Why Fostering with a Charity Matters
Discover why fostering with Step by Step, a charity with 30 years of experience, offers an ethical alternative to profit-driven agencies in the UK.
A Crisis in Foster Care
The fostering community in England is facing an urgent crisis. Statistics released in December from the Department for Education reveal a worrying decline in the number of approved foster carers, with a drop of 2% over the past year alone.
Budget Threatens Support for Vulnerable Young People
The Chancellor's recent budget was presented as one designed to protect the most vulnerable in society. However, youth homelessness charity Step by Step fears it could impact essential provision.
Moving Towards Independence: Young People's Recommendations
Moving Towards Independence is a unique study, giving a voice to young people moving on from Supported Lodgings and into independent living. It presents a number of recommendations to support young people moving into independence.
The Employment Rights Bill: A Double-Edged Sword?
The intention behind the Employment Rights Bill is undoubtedly noble, offering day-one protection for new employees. However, we are concerned that it may prove a double-edged sword for young job seekers.
Rent Guarantors: A Further Barrier to Independent Living
Young people already struggle to find affordable rental properties, escpecially when facing the challenges of homelessness. Now it appears the need to find a rent guarantor is adding another, insurmountable barrier.
Housing Benefits Insufficient to Cover Housing Costs
It’s a paradoxical situation. The standard rate of housing benefit is too low to pay for even the most basic of rented rooms or flats. Youth homelessness charity Step by Step explores this pressing issue and puts forward potential solutions.
Who cares? The Link Between Leaving Care and Homelessness
Recent studies have found that 25% of all homeless young people were once in the care system. We explore the reasons young care leavers are more likely to be homeless than their peers, and suggests strategies for addressing the issues.
Step by Step Back Change in Child Protection Law
Step by Step backed the NSPCC's Close the Loophole campaign, resulting in a change in child protection laws that will safeguard more young people at risk of sexual abuse.
Bidding Wars: Young People Outbid on a Place to Live
A shortage of rental properties means that there is fierce competition for the few places available, and many landlords are taking advantage of this by inviting bids to rent their properties. This is pricing young people out of the market, particularly those already facing challenging personal circumstances.
Universal Credit Cut Could Increase Homelessness
Step by Step has joined over 40 other homelessness charities in signing a letter to Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak, expressing their concern at the cut to Universal Credit and urging that an adequate safety net is put in place.
End of Eviction Ban Puts Young People at Risk
The ban on evictions during Covid ended on 31st May 2021. We believe that this will lead to a huge number of evictions and an increase in homelessness as a result, and that young people will be considerably affected.