Communities and Local Government has commissioned the National Youth Homelessness Scheme (NYHS) to help deliver the measures announced by Government in November 2006 to further prevent and tackle youth homelessness through workstreams addressing early intervention and prevention, and addressing accommodation and wider non-accommodation needs.

Web based resource

As part of the Scheme, a web-based practice resource for providers of services to young people who are or at risk of being homeless has been created, incorporating downloadable tools and case studies of effective practice in preventive work, accommodation and support, and person-specific services. The site can be found at http://www.communities.gov.uk/youthhomelessness/

Centres of Excellence

Models of good practice are being developed and promoted through dissemination events and through nine local authority Centres of Excellence as well as a Centre of Excellence for RSLs being delivered by St Basils. The Centres will combine action learning with local awareness-raising and dissemination of good practice to local agencies working with young people as well young people themselves.  For more information on the centres please refer to CLG's website, http://www.communities.gov.uk/youthhomelessness/activities/ 

Notes:

In November 2006 Yvette Cooper MP announced measures to further prevent and tackle youth homelessness, through:

• a commitment that by 2010, no 16 or 17 year olds should be placed in bed and breakfast accommodation by a local authority under the homelessness legislation, except in an emergency;
• improving access to homelessness family mediation; and 
• establishing supported lodgings schemes across the country.