Submission to the Australian Bureau of Statistics Discussion Paper: Methodological Review of Counting the Homeless, 2006 (the Review)

The MYAN Submission to the ABS on the Methodological Review of Counting the Homeless (2011) emphasises the need for accurate data collection that reflects the unique experiences of young people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) backgrounds, particularly those from refugee and newly arrived communities. The submission highlights the high risk of homelessness among this group, due to factors like limited English proficiency, unfamiliarity with Australian systems, and lack of cultural competency in housing services. MYAN endorses recommendations for revising definitions and methodologies used in counting homelessness, aiming to improve the accuracy of data and ensure that the specific needs of CaLD youth are adequately addressed.