Research by Mayock and Carr1 highlights, once again, the association between substance misuse and homelessness. This research was designed to generate in-depth knowledge and understanding of the experiences of homelessness among young people in the south of Ireland, particularly in Cork city.

• Twenty reported a history of state care.
• Seven were either parents (3) or expectant parents (4).
• Five reported a learning disability and had attended a special school.
• Ten had left school without formal qualifications.
• The majority (21) described themselves as unemployed.
• Nine were attending a skills training scheme (FÁS).
• Twenty-four reported depression; 20 reported substance misuse; 15 reported stress or anxiety; 13 reported one or more episode of self-harm; and six reported attempted suicide.

•  Having spent time in state care (13 participants) Features of this pathway were multiple care placements in residential and/or foster care, inadequate preparations for leaving the care setting and lack of aftercare.·   
• Abusive family situation (10 participants) Characterised by abuse or violence directed at the respondent, or between other family members, creating an unstable environment.
• Family conflict (10 participants) Typically, these accounts described difficult relationships within the family home, often with a parent, and sometimes of long standing.
• Problematic behaviour (4 participants) Accounts described patterns of behaviour that led to family relationship problems, including problem substance use, criminal activity, gambling and aggression.