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Nov 24, 2024

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Script Homelessness in Australia

1. Introduction "When we talk about home, it's more than just four walls and a roof. For many young Australians, it's a luxury they're striving for." The issue of youth homelessness in Australia is a matter of great urgency, since a considerable proportion of young individuals face the challenge of not having access to secure and consistent accommodation. From 2006 to 2016, there was an observed rise in the prevalence of homelessness among those aged 15-24, with the proportion increasing from 0.7% (equivalent to 18,500 young individuals) in 2006 to 0.8% (equivalent to 24,200) in 2016 (AIHW, 2021). Australia is not the only country dealing with this problem; the UK and other nations face comparable difficulties. Nevertheless, it is important to note that the Australian environment introduces distinctive socio-cultural and economic elements that further intensify this particular dilemma. Youth homelessness is a complex issue that can be attributed to a variety of factors, including familial discord, financial difficulties, and systemic inadequacies. The consequences of homelessness are severe, particularly for young individuals who face an increased vulnerability to mental health disorders, substance misuse, and, in certain instances, HIV transmission. To effectively tackle this matter, a comprehensive strategy that incorporates both preventative and rehabilitative approaches is necessary. "Addressing youth homelessness isn't just about shelter; it's about understanding its roots and crafting solutions that last." 2. Critical Evaluation of Youth Homelessness "Diving deeper, we find that youth homelessness isn't just an isolated issue; it's intertwined with broader socioeconomic challenges." The issue of youth homelessness in Australia, as well as on a global scale, is a complex problem that overlaps with a range of socioeconomic concerns. Despite the implementation of substantial legislative measures aimed at addressing housing insecurity among young individuals in Australia, the youth population continues to have a higher susceptibility to homelessness compared to other demographic groups due to their involvement in various housing arrangements. "Despite efforts, our young ones remain vulnerable. But why? Let's unpack the reasons."

2.1 Prevalence and Causes Family Dynamics: A considerable amount of the phenomenon of juvenile homelessness in Australia can be attributed to instances of familial disintegration, which are frequently compounded by incidents of domestic violence or abuse (Robinson et al., 2014). Economic Factors: The role of economic issues is significant in the context of youth homelessness. The escalating expenses associated with daily living, in conjunction with the dearth of reasonably priced housing options in prominent urban centres of Australia, impose significant financial burdens on young adults. The economic vulnerabilities of individuals are further intensified by unemployment or underemployment, so presenting significant obstacles in their ability to attain permanent housing (McNamara, 2015). Diverse Cultural and Linguistic Background: According to a study by (Blackford et al., 2023) housing constitutes a significant socioeconomic factor of health. Inadequate housing, excessive population density, and homelessness subject individuals to health hazards that can amplify the deterioration of their overall quality of life and well-being. This is primarily due to an elevated susceptibility to chronic ailments, dependency on substances such as alcohol and drugs, psychological anguish, and various other mental health complications. Individuals experiencing homelessness often face limited access to essential resources, which can lead to social marginalisation and discriminatory treatment. This assertion holds special validity in the context of migrant and refugee communities residing in Australia, since they frequently encounter a dearth of resources and assistance upon their arrival in the nation. Moreover, these individuals may have encountered a multitude of obstacles both prior to and throughout their migration process. Other complicating elements that should be considered are the lack of visibility of these communities within social and political processes, as well as the limited availability of data that specifically addresses the distinct requirements of culturally and linguistically varied groups. Mental Health and Abuse: According to a study by (Hauff & Secor-Turner, 2014) the absence of appropriate diagnosis and treatment for mental health issues can contribute to the occurrence of homelessness. The presence of substance abuse, be it related to drugs or alcohol, exacerbates the complexity of their circumstances. These characteristics not only contribute to the propensity of young individuals to experience homelessness, but also provide significant obstacles to their successful reintegration into societal or familial frameworks.

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Systematic Issues: The situation is exacerbated by broader systemic flaws, specifically the absence of comprehensive support programmes for youth who are at risk of homelessness. The lack of standardisation and efficiency in the coordination of services offered by non-profit and government organisations frequently results in reduced, delayed, and unequal access to vital resources (Brown et al., 2016). 2.2 Intervention Strategies Housing Initiatives: Ensuring prompt, secure, and enduring housing is of utmost importance. The implementation of the "housing first" strategy, which places emphasis on the provision of long- term housing, has demonstrated encouraging results in tackling the issue of youth homelessness (Elkins et al., 2023). Mental Health Support: Tailored mental health services, encompassing counselling and therapy, have the capacity to effectively address the psychological trauma and many obstacles experienced by homeless youth (Benston, 2015). Counselling and Therapy: Tailored mental health services, encompassing counselling and therapy, have the capacity to effectively address the psychological trauma and many obstacles experienced by homeless youth (Constantine, 2023). 2.3 Comparative Analysis While Australia is currently facing various obstacles, the United Kingdom also confronts a distinct set of issues pertaining to teenage homelessness. The United Kingdom has adopted a range of initiatives, such as the implementation of housing-first methods and focused interventions aimed at addressing the needs of distinct subgroups within the homeless juvenile population. Nevertheless, akin to Australia, the United Kingdom encounters obstacles pertaining to the affordability of housing, societal misperceptions around homelessness, and the requirement for tailored assistance mechanisms for marginalised populations (Bashar, 2021). "Drawing lessons from our global neighbors, like the UK, can offer fresh perspectives and innovative solutions." 2.4 Recommendation

Australia need a comprehensive nationwide strategy to effectively tackle the issue of housing affordability and guarantee equitable access to affordable homes for persons with low incomes, further it is imperative to build dedicated support systems tailored to the needs of migrants, particularly those originating from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, in order to effectively assist them in overcoming the various obstacles associated with the process of settling in Australia (Bourget, 2018). 3. Practices informed by Critical Social Work Critical social work places significant emphasis on the imperative of comprehending the wider socio-political framework within which persons are situated. Within the Australian context, it is imperative to acknowledge the systemic elements that contribute to the phenomenon of youth homelessness and strive towards effecting structural transformations. Holistic Interventions The issue of youth homelessness encompasses more than simply provide shelter. This pertains to comprehending the diverse array of issues encountered by young individuals, encompassing health hazards such as HIV1 and the peril posed by human trafficking (Kaya & Maass, 2022). Multi-faceted interventions are crucial as they encompass the simultaneous consideration of present demands and long-term issues. Empowerment through Peered Network The clear potential of peer networks in the dissemination of essential health information is noteworthy (Rice et al., 2016). By empowering homeless teenagers to assume the role of peer leaders, we may effectively utilise their influence within their communities to advocate for protective behaviours. Equitable allocation of resources Ensuring equitable distribution of resources, particularly in the context of housing, is of paramount importance. This entails giving priority to individuals who are most vulnerable to trafficking, particularly young people who are at a high risk of being trafficked. By implementing systems that employ a needs-based approach, it is possible to guarantee the protection of individuals who are most susceptible to harm.

4. Conclusion In conclusion, the matter of juvenile homelessness in Australia encompasses more than a mere housing dilemma, as it serves as a manifestation of underlying sociological, economic, and institutional complexities. The increasing prevalence of homeless youth, particularly within culturally and linguistically diverse communities, underscores the urgent necessity for comprehensive treatments. When comparing the situation to that of the United Kingdom, it becomes apparent that this issue is of global significance. However, it is important to recognise that each region possesses distinct complexities that necessitate customised approaches. From a critical social work perspective, the primary focus lies in comprehending the wider socio- political context and arguing for transformative alterations at the structural level. The future is predicated upon the implementation of comprehensive interventions, the facilitation of empowerment via peer networks, and the establishment of equal allocation of resources. As societal progress continues, it is crucial to bear in mind that each young person is entitled to a secure environment, a residence, and a supportive society that fosters their well-being. References AIHW. (2021). Homelessness and overcrowd . Retrieved 3/09/2023 from https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/children-youth/homelessness-and- overcrowding#references Bashar, M. K. (2021). Event-driven timeseries analysis and the comparison of public reactions on COVID-19. arXiv preprint arXiv:2104.14777 . Benston, E. A. (2015). Housing programs for homeless individuals with mental illness: Effects on housing and mental health outcomes. Psychiatric Services , 66 (8), 806-816. Blackford, K., Crawford, G., McCausland, K., & Zhao, Y. (2023). Describing homelessness risk among people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in Western Australia: A cluster analysis approach. Health Promotion Journal of Australia . Bourget, A. (2018). Homelessness in Australia . Retrieved 03/09/2023 from https://www.sbs.com.au/language/hindi/en/podcast-episode/homelessness-in- australia/fzvhdkoa5 Brown, A., Rice, S. M., Rickwood, D. J., & Parker, A. G. (2016). Systematic review of barriers and facilitators to accessing and engaging with mental health care among at ‐ risk young people. Asia ‐ Pacific Psychiatry , 8 (1), 3-22. Constantine, S. (2023). Ending homelessness in Australia: what is the problem? Elkins, M., Farrell, L., & Fry, J. M. (2023). Homelessness and housing insecurity among youth in Australia: sequence analysis of housing careers. Housing Studies , 1-26.

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Hauff, A. J., & Secor-Turner, M. (2014). Homeless health needs: shelter and health service provider perspective. Journal of Community Health Nursing , 31 (2), 103-117. Kaya, Y. B., & Maass, K. L. (2022). Leveraging Priority Thresholds to Improve Equitable Housing Access for Unhoused-at-Risk Youth. arXiv preprint arXiv:2212.03777 . McNamara, P. (2015). Young people at risk of lifelong poverty: Youth homelessness in Australia. Theoretical and Empirical Insights into Child and Family Poverty: Cross National Perspectives , 217-238. Rice, E., Petering, R., Craddock, J., Yoshioka-Maxwell, A., Yadav, A., & Tambe, M. (2016). Pilot Testing an Artificial Intelligence Algorithm That Selects Homeless Youth Peer Leaders Who Promote HIV Testing. arXiv preprint arXiv:1608.05701 . Robinson, K. H., Bansel, P., Denson, N., Ovenden, G., & Davies, C. (2014). Growing up queer: Issues facing young Australians who are gender variant and sexuality diverse .

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