A new Data Insight from the ADR Wales Housing and Homelessness team sheds light on patterns of homelessness risk among secondary school pupils in Wales, using data from the Upstream Cymru prevention programme.
Based on screening assessments completed by more than 6,000 secondary school pupils (11–16 years old), the analysis offers a detailed picture of youth and family homelessness risk in Wales. While most young people reported stable and safe living situations, the findings highlight a smaller but significant number of pupils displaying unique combinations risk indicators.
Using statistical clustering techniques, the research team identified five distinct groups of pupils based on their responses to 11 homelessness-related questions. Around 79% of pupils fell into two low-risk groups characterised by feelings of safety, happiness, and housing stability. A further group of pupils (15%) reported mixed feelings about home life, including uncertainty about happiness and housing stability.
The remaining two groups of pupils (6%) showed differing patterns that were of concern, including pupils reporting extreme unhappiness, and those reporting conflict at home, histories of homelessness, and worries about future homelessness.
The team’s findings underline the value of early screening tools like Upstream Cymru, while also pointing to the need for tailored responses. Family mediation may be appropriate for some pupils experiencing conflict and housing instability, but may be less effective for young people whose distress is not clearly linked to family relationships.