Where could a homeless 17 year old go with a baby?

[user1494700641]

If they left their home? Would the baby be taken away?

[LineysRun]

No. If they presented themselves to the local council, they'd be found emergency accommodation - likely to be a hostel space or B&B. It would possibly be a bit of a grim process, though.

[Crumbs1]

They are both children so the local authority has responsibilities towards them.

[Screamifuwant2gofaster]

They need to contact homeless section of local authority. They will be treated as high priority. The local authority (council) will have a responsibility to find them somewhere they can stay. Good luck.

[5BlueHydrangea]

Some areas have mother and baby units but this may be only if there are associated mental health issues too.
Is this for you OP? Do you have any real life support?

[BettyBaggins]

Why do they need to leave their home op?

[AyeAmarok]

Are they (the 17 year old) vulnerable? Aside from he obvious of being vulnerable because you're 17 and have a baby. I mean, are there some other issues which may make them especially vulnerable?

[user1494700641]

No, no support... A few reasons.

What are other issues that make them vulnerable?

[LineysRun]

Vulnerable might include domestic abuse from family or partner; mental health problems; learning difficulties; other health problems or additional needs.

[Screamifuwant2gofaster]

Local authorities will not take babies away from theit mums unless they have no other option. If a 17 year old mother is homeless but able to care for baby properly they will not separate them. Councils genuinely don't want to take babies away from mums unless there is no other option.

[alonsypot]

Has your 17 year old run away?

[triedandrusted]

I used to work at a day centre for the homeless. If the council won't/can't help, I remember once a man turned up at the local church and the church paid for him to stay in a b&b for a week. I don't have a religion, and feel some of the world's ills are caused by religion, but I was impressed by that. They didn't want anything in return either (i.e., they didn't try to 'convert' him).

So, that's an idea.

[MatildaTheCat]

Is the baby born? Many pregnant teens end up sofa surfing for a while. Housing will have an obligation to house her but it may well be a hostel or B&B which, depending on the area and availability, could be miles away and pretty rough.

As pp said there are various charities which run mother and baby houses but they will require adherence to house rules. Some boroughs have semi supported housing but the pressure on places is huge.

Some 17 years olds are pretty mature and can manage a tenancy, baby and all that goes with independent living and some are very far from that so their needs have to be carefully assessed. Midwives and health visitors can offer a lot of support.

So, Housing, CAB and Children's services can all offer support. If we had more info we could offer more advice.

[user1494700641]

Yeah, baby is born. What other info?

[ParadiseCity]

Are you trying to track someone down? Or is this for you?

[user1494700641]

It's for me...

[Dawnedlightly]

No need for any other 'vulnerabilities'
Anyone with responsibility for a child that young would be housed- very likely in a hostel/ B&B.
Are you worried that other issues would mean the baby could be taken away?

[Dawnedlightly]

PM if you wish OP- it's anonymous.

[peukpokicuzo]

There are some specialist mother-and-baby foster carers who will be both foster-mum to 17yo and foster-grandma to baby, providing backup care and teaching 17yo what she needs to know.

Baby would only be removed if in danger eg if 17yo is drug user and using in a way that risks baby's life.

[BertieBotts]

Right now if you have nowhere to go, go to a police station.

Have you been kicked out or have you left because of arguments/fear of violence?

[RedastheRose]

You can't be given a tenancy of a council property until you are 18 and technically an adult so any accommodation offered by the council will be temporary until you're 18. Councils have an obligation to provide you with accommodation and genuinely do not want to part a mother and baby without very good cause. If you are caring for your child properly then they will help you. All councils used to have temporary housing (often rooms in a large supported house) for vulnerable people but funding cuts have affected them quite badly I think. Go to your local council with housing responsibilities and request emergency housing and they will find somewhere for you and the baby to go. Also if you can go to see citizens advice they should know all the benefits you may be entitled to (often there are emergency grants for necessities if you don't have the basics needed for a baby). Good luck.

[ParadiseCity]

Good luck op

[Screamifuwant2gofaster]

Hey, Where are you staying at the moment? How old is your baby? If you say what general area you are in, someone on mumsnet may be able to give you better infornation (specific to your area). Totally understand if you don't want to say. I just mean saying county or general area of country. Have you got someone safe to stay tonight? Take care.

[BertieBotts]

I assume that you have a phone. Some more options.

If you have run away from violence or emotional/verbal abuse, you can contact Women's Aid, who may be able to house you temporarily. 0808 2000 247

As you are under 18 you can call Childline. 0800 1111

You can call or text the Runaway Helpline on 116 000. It doesn't matter if you've "run" away or been forced.

I'm not in the UK but I assume it's dark now. Don't stay on the streets with your baby. They WON'T separate you if you ask for help, but it might raise concerns if you're failing to act to protect your baby. Call 999 if you have no other option.

[KJPxx]

I hope you find somewhere soon OP be safe x