Young people leave home for a variety of reasons. It is a natural step and can be very exciting.
It is important to make sure you are fully prepared before you leave home. If you leave home without thinking about what's involved you are more likely to have problems, which may lead to you becoming homeless.

Are you ready to leave home?

Have you thought about all the issues? There are a lot of things to consider some of which are listed below:

• Why do you want to leave home?
• Would having someone to talk to and mediate for you help you to sort out any problems with your parents?
• Have you taken proper advice about your options?
• Are you prepared to do your own cleaning and washing?
• Can you cook?
• Do you know where to find somewhere to live?
• Can you afford a place of your own?
• Do you have enough money for a deposit and the first months rent?
• Can you afford the furniture?
• Would you be prepared to move away from your friends and family
• After you have paid the rent how much will you have left to pay for food, gas, electric, phone, TV licence fee and council tax?

If you are experiencing problems with your parents leaving home is not the only option. You may be able to resolve any problems by using a mediation service. Details of mediation services can be obtained from your local Council Homeless Department.

For more information click here.

Are you old enough to leave home?

If you are under 16
If you are under 16, you can't normally leave home unless there are serious problems such as violence. If you feel you have to leave, then Social Services have a responsibility to help you. They may place you with foster parents or you may be returned home depending on your individual circumstances.

If you are 16 or 17
If you are aged 16 or 17, technically your parents are still responsible for you but you can move out if they or a guardian agrees to it.

If they don't and you leave anyway, you could be reported to the police as a missing person and be brought home if you are considered "at risk". If this is the case then there is a statutory duty for you to be rehoused as 'priority homeless'.

Even if you do have your parent's permission, it's not usually a good idea to leave. You won't be legally entitled to a tenancy until you turn 18, so you're likely to have major problems finding a place to live. If you're feeling unhappy living at home, there are people who will listen to you and help. If you can't talk to anyone in your family, you could try speaking to a teacher, a friend's parent, or a relative. There are also lots of organisations that can help you, including ChildLine and the NSPCC.

If you are over 18
Once you have reached the age of 18 you can leave home without consent.The most important thing to think about is where are you going to go?

You have decided to leave - what next?

Talk to your family and explain your reasons for wanting to leave. They may be able to help you find a new home or lend a hand to get together all the things you'll need to live on your own. They may even be able to help you with a deposit. You should also visit a housing advice centre to discuss your options.

Take a look at the Shelter website to learn about the housing options you have.

If you leave home without thinking about what's involved you are more likely to have problems and may even find yourself homeless as a result. The more you know about your housing rights and the options open to you, the easier your move will be.

Find a place to live before you leave

It's a good idea to find somewhere to live before you leave home. Otherwise you may find yourself with nowhere to stay, no money and few housing options. Although you may be able to stay with family and friends for a few days, this can be stressful and you may start to feel that you are getting in the way. So try to find somewhere you can stay for at least the first few months. Sleeping on the streets is dangerous and can damage your health, so it should be avoided.

Check out the Useful Links page for further info on places and people that may be able to assist you.