Safeguarding
Understand the Risks to Children who are Homeless
A child doesn't have to be sleeping rough to be homeless, and knowing the other signs could mean you're the one who notices.
- 11 minutes
- 5 modules
- 0.5 CPD hours
- Certificate
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What you'll learn
- Recognise forms of homelessness beyond rough sleeping, such as sofa-surfing and hostels
- Identify circumstances that put a family at greater risk of losing their home
- Understand the safeguarding risks children face in temporary accommodation
- Spot a private fostering arrangement and know it must be reported
- Pass concerns about a homeless child or family to your DSL straight away
About this course
The pupil who's always exhausted, whose family is "staying with friends for a bit", or who now travels miles from a hotel room every morning may be homeless. So may a 16-year-old sofa-surfing after being asked to leave home. Official figures only count families who've asked the council for help, so the real number is higher.
Once you know what to look for, it's easier to see. You'll learn what counts as homelessness and what makes a family more vulnerable to losing their home. You'll see the risks children face in temporary accommodation, from sharing bathrooms with strangers to exploitation and missed meals. You'll also learn to recognise private fostering, when a child moves in with a family friend or distant relative.
And you'll know exactly what to do: take any concern straight to your designated safeguarding lead, who can involve the housing authority and children's social care.
- For early career teachers, middle leaders and 4 other roles. All phases.
5 modules
Open in order
- 2 min
Introduction
- 4 min
Why do some families become homeless?
- 4 min
What risks do children face when they are homeless?
- 2 min
What should we do if we think a child is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless?
- 1 min
Wrap up