In 2021, many lives globally, including those of young people in Australia, were disrupted by the extensive impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this report is to bring these young people’s experiences to light, by drawing on quantitative data to show the prevalence of first-time youth homelessness during the COVID-19 period.

This scoping report draws attention to youth homelessness in Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa New Zealand, and has been prepared for Manaaki Rangatahi ki Tāmaki Makaurau Youth Homelessness Collective.

The NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) commissioned Taylor Fry to prepare this report, with support from stakeholder agencies. It presents a detailed investigation into what happens to people before, during and after homelessness.

Melbourne City Mission commissioned this research to develop recommendations for service and policy responses for young people experiencing family violence that recognises the distinct needs of adolescents and young people, and the ways in which they are more likely to engage and respond to services.

This report presents the research findings for the project 'Towards a Youth Homelessness Strategy for Victoria' by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute for Melbourne City Mission.