Swinburne University research commissioned by Anchor has shone a light on the stress to families experiencing homelessness caused by spiralling school costs.
The research conducted interviews with several families from across Anchor’s homelessness services, and found a crucial need for more consistent support to ensure that children from financially disadvantaged families are able to maintain connection with school.
There are over 4,000 children between the ages of 5-15 across Australia who are currently being supported by a homelessness service that aren’t enrolled in any kind of education.
This is the equivalent of 172 classrooms full of kids who are missing from schooling because of homelessness and poverty.
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The families that participated in the research had different journeys through homelessness but carried the same message: that an experience of homelessness is a very lonely and isolating experience, and that this isolation impacts children and young people the most.
Anchor CEO Heidi Tucker says that the rising cost of school items goes deeper than not just being able to afford pens rulers, school uniforms and excursions.
“Homelessness makes a child feel profoundly isolated, ostracised and hopeless.”
“For parents in this situation there is an enormous sense of shame, guilt and embarrassment.”
“Homeless parents are just as aspirational and hopeful about their child having a bright future as any other parent, but it comes at a greater cost and sacrifice, skipping meals, and ignoring health and dental needs to ensure they can give their children opportunity.”
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Anchor’s goal is for this research to inspire schools and local homelessness organisations to work closer together to support these families.
“Australia needs to see far more funding and investment to be directed to preventative efforts, of which, supporting children and young people experiencing homelessness to be connected to education and careers is a cornerstone,” Ms Tucker said.
