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11 Facts about Homeless Youth from http://www.dosomething.org/actnow/tipsandtools/11-facts-about-homeless-youth
National Coalition for the Homeless National Runaway Switchboard |
11 Causes of Teen Homelessness from http://www.dosomething.org/actnow/tipsandtools/background-11-causes-teen-homelessness The primary causes of homelessness among youth are: family conflict or severe economic hardship. Foster Care - Studies estimate that 20% of youth who arrive at shelters came directly from foster care, and more than 25% had been in foster care in the previous year. These youth age out of the foster care system and are discharged with no housing or income support. Find out more about foster care or read about Do Something's 2007 Brick Winner Ashley Rhodes-Courter, who did something about foster care Prison/Juvenile Corrections System - For youth who are released from juvenile corrections facilities, many become homeless because they lack support systems and opportunities for work and housing. Abuse - Some homeless youth have run away from homes where they were the victims of physical, sexual or emotional abuse. One study reports that more than four in ten youth report being beaten by a caretaker, and a quarter were either sexually abused or feared being sexually abused. Substance Abuse in the Home - Others are running away from alcohol and drug abuse in the home. More than 40% of homeless youth report that one or both of their parents had at some point received treatment for alcohol, drug, or psychological problems. Substance Abuse by Youth - A number are homeless because of their own addictions to drugs and/or alcohol. One study in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment contends that 85% of homeless youth have substance use disorders. Pregnancy - A large number of homeless young women either ran away or were kicked out of the home due to pregnancy. A tenth of homeless and runaway girls are reportedly pregnant. Sexual Orientation - Other homeless youth are forced to leave home because of their sexual orientation, that is, gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. As many as 25% of LBGT teens are rejected by their families, and many end up homeless on the streets. Unaffordable Housing - There are homeless youth that are employed but still can’t afford rent, food and other basic needs. Neglect - Neglect and lack of emotional and financial support from their families can also cause youth homelessness. Mental Illness - Mentally ill youth may end up homeless because they don’t have access to supportive housing and/or other treatment services. Sources: National Coalition for the Homeless National Alliance to End Homelessness " My Friends Place |
11 Effects of Teen Homelessness from http://www.dosomething.org/actnow/tipsandtools/background-11-effects-teen-homelessness
Instability - Homelessness leaves affected youth with no permanent address, making it virtually impossible to attend school, obtain employment, secure food and shelter, and survive.
Physical Health - Due to poor diet, malnutrition and exposure, homeless youth are at greater risk of suffering from chronic health disorders like asthma and diabetes.
"Survival Sex" - Because of their age, many have few legal means by which they can earn enough money to meet basic needs. As a result, many homeless adolescents find that exchanging sex for food, clothing, and shelter is their only chance of survival on the streets. Reportedly, one in four youth have traded sex for survival means.
AIDS/STDs - Homeless youth are at greater risk of contracting AIDS, HIV-related illnesses, and other STDs. It has been suggested that the rate of HIV prevalence for homeless youth may be as much as two to ten times higher than the rates reported for other samples of adolescents in the United States. [Link to our cause on AIDS and STDs]
Mental Health - Homeless youth are more likely to suffer from anxiety disorders, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder and suicide due to the increased exposure to violence while living on their own. About a third of all homeless youths will attempt suicide.
Violence - Youth are at increased risk of being physically and sexually abused while on the streets. This year, one in 260 runaways and homeless youths will die from assault, illness and suicide.
Substance Abuse - Homeless youth are more likely to use and abuse drugs, and to engage in other dangerous and illegal behaviors. According to national surveys, three quarters of street youths were using marijuana, a third were using hallucinogens and stimulants, and a quarter were using crack, other forms of cocaine, inhalants, and sedatives.
Juvenile Justice System - Homeless youth are more likely to be involved with the juvenile justice system. They are frequently arrested for nuisance crimes like loitering and trespassing.
Education - Homeless youth have a hard time attending school because of legal guardianship requirements, residency requirements, proper records, and lack of transportation so it is difficult for them to get an education. Studies report that as many as three quarters of homeless youth have or will drop out of school.
Lack of Self-Sufficiency Skills - Homeless youth typically lack many skills that are crucial to life in the adult world. For example, most lack the education and job skills needed to secure more than a low-wage, short-term jobs so it’s very difficult for them to become financially self-sufficient.
Learning Disabilities - According to one study, the number of homeless youth diagnosed with learning disabilities is double the rate of other children. Another study found that 28% of homeless youth have ADD.
Sources:
National Coalition for the Homeless National Alliance to End Homelessness
The Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
The National Symposium on Homelessness Research
Instability - Homelessness leaves affected youth with no permanent address, making it virtually impossible to attend school, obtain employment, secure food and shelter, and survive.
Physical Health - Due to poor diet, malnutrition and exposure, homeless youth are at greater risk of suffering from chronic health disorders like asthma and diabetes.
"Survival Sex" - Because of their age, many have few legal means by which they can earn enough money to meet basic needs. As a result, many homeless adolescents find that exchanging sex for food, clothing, and shelter is their only chance of survival on the streets. Reportedly, one in four youth have traded sex for survival means.
AIDS/STDs - Homeless youth are at greater risk of contracting AIDS, HIV-related illnesses, and other STDs. It has been suggested that the rate of HIV prevalence for homeless youth may be as much as two to ten times higher than the rates reported for other samples of adolescents in the United States. [Link to our cause on AIDS and STDs]
Mental Health - Homeless youth are more likely to suffer from anxiety disorders, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder and suicide due to the increased exposure to violence while living on their own. About a third of all homeless youths will attempt suicide.
Violence - Youth are at increased risk of being physically and sexually abused while on the streets. This year, one in 260 runaways and homeless youths will die from assault, illness and suicide.
Substance Abuse - Homeless youth are more likely to use and abuse drugs, and to engage in other dangerous and illegal behaviors. According to national surveys, three quarters of street youths were using marijuana, a third were using hallucinogens and stimulants, and a quarter were using crack, other forms of cocaine, inhalants, and sedatives.
Juvenile Justice System - Homeless youth are more likely to be involved with the juvenile justice system. They are frequently arrested for nuisance crimes like loitering and trespassing.
Education - Homeless youth have a hard time attending school because of legal guardianship requirements, residency requirements, proper records, and lack of transportation so it is difficult for them to get an education. Studies report that as many as three quarters of homeless youth have or will drop out of school.
Lack of Self-Sufficiency Skills - Homeless youth typically lack many skills that are crucial to life in the adult world. For example, most lack the education and job skills needed to secure more than a low-wage, short-term jobs so it’s very difficult for them to become financially self-sufficient.
Learning Disabilities - According to one study, the number of homeless youth diagnosed with learning disabilities is double the rate of other children. Another study found that 28% of homeless youth have ADD.
Sources:
National Coalition for the Homeless National Alliance to End Homelessness
The Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
The National Symposium on Homelessness Research