YOUNG adults discharged from social care are nine times more likely to become homeless than others of their age, according to a national charity that tries to help them.

The charity Become says that the thousands of young people leaving care at the age of 18 face an appalling situation because of a lack of support beyond the care system.

The charity has called on the government to urgently end a so-called “care cliff” and ensure young people are supported when they reach adulthood.