How do we respond to harms children face in systems not built for them?
In 2022–23, 76,000 children under the age of 18 sought help from homelessness services in Australia.
This journey illustrates the systemic barriers faced by families with children, from a child’s perspective.
The instability children face when experiencing homelessness disrupts schooling, wellbeing, safety and daily routine.
Innovative programs provided by our specialist children’s programs help reduce the impacts of trauma from homelessness and build bright futures.
A child, alongside their mother and sibling, flees family violence and presents at an Entry Point. These spaces are designed for adults, not children, making the experience frightening and confusing. The child waits in a noisy room full of unfamiliar, stressed people, feeling scared and worried. For the mother, who has survived family violence, this environment can be triggering.
Due to a critical shortage of appropriate and affordable accommodation options, the family are placed in a motel. This means no kitchen for a family to make meals in, limited facilities and a long distance from their school and friends. Child and family support workers step in to soften the impact, delivering books, toys and school supplies so that learning and play can continue in a difficult environment.
Launch Housing’s specialist children’s teams wrap support around the child and family. The Children's Team provides specialist therapeutic supports, helping the child to build their skills, confidence and self-esteem. They are also referred to the Education Pathways Program who identify that the child has missed significant schooling and may have developmental delays. A child psychologist and on-site speech pathologist begin tailored support. Returning to school helps the child feel safe, relaxed and connected, restoring routine and a sense of belonging.
Family housing specialists provide support with rental applications and financial assistance, and the family secures private rental. This stability allows a child to feel safe and grow, building friendships, engaging fully in school and accessing local health and community services. Stable housing gives the family security to stay connected, rebuild routines, and move forward.
