The report “Does Camping Count?” commissioned by the Salvation Army, in partnership with the Council to Homeless Persons, Melbourne City Mission and the Family Access Network, was launched by the Victorian Minister for Housing, Local Government and Indigenous Affairs, the Hon Richard Wynne.

Senior report author Dr Maggie Kirkman of Key Centre for Women’s Health in Society at the University of Melbourne says:  “By speaking with children we have identified the alarming social, educational, health and family impacts experienced by homeless children.”

More than 20 children aged six to 12 from diverse ethnicities and cultural backgrounds, were interviewed along with parents or guardians and case workers from homelessness services across Victoria. 

Australian Census data shows an increase of 17% in the number of homeless families, with 21,400 Victorian children with their families accessing the Supported Accommodation and Assistance Program in 2006/07. Almost half of these children were four years and younger and one quarter were nine years or younger.

Children participating in this research reported having moved between three and 11 times, which has included hotels or motels, other varieties of emergency accommodation, refuges, sleeping rough or in cars, rooming or boarding houses, and caravan parks. 
 
The associated problems for homeless children are wide reaching. The report reveals homeless children have poor education and find it hard to keep up with their school work and to make and keep friends.

Dr Kirkman says: “Children who feel unsafe and insecure may find it hard to become stable members of society. What we have to do is protect children now when they are at their most vulnerable. It is a human right to be safe.  This report reminds us every child should have that right.”

Ms Janet Jukes from The Salvation Army says: “This report offers an understanding of what home means for these children. Home is a place where significant family members live, is comfortable and safe. It is vital that we provide families and children experiencing homelessness with appropriate, safe and affordable accommodation where they can remain connected to their extended family, friends, community and school,”

“This report outlines a set of key recommendations, primarily that no family should experience eviction or be asked to move on, and that greater coordination across Government and agencies is needed to assist stability, reduce impact and harm and ultimately reduce the number of homeless people,” says Ms Jukes.