no evidence-based programs focused specifically on homelessness prevention or interventions for unaccompanied homeless youth. However, some family therapy and intensive case management approaches showed positive effects on housing outcomes and relationships for vulnerable children and young people experiencing similar challenges as those accessing specialist homelessness services.