Abstract
BackgroundResearchers have pointed out the paucity of research investigating long-term consequences of experiencing homelessness in childhood or youth. Limited research has indicated that the experience of homelessness in childhood or youth is associated with adverse adjustment-related consequences in adulthood. Housing First (HF) has acknowledged effectiveness in improving housing outcomes among adults experiencing homelessness and living with serious mental illness, although some HF clients struggle with maintaining housing. The current study was conducted to examine whether the experience of homelessness in childhood or youth increases the odds of poorer housing stability following entry into high-fidelity HF among adults experiencing serious mental illness and who were formerly homeless.MethodsData were drawn from the active intervention arms of a HF randomized controlled trial in Metro Vancouver, Canada. Participants (n = 297) were referred to the study from service agencies serving adults experiencing homelessness and mental illness between October 2009 and June 2011. The Residential Time-Line Follow-Back Inventory was used to measure housing stability. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator was used to estimate the association between first experiencing homelessness in childhood or youth and later housing stability as an adult in HF.ResultsAnalyses indicated that homelessness in childhood or youth was negatively associated with experiencing housing stability as an adult in HF (aOR = 0.53; 95% CI = 0.31–0.90).ConclusionsFurther supports are needed within HF to increase housing stability among adult clients who have experienced homelessness in childhood or youth. Asking clients about the age they first experienced homelessness may be of clinical utility upon enrollment in HF and may help identify support needs related to developmental experiences. Results further emphasize the importance of intervening earlier in life in childhood and youth before experiencing homelessness or before it becomes chronic. Findings also contribute to a limited knowledge base regarding the adverse long-term consequences of childhood and youth homelessness.Trial registrationCurrent Controlled Trials: ISRCTN57595077 and ISRCTN66721740. Registered on October 9, 2012.
Highlights
Researchers have pointed out the paucity of research investigating long-term consequences of experiencing homelessness in childhood or youth
Overall, 497 participants were enrolled into Vancouver At Home (VAH)
Compared to participants who had first experienced homelessness at age 25 or older, participants who had first experienced homelessness under the age of 25 had half the odds of experiencing housing stability as an adult in Housing First (HF) over 24 months. This finding adds to limited research demonstrating long-term consequences of homelessness for children and youths [10, 17] and underscores the additional support needs of participants in HF
Summary
Researchers have pointed out the paucity of research investigating long-term consequences of experiencing homelessness in childhood or youth. The current study was conducted to examine whether the experience of homelessness in childhood or youth increases the odds of poorer housing stability following entry into high-fidelity HF among adults experiencing serious mental illness and who were formerly homeless. In Canada, it has been estimated that 235,000 people experience homelessness each year, with 35,000 people experiencing it each night. A national point-intime homeless count in the U.S found about 553,000 people experiencing homelessness in 2018, and nearly 7 % were unaccompanied youth under the age of 25, equating to approximately 36,000 people [2]. About 2.5 million children under the age of 18 are estimated to be experiencing homelessness on an annual basis in the U.S [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
