Meeting the needs of detached young runaways through psychologically informed environments

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to offer a commentary on Psychologically Informed Services: A Good Practice Guide, a recently published operational guidance document on developing psychologically informed environments (PiEs) in services for homeless people.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is an invited opinion piece and comment based on the author's specialist knowledge gained from undertaking research addressing the experiences and needs of young runaways.

Findings

The new operational guidance is welcomed but should be extended so that psychologically informed environments are provided in services for young runaways under the age of 16, who often encounter abuse, mental health issues and problematic substance misuse and experience homelessness post 16 and into adulthood.

Originality/value

Commissioners and practitioners should encourage the development of psychologically informed environments for young runaways to meet their needs, aid recovery and reduce the likelihood of experiencing homelessness as they move into adulthood.

Citation

Smeaton, E. (2012), "Meeting the needs of detached young runaways through psychologically informed environments", Housing, Care and Support, Vol. 15 No. 2, pp. 59-62. https://doi.org/10.1108/14608791211254162