Vulnerable young girl needs help

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I work for a voluntary organisation as a family mediator, focusing on homeless youngsters (aged 16-20) who are having difficulties staying in the family home. Due to the confidential nature of a specific case, I obviously cannot go into any personal details, but this is an overview of a case I am having difficulty with.

I am working with a young girl of 17 whose mother kicked her out thinking the local council will re-home her. The girl in question did not want to leave the family home but her mother and stepfather are adamant they do not want her back, and due to a mass breakdown in their relationship, the young girl does not want to return now.

In my line of work I have to deal with local authorities, local council, social services and police etc, yet nobody wants to touch this case or put in place any continuous support. Passed from pillar to post and given telephone numbers for irrelevant organisations, this girl is getting nowhere fast.

She is currently in a shelter that is unmanned, has no security and is in the process of refurbishment and frankly, uninhabitable. The kitchen is dangerous with wires hanging from the ceiling and walls. If she refuses to stay there, the council will refuse to help her any further.

This is a vulnerable young girl, with no family support to lean on at what is a very traumatic time for her. And before anyone rants about the "yoof of today, thinking they can get a flat with the click of her well manicured fingers, this girl has been supporting herself since 16, is not pregnant, works, pays tax and goes to college.

Does anyone know of any organisations that may be able to help her in this situation, or even just a bit of constructive advice that may just make her life that little bit easier?

By: Concernedcat

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hairyfairy

If this girl was to get pregnant, then she would be snowed under with offers of help from the council, & various charities. It`s hardly surprising that so many girls do get pregnant nowadays, as its the only way to get the help they need.

04/10/12 hairyfairy

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Think

I love it how still in the comments it's all "Oh dear, poor her let's feel some sympathy for her.

Number one is always put yourself in her shoes. What would you do? Go from there.

Accumulate money and find old friends, say school friends or aquaintences.

It's all to do with simple human concsience. Should I help her? Ew no, she's porbably a filthy little thing.

We no longer have compassion for one another. We don't think. If I knew her I'd take her in immedietly. EVERYONE DESERVES A CHANCE.

Think.

16/11/10 Think

-4

Been there

I'm guessing from the date this gripe was posted, back in 07, that this girl is now over 18 and has to stand on her own 2, if she is not already, but I hope she is.

19/12/09 Been there

2

Abby

Chapter one - look at their website, the have hostles everywhere, nice safe places

15/11/09 Abby

0

Such a shame

I feel sorry for this young girl. How could her own mother throw her out without a thought for her welfare? I don't know any organisation that will help. Can you check with Social Services? Do they foster children of her age? I hope she manages to have a good life despite having such parents.

13/11/09 Such a shame

3

Kahli

I like to help this young girl as myself I going through the same thing I dont understand parent's if they diden't want us why have us I call poeple like that cruel and karma going to hit them harder. So be strong and pray everyday the lord will show you the way. God bless take care.
Kahli

02/10/09 Kahli

1

Been there

Don; where are you from ? I grew up in the care system in the uk, so can't give you the best advice outside of it.

15/09/09 Been there

1

Aimee

I can't believe people's friends or wider family aren't helping them in this situation. When I was 17 people ended up on their friend's sofas all the time, sometimes for months while they were able to find themselves somewhere to live. If they are earning why can't they find a house share somewhere to keep things affordable?

22/08/09 Aimee

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don

My daughter at 14 as just been in touch after 7 years to tell me her mum as put her in care how can I help her.

24/07/09 don

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Ashlee ryan

I am 17 years old and been told i'm to old to go into care or to young to go into a hostel. I am registered homeless but my problem is that its my last night staying in my boyfriend's mum's house as she's in a housing executive flat and can't afford being caught with me being here after tonight I will be on the streets. I've asked all my friends and none of them can help. My boyfriend can't either as he doesn't work so there for he doesn't get any money to help support me.

I'm not getting any income as I'm apparently not entitled to any cos of my age and I find it hard to get a job with the credit crunch and not having much experience. Can any one suggest what I could do please?

16/04/09 Ashlee ryan

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Olivia Adams Sheffield

im 16 and have been kicked out ov my home and am now staying at my best friends house the council are doing naff all to help me it is discusting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

23/09/08 Olivia Adams Sheffield

1

In the real world

I know this might sound harsh but if you have not got anywhere to live then you need to ditch the college course and get a full time job. The priority is to get the maximum amount of money coming in so you can put a roof over your head, this must be the priority. You can always restart college at a later date when you are more sorted. Apart from the fact that qualifications these days are completely useless - I am allowed to say this because I have a degree and I dont earn any more money than if I didnt have a degree. This has finally been admitted in the papers recently and among recent graduates it is well known that getting a degree does not mean you have won the race it just means that you have got a bit of a head start.

04/06/08 In the real world

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Georgie

What state is this girl in? Many churches would help this girl. Also if she is in college check with her councillor tey may know of some resources.

25/02/08 Georgie

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Glenn

Thanks for sharing this story. My heart is saddened by her parents actions. My wife and I faced devastating problems with our two teens and a good friend advised me to boot my son out of the house. We couldn't do it because, although there seemed to be no hope for him then, we feared the worst if he was not under our care and love. Although our love went unheeded for a long time, in the end it won both of their hearts and we saw a wonderful transformation take place. I wish there was something I could recommend or do for this poor girl; my heart weeps for her. There must be something for her. My brother and his wife foster children and have adopted some. I will ask them

23/02/08 Glenn

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Strong x

I am 17 and I went to the police because my mum kicked me out they sent me down to the council and they gave me bus tickts to stay in a B&B in moldon and I stayed at my dads girlfriends for 3 weeks on the sofa and I had to be interviewed by nacro and anne knight housing and I got a shared flat within 3 weeks and I am happy I go to 6th form my life is fine I find it hard sometimes but life has many surpises but you can live indepently x

19/01/08 Strong x

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