Young Persons Rights

A local authority has a duty to provide accommodation to a young person who meets the criteria for being homeless.
A local authority also has a responsibility to look after you under the Children Act if:-
· no-one has parental responsibility for you; or
· you are lost or abandoned; or
· the person who has been caring for you is unable to continue to provide suitable care and accommodation; or
· you are aged 16 or 17 and the local authority considers your welfare would be seriously threatened if it does not provide accommodation.
These rules also apply to asylum seekers.
If you don't understand English, the local authority must provide help and information in your own language.
If you are given accommodation in a children's home, the care you get must take into account your religious needs. For example, if you are Muslim, you should be offered Halal food.