New homelessness strategy to recognise young care leavers as being particularly at risk

Empowering People In Care said its advocacy service was aware of 22 cases of care leavers who are homeless and the worry is there could be many others.

Tusla has said an upcoming youth homelessness strategy will recognise care leavers as being particularly vulnerable to homelessness after it emerged growing numbers of young people who have been through the care system are struggling to find accommodation.

The Irish Examiner reported on Wednesday that some care leavers — many of whom are still receiving aftercare support from Tusla — have resorted to couch-surfing, sleeping in cars or, in one case, in a graveyard, in an effort to avoid entering emergency accommodation.