Characteristics and needs of Boston street youth: One agency's response

Abstract

This article differentiates between homeless youth, runaway youth, and youth involved in prostitution. Most street youth are from families possessing serious emotional and substance abuse problems; these youth are not on the street due to socioeconomic pressures. Bridge Over Troubled Waters, a 17-year-old multiservice agency for homeless and runaway youth in Boston, Massachusetts, has a national reputation for working with street youth. Bridge recognizes the characteristics and needs of street youth and designs services to respond to these needs.