5 | Where to from here? • children and young people at risk of homelessness. As highlighted by some children and young people who contacted Kids Helpline, COVID-19 restrictions have led to financial stress and increased tensions between some children and young people and other family members. Children and young people who find themselves homeless as a result need to be supported and helped. Family and youth specific homelessness services need to be adequately resourced and made known to children and young people. 5.6 Involve children and young people in responses to COVID-19 and recovery plans Children and young people are being disproportionately affected by the psychological and economic fall out of the pandemic. Young people have articulated fears and worries for their future. The UNICEF survey of over 1,000 young people aged 13-17 in April 2020 indicated that many young people were worried about their future due to COVID-19, including worries about the national economy. One quarter felt that young people had been underrepresented in discussions about the future.20 Children and young people need to be part of both the response to COVID-19 and the recovery efforts. This means that governments should pay attention to the experiences of children and young people during the pandemic, and involve them in decisions about their future, whether that be about delivery of their education, or economic support. This promotes resilience and builds hope for our children and young people, in a time of ongoing uncertainty. 46 5.7 Conclusion Prioritising the best interests and needs of children and young people in these challenging and extraordinary times is crucial. The health, social, educational, economic, and recreational impacts will be far-reaching for them, well beyond the immediacy of the pandemic now. This analysis of the concerns of children and young people who are actively seeking help about COVID-19 from Kids Helpline gives an indication about the types of assistance they will require as they move forward. This includes: • investing in child and youth-focused mental health services and support • promoting clear, accurate and childfriendly information and resources • supporting schools and other educational institutions to deliver quality online learning and maintain help and connection for vulnerable students • extending economic support to all families and young people that need it, and making skills development and youth employment a key focus of recovery • prioritising services for vulnerable children and young people • involving children and young people in responses to COVID-19 and recovery plans.