Australia's 2001 census indicated there were 100,000 homeless men, women, and children, with one-third being between the ages of 12 and 24 years old and 9,941 being children under 12 years old. These statistics include people who are without shelter or are living in temporary shelter, including residence in single rooms in boarding houses. Young people become homeless because of family breakdown, often stemming from parental conflicts or a collapse of their relationship with a husband/wife or partner. Living in poverty is one of the structural factors that leads to becoming homeless. Poverty disproportionately affects Indigenous people, many single parents, and those unemployed for extended periods. Among homeless individuals, there is a prevalence of mental health issues and drug and alcohol use. This report advises that the development and implementation of a framework and a national action plan on homelessness is imperative. The "Roadmap for Youth Homelessness" proposed in this report highlights the 10 "must do" strategic areas for action. In addition to proposing the development and implementation of a national framework and action plan to address homelessness, this report discusses strategies for providing affordable housing for young people, the building and resourcing of communities that provide services for the homeless, the prevention of homelessness by supporting at-risk families, the resourcing of early intervention for at-risk youth, and a new national approach for the care and protection of children in all States and territories. Other recommendations pertain to the accessibility of supported accommodation in all communities; employment, substance abuse, and mental health programs for homeless youth; the linking of housing to education, training, and employment services; and ongoing support after housing is secured. A 90-item bibliography and appended descriptions of study methodology