A unique report by Mission Australia has compared the different concerns, values and heroes of young homeless people with similarly aged Australians who have a stable home.

The report, Homeless Young Australians: Issues and Responses, is based on research compiled from Mission Australia’s 2006 National Survey of Young Australians.

Stand out results from the survey include:

• Only around half of homeless young respondents – compared to three-quarters of other young people – highly valued ‘family relationships’.
• A much higher proportion of homeless young people valued ‘environmental issues’ than those in secure housing (21% compared to 8%).
• While ‘alcohol and other drugs’ was the top issue of concern for young homeless people, ‘body image’ was their second top concern, with around 40% indicating it was a major issue (compared to 28% for those in stable housing).
• ‘Sexuality’ was of concern to a significantly higher proportion of homeless young people than those in stable accommodation (one in five compared to one in 10).
• Homeless young people are significantly more likely than those in stable housing to seek advice and support from the Internet (37% compared to 17%).
• Homeless young people are more likely than other young people to identify ‘entertainers’ as one of the top groups of people they admire (20% compared to 7%).

Mission Australia’s spokesperson, Anne Hampshire, said while the survey results confirmed other research about homeless young people, it also threw up some surprises.

“While it wasn’t a shock for us to have ‘alcohol and drugs’ confirmed as a major concern of young homeless people, having ‘body image’ come up as their second highest concern definitely was,” said Ms Hampshire.
“This may reflect, in part, the impact homelessness – particularly sleeping rough – can have on personal appearance and self-esteem.

“Another interesting outcome was young homeless people’s concern about sexuality. We think this reflects both that this group experiences more sexual assault, both prior to and after becoming homeless, than other young people; and that sexual identity is a factor in causing some young people to become homeless (eg: as a result of family conflict).”

Of the 15,000 young people (aged 11-24 years) who took part in the 2006 survey – which asks respondents to rank in order of importance what they value, their concerns, who they turn to for advice and who they admire – 154 respondents identified themselves as being homeless or living in insecure housing. The survey offers some unique insights into the lives of a vulnerable group of Australians.

“It’s useful to have this information for several reasons. Firstly, it helps raise awareness about young homeless people and the issues they’re facing – they’re a diverse group and have a range of different views; secondly, it helps ‘humanise’ this group, who are sometimes victims of media and community stereotyping; finally, knowing more about homeless young people helps us better tailor our support services to their needs.

“For example, research helps confirm the fact that ‘family conflict’ is the main reason young people become homeless.

“With that information we can be more confident in recommending to governments and social policy makers that we need to put more resources into early intervention programs which can help overcome family conflict and stop young people from becoming homeless. Certainly that’s where Mission Australia is focussing more of its youth services.

“The 2007 Mission Australia National Youth Survey is expected to be even larger than last year’s (around 26,000 respondents, with results to be published in November) so we’ll be able to develop an even clearer picture of young homeless Australians than we’ve done previously.”

Media contact: Paul Andrews (02) 9219 2080 or 0409 665 495