Couch surfing is increasingly being recognised as a form of homelessness in Australia, especially for young people (aged under 25) in outer urban areas, who face additional challenges due to lack of infrastructure, support and services.

This report provides findings from the Mission Australia Youth Survey, showing that poor family functioning and serious mental illness are factors that impact on the risks of homelessness for young people aged 15-19 years living in Australia.

Executive summary According to the 2011 Census, some 44,000 children and young people in Australia are homeless. The reality is worse; many others are ‘hidden homeless’ who are not counted in the official statistics.

The study involved reviewing housing and other policies that affect humanitarian entrants ('refugees'), interviewing service providers, and analysing longitudinal data, including from a specially designed survey of refugees called the Refugees, Housing and Social Inclusion Survey.

The Couch Surfing Secondary Students (CSSS): Yarra Ranges Youth Homelessness Prevention Project has developed out of a research partnership between Anchor Youth Services, the Outer Eastern Local Learning and Employment Network (OELLEN), Swinburne University and the University of Western Australia Centre for Social Impact.