Clinical practice points

Safe and secure housing is considered a basic human right, yet homelessness continues to be a worldwide issue. Despite new approaches and improved understanding of the factors that lead to and perpetuate homelessness, the rates of homelessness have continued to rise within Australia. According to Australian Census figures, the proportion of young people aged 12–24 years old who were experiencing homelessness rose by 19.5% from 2006 to 2011.

This clinical practice point is designed to help clinicians who work with young people with early psychosis to understand:

• The incidence of homelessness in young people and its impact on their lives

• The relationship between mental health and homelessness

• The risk factors that can lead to homelessness

• The types of support that clinicians can provide to homeless young people.