Homeless Youth Population Research Articles

The Socio-Economic Characteristics and Challenges of Homeless Youths in Maiduguri and Lagos: A Comparative Study

Homelessness is a pervasive and multifaceted global issue affecting societies across various economic landscapes. This study provides a critical and extensive examination of youth homelessness in Maiduguri and Lagos, Nigeria. By analysing socio-economic characteristics, pathways into homelessness, living conditions, health challenges and experiences of social discrimination, the study underscores the importance of tailored interventions considering regional variations and the diverse needs of homeless youth populations. The findings highlight both commonalities and disparities, reflecting the complex interplay of socio-economic factors and regional dynamics, and provide valuable insights for developing effective policies and interventions.

Investigating the mental health outcomes among LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness in York Region, Ontario

2SLGBTQ+ youth disproportionately represent the homeless youth population in North America and are at much greater risk than their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts to experience homelessness. There is limited research on suburban and rural homelessness. This study reports on a mixed-methods study guided by the Social Ecological Model to understand the mental health and service needs among 2SLGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness across York Region, a suburban and semi-rural region in Ontario, Canada. In-depth one-on-one interviews and surveys were utilized to explore mental health and experiences of homelessness. This study found that youth participants reported an array of mental health difficulties and challenges including depression, suicidality, and substance use. Additionally, the study found that participants experienced family rejection, stigma, discrimination, inadequate services and hidden homelessness, which contributed to their poor mental health. This study reinforces the call for more population-based services and increased mental health support for 2SLGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness in suburban and rural settings.

A Scoping Review Examining Interventions Intended to Help LGBTQIA+ Youth Transition Out of Homelessness

Objective: Youth self-identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning/queer, intersex, asexual, and other identities (LGBTQIA+) are overrepresented among the homeless youth population in western countries. Although scholars have documented the situations and events contributing to disproportionately high rates of homelessness among LGBTQIA+ youth compared to cisgender peers, researchers have not as thoroughly examined the efficacy of services available to this group to assist their transition from homelessness to stable residency. The purpose of this scoping review was to examine the peer-reviewed literature to determine how many journal articles have been generated that addressed (a) the assessment of client satisfaction or (b) the effectiveness of intervention designed to help LGBTQIA+ homeless youth transition from homelessness to stable tenancy. Method: A database search of six peer-reviewed, health care publication indexes, with 50 key search terms was performed. The database search spanned publication years with no beginning year, but ended in January 2021. Results: Nineteen articles were identified that described programming, reported intervention outcomes, or outlined policies and recommendations intended to help LGBTQIA+ youth transition out of homelessness. Of the 19 studies, only five (26.31%) reported program evaluation (n=1, 5.26%), the assessment of intervention effectiveness (n=2, 10.52%), or an analysis of client satisfaction (n=2, 10.52%). Findings exemplify the dearth of scholarship and research examining this area of academic inquiry and public health need. Discussion: Without empirical research investigating service provision for the LGBTQIA+ homeless youth population, service providers have little data upon which to inform practice based on an understanding of the services that are needed and desired by this population to transition out of homelessness, the effectiveness and perceived satisfaction of those services, and whether services should be modified to better meet the needs of those for whom it was intended. Scholars and researchers are called upon to generate this needed public health research, which should include service recipient perspectives to target outcomes and interpret findings.

16.7 Prevalence of Psychiatric Disorders in the Homeless Youth Population: Inpatient Sample Analysis

16.7 Prevalence of Psychiatric Disorders in the Homeless Youth Population: Inpatient Sample Analysis

Suicidality in homeless children and adolescents: A systematic review

Suicide has been found to be the leading cause of death in the homeless youth population. Mortality rates due to suicide in this cohort can be 12–40 times more elevated than those observed in the general population. Therefore, a systematic review of the literature was conducted in order to investigate potential factors associated with suicidality among homeless children and adolescents. After a thorough investigation of peer-reviewed articles from main databases in this literature (ProQuest and EBSCO), a final number of 94 articles were studied to produce the contents of this systematic review. Factors associated with suicidality were divided into two main categories, namely risk factors and protective factors. The results of this review revealed significant risk factors including gender, sexual orientation, history of abuse, mental health diagnoses, negative coping styles, duration of homelessness, and survival sex. Conversely, this review identified protective factors associated with suicidality among homeless children and adolescents, such as the role of resilience, positive coping strategies, and supportive school environment. Given the impact of suicide rates in this already at-risk population, understanding these factors becomes paramount knowledge related to long-term outcomes for the homeless youth population. • Homeless children and adolescent are at higher risk of dying by suicide than homeless adults • Risk factors include gender, sexual orientation, abuse, mental health disorders, duration of homelessness, and victimization • Positive coping strategies can be taught, and seem to play a pivotal role in decreasing suicidality • More research of instruments and interventions is needed to provide specific services for the homeless youth population

Substance Use and Treatment Among Youth Experiencing Homelessness: 1992–2017

PurposeThis study aimed to describe the patterns in substance use and treatment utilization from admissions to publicly funded treatment programs among youth (aged 12–24 years) experiencing homelessness between the years of 1992 and 2017. MethodsWe used the concatenated Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Treatment Episode Data Set Admissions (total youth admissions, n = 5,153,775; and youth reported being homeless at the time of admission, n = 241,310). Prevalence estimates and binary logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios to identify the differences among youth who reported being homeless or housed at the time of the treatment. ResultsHomeless youth had higher odds than housed youth to self-refer for treatment; to enroll in treatment for cocaine/crack, heroin, or methamphetamine; and to receive treatment in 24-hour detoxication facilities or long-term residential facilities. Additional differences were identified among youth aged 12–17 years and youth aged 18–24 years and by sex within the homeless youth population. ConclusionsThis analysis provides a picture of treatment utilization patterns by youth who are experiencing homelessness and substance use disorder, by exploring differences by housing status among admissions to publicly funded treatment facilities.

Youth homelessness and the racial knowledge gap

We know relatively little about homeless youth of color. Despite comprising almost three-quarters of the homeless youth population in the United States, youth of color, along with their unique need...

Screening for human trafficking among homeless young adults

Human trafficking is a public health issue affecting homeless young adults across the United States; however, screening tools for trafficking specifically for this population are lengthy and onerous. The aim of this study was to develop a sensitive, brief, and user-friendly trafficking screening tool for homeless young adults. Five candidate items for the screening tool were identified from the Vera Institute's Trafficking Victim Identification Tool (TVIT). Study participants were asked the five candidate items, and then received a trafficking assessment using the Human Trafficking Identification and Measurement (HTIAM-14), which is validated for the homeless youth population. A multivariable logistic model was used to analyze the five candidate items in relation to a trafficking experience on the longer HTIAM-14. Homeless people, aged 18 to 22 years old, receiving support from Covenant House New Jersey were eligible to participate in the study. Over 15 months in 2015–2017, 340 trafficking assessments were performed for 307 participants; 8.8% (30) of the assessments revealed a human trafficking experience. Of assessments identifying a trafficking experience, 66.7% (20) found sex trafficking and 46.7% (14) labor trafficking, with 16.7% (5) demonstrating both forms of trafficking. We validated a new screening tool, Quick Youth Indicators for Trafficking (QYIT). QYIT allows providers to screen for trafficking among homeless young adults; an affirmative answer to at least one QYIT question is 86.7% sensitive and 76.5% specific in identifying a trafficking experience. QYIT is the first highly sensitive, comprehensive trafficking screening tool that is truly brief and does not require a trafficking expert to administer. Use of QYIT at appropriate agencies will enable social service providers to systematically detect and serve homeless young adults who have labor and/or sex trafficking experiences.

Can Better Emotion Regulation Protect Against Interpersonal Violence in Homeless Youth Social Networks?

Homeless youth experience all types of violence at higher rates than their housed counterparts. This is typically the result of many contributing factors including childhood experiences of trauma, subsistence survival strategies, and exposure to perpetrators while living on the streets. Reducing violence in the lives of homeless youth is imperative and can contribute to a young person's ability to safely and successfully exit the streets and lead a long and productive life in society. However, developing public health and social interventions to reduce violence in adolescent and young adult populations is difficult due to the complex interplay of extrinsic and intrinsic drivers of this phenomenon. Los Angeles area homeless youth (N = 366) were asked questions regarding recent violence experiences, emotion regulation, and their social network. Multivariable logistic regressions tested the overall effect of emotion regulation on violence, controlling for age, gender, race, sexual identity, experience of childhood abuse, and data collection site. In this sample, 56% of youth endorsed fighting in the previous year, and those who reported more difficulties with emotion regulation were significantly more likely to fight. In addition, youth who scored below the mean on difficulties with regulation and belonged to networks characterized by low-difficulty peers were 60% less likely to report fighting. Emotion regulation skills represent a malleable target for intervention that may contribute to reduced propensity for violence in this population. Implications for network-based interventions to improve individual emotion regulation and reduce overall violence among homeless youth and other at-risk populations are discussed.

A comparison of risk factors for various forms of trauma in the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and heterosexual homeless youth

ABSTRACTNumerous homeless youth experience trauma prior to leaving home and while on the street. Bullying and trading sex (i.e. exchanging sexual favors for survival items such as food) are additional forms of trauma experienced by many homeless youth. Although lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) homeless youth experience higher rates of child abuse compared to their heterosexual counterparts, there is a paucity of research comparing these two groups. As such, we compare whether difficulties finding items of necessity (e.g. food) and different forms of trauma including child sexual abuse, being bullied, trading sex, and street sexual victimization significantly differ for LGB and heterosexual homeless youth. Bivariate results reveal that LGB youth have more trouble finding shelter and are more likely to trade sex compared to heterosexual youth. Logistic regression results show that trading sex is correlated with street sexual victimization. In the second model, we find that being female, experiencing more child sexual abuse, and ever having traded sex are all positively linked with street sexual victimization. LGB youth are over-represented among homeless youth populations and are also more likely to trade sex; therefore, these young people need services that are widely accessible and specific to their needs.

Anti-trafficking’s Sensational Misinformation: The “72-hour Myth” and America’s Homeless Youth

ABSTRACTMedia representations of sex trafficking among homeless youth typically and needlessly contain sensationalized images and unsupported false statistics regarding the issue. One of those factoids: that runaway and homeless youth are likely to be trafficked for sex within 72 hours of leaving home is particularly pervasive despite being completely unfounded. This article tracks down the sources of this misinformation. Then, using a study of over 600 homeless youth conducted by Loyola University’s Modern Slavery Research Project, the article provides a more nuanced and survivor-centered portrait of the human trafficking – both sex and labor – that affects the homeless youth population.

Providing Solutions to LGBT Homeless Youth: Lessons From Baltimore’s Youth Empowered Society

In the United States, nearly 1.7 million youth under the age of 18 run away from home and often end up homeless each year. Reports estimate that between 20% and 40% of the runaway and homeless youth population identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) (Durso & Gates, 2012; Kaiser Family Foundation, 2014). This suggests that as many as 80,000 LGBT youth are homeless for over a week each year (National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2012). In addition, LGBT youth are more likely to suffer from poverty, substance abuse, violence, mental illness, and attempted suicide as a result of harassment and discrimination (Cray, Miller, & Durso, 2013; Kaiser Family Foundation, 2014; Swan, 2014). Grounded in social equity theory (Frederickson, 2010) and intersectionality (Crenshaw, 1991), this article argues that additional legal protections are necessary in order to ensure the constitutional rights of LGBT youth. A case study of the Youth Empowered Society (YES) in Baltimore City is provided as an example of a service-delivery model for this vulnerable population. Best practices are identified and anti-discrimination policies are recommended.

Preventing, Reducing and Ending LGBTQ2S Youth Homelessness: The Need for Targeted Strategies

Gender non-conforming and sexual minority youth are overrepresented in the homeless youth population and are frequently discriminated against in shelters and youth serving organizations. This paper provides a contextual understanding of the ways that institutional and governmental policies and standards often perpetuate the social exclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and 2-Spirit (LGBTQ2S) youth, by further oppression and marginalization. Factors, including institutional erasure, homophobic and transphobic violence, and discrimination that is rarely dealt with, addressed, or even noticed by shelter workers, make it especially difficult for LGBTQ2S youth experiencing homelessness to access support services, resulting in a situation where they feel safer on the streets than in shelters and housing programs. This paper draws on data from a qualitative Critical Action Research study that investigated the experiences of a group of LGBTQ2S homeless youth and the perspectives of staff in shelters through one-on-one interviews in Toronto, Canada. One of the main recommendations of the study included the need for governmental policy to address LGBTQ2S youth homelessness. A case study is shared to illustrate how the Government of Alberta has put this recommendation into practice by prioritizing LGBTQ2S youth homelessness in their provincial plan to end youth homelessness. The case study draws on informal and formal data, including group activities, questions, and surveys that were collected during a symposium on LGBTQ2S youth homelessness. This paper provides an overview of a current political, social justice, and public health concern, and contributes knowledge to an under researched field of study by highlighting concrete ways to prevent, reduce, and end LGBTQ2S youth homelessness.

Unmet eye care needs among a homeless youth population

ObjectiveTo assess the rate of visual impairment and quantify the unmet eye care needs within Toronto’s homeless youth community. DesignProspective and cross sectional. ParticipantsNinety randomly selected homeless youth aged 16–24 years. MethodsFrom each of 9 participating homeless youth shelters and drop-in centres in Toronto, 10 English-speaking youths between ages 16 and 24 were randomly recruited. Information regarding sociodemographics, medical history, subjective visual acuity, and access to eye care was collected. Comprehensive visual screening and undilated direct fundoscopy were also performed. ResultsThe median age of participants was 21 years (interquartile range = 19–23 years), and 62.2% were male. Most participants were homeless for less than 5 years (90%) and earning less than $500 monthly (57.8%). Despite 51.1% of participants having previously owned corrective lenses, only 20% of participants currently owned them when assessed/at study time. When analyzing the better-seeing eye, presenting visual acuity was 20/50 or worse in 18.9% (95% CI 10.8%–27.0%) of participants. Pinhole occlusion decreased the number to 2.2% (95% CI 0%–5.3%). The most common cause of visual impairment was uncorrected refractive error. Ocular pathology was observed in 8 participants. Compared to adults, youth have similar functional visual impairment (adults 24.0%, youth 18.9%) but less impairment uncorrectable by pinhole occlusion (adults 11.0%, youth 2.2%) and are less dissatisfied with their vision (adults 70.0%, youths 36.7%). Although a higher proportion of homeless youths have visited an eye specialist in the past year (adults 14.0%; youths 17.8%), neither group is visiting as frequently as the Canadian average (41%) (p < 0.01). ConclusionsHomeless youth have a high prevalence of visual impairment, even when living within a system of universal health insurance. Ongoing vision-screening programs, readily accessible free eye clinics, and particularly low-cost glasses may help address this need.

Queer, young, and homeless: A review of the literature

ABSTRACTQueer (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, questioning, two-spirited) youth are greatly overrepresented in the homeless youth population. The present review critically analyzes the literature on queer youth homelessness, with a particular focus on (a) methodological issues; (b) entries into homelessness; (c) programming needs; (d) targeted programming; and (e) exits out of homelessness. Results from this review demonstrate that homeless queer youth are a unique population who require specialized services, implemented by sensitive and knowledgeable staff. Recommendations focus on practical implications, policy implications, and ideas for future research.

The Education of District of Columbia Black Homeless Youth: Limits and Possibilities

PURPOSE OF THE STUDYFew cities have encountered the scale and magnitude of poverty and homelessness observed in our nation's capital, the District of Columbia (Washington, DC, the District, or DC; Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, MWCOG, 2011; National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2013). The transition from living at home to becoming homeless while overwhelming for adults, it is most difficult and psychologically traumatic for young people (Durham, 2003; Tobin & Murphy, 2013; Whitbeck et al., 2007). The state of homelessness compromises the physical, mental, and emotional status of young people (American Psychological Association, APA, 2014; Center on the Developing Child, 2014; Goodman, Saxe & Harvey, 1991). Homeless youth require wide-ranging services to temper their harsh conditions.In the meantime, federal law protects homeless youth's right and access to education. The McKinney-Vento Program (1987, 2002) provides funding to school education agencies (SEA's) and local education agencies (LEA's) to ensure homeless youth's school enrollment, attendance, academic support, and inclusion in extra curricula activities are met, and requires schools to facilitate their access to medical, dental, and other health and social services (Congressional Research Services, CRS, 2013; McCallion, 2012; McKinney-Vento, 2002). Federal law protects homeless youth's school access and coverage including within school districts that do not receive McKinney-Vento federal funding (Ableidinger, 2003; Georgia Department of Education, 2011).Moreover, the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) ushered accountability measures to improve the educational outcomes for all students including homeless youth (NCLB, 2001). NCLB included specific provisions to address the unique conditions and needs of homeless youth (National Center for Homeless Education, NCHE, 2007, 2011, 2013, 2014). In addition, Congress provides federal funding across several agencies administered by the Department of Education (ED), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support homeless youth (CRS, 2015).Like other homeless youth, District of Columbia homeless youth represent every color, ethnic group, and religious affinity. Nevertheless, Blacks comprise 51% of District of Columbia's population (District of Columbia Department of Health, 2013. More than half (52%) of DC's Black residents are at or below the national poverty rate (U.S. Census Bureau, 2014). Meanwhile, Black students represent 74.8 % of DCPS, and more than half of District of Columbia's public student population is low income (U.S. Department of Education, 2015; see Figure 1).This study is focused on DC's Black homeless youth. This is consistent with most homeless youth research, which is by and large situational specific (Braciszewski, Toro & JozefowiczSimbeni, 2011; Cauce et al., 2000). Also recognizing that the District of Columbia's Black community is characterized by its exceptional cultural history, this study expressly considers the unique conditions and nature of the Black homeless youth experience within the District's sociohistorical dynamics. Research suggests that culture has a pronounced impact on shaping the adaptive development of youth (Boyd, Richerson, & Henrich, 2011; Garcia Coll et al., 1996).Homeless youth depend on the institutional competencies of the public school system to effectively respond to their educational needs, and provide them the support systems they are legally entitled to receive. Accordingly, the availability or absence of responsive schools and wellarticulated supportive programs are of critical importance to homeless youth.Regardless, the conspicuously large number of homeless students attending the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) requires deliberate action and resolve. District legislators need to evaluate and address the factors that contribute to the rise in the number of the city's homeless youth population. …

Systematic Review of Current Intimate Partner Violence Prevention Programs and Applicability to Homeless Youth

AbstractThis systematic review explores empirical research published between 2002 and 2012 regarding the effectiveness of prevention programs for intimate partner violence. To assess whether and to what extent programs might be applicable to implementation with a homeless youth population, we categorize studies as being tested with the general youth population or with at-risk youth populations. Quality of the research is assessed by comparing participant selection, study design, assessment instruments, and program outcomes. Applicability to homeless youth is assessed by examining setting, participants, curriculum, duration of intervention, target outcomes, measures and instruments, and results. After retrieving abstracts from various databases using search words that reflected our research questions, we identified 14 studies that met the review inclusion criteria. Of the 14 programs reviewed, 7 were implemented with the general youth population and 7 programs were implemented with “at-risk” youth. Althoug...

Comparisons of substance abuse, high-risk sexual behavior and depressive symptoms among homeless youth with and without a history of foster care placement

Aims and objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare prevalence of substance use, high-risk sexual behaviors, and depression symptoms between homeless youth with and without a history of foster care placement. Background: Approximately 26,000 young persons exit foster care annually in the United States. Once they ‘age out’ of foster care, however, many young persons do not have access to comprehensive health care. They also are at risk for substance abuse, homelessness, or mental illness. Because persons with a history of foster care are at risk for negative psycho-social outcomes, it is unclear if these young people might be different than homeless youth without this history. Design: The design is descriptive and cross-sectional. Methods: A total of 156 homeless young persons, of whom 44 had a history of foster care placement, were recruited from a drop-in center that caters to homeless youth and young adults. Results: The sample was majority male and white; ages were 16–25. Significantly higher proportion of homeless former foster youth used methamphetamine within the last six months compared to non-fostered homeless youth p = 0.03). Homeless former foster youth were significantly older (p = 0.02) and less educated (p = 0.02) than their homeless counterparts without a history of foster care placement. Prevalence of using tobacco, marijuana, alcohol, crack cocaine, and powder cocaine were similar for both groups. Although not significant, a higher proportion of homeless former foster youth reported trading sex for money or drugs compared to non-fostered, homeless youth (19% versus 12% [trading sex for money], and 26% versus 14% [trading sex for drugs], respectively. Conclusions: Findings from this study show that, in general, homelessness is a negative outcome, irrespective of having a foster care history. However, those with that history need continued support when transitioning to independent living, such as access to health care, and encouragement to further their education. Relevance to clinical practice: It is important that nurses, who serve homeless youth populations, conduct a risk assessment profile, in order to ascertain a history of foster care placement, link former foster youth to social service agencies that provide risk reduction/health promotion education, and advocate for stable housing.

Impact of Nursing Intervention on Decreasing Substances among Homeless Youth

Alcohol use, and in particular, binge drinking, and methamphetamine use is pervasive among homeless youth and remains a social pressure among this vulnerable population. However, there is no compelling evidence that specific interventions for reducing drug and alcohol use are effective for homeless youth. This community-based participatory action pilot study assessed the impact of an intervention study focused on decreasing use of drugs and alcohol among a sample of homeless young adults (N= 154) visiting a drop-in site in Santa Monica, California. The two programs consisted of an HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis Health Promotion (HHP) program led by nurses and an Art Messaging (AM) program led by artists. Six-month follow-up data were obtained from 100 of these individuals. Findings revealed significant reductions in alcohol and marijuana use and binge drinking in both the HHP and AM programs. However, homeless youth in the HHP program reported additional reductions in methamphetamine, cocaine, and hallucinogen use at 6-month follow-up. Reductions in drugs and alcohol are important as these substances are linked to HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and other health risks in homeless youth. The successful outcomes of the study intervention validate the utility of nurse-led and artistic health promotion strategies to decrease drug and alcohol use and other risky behaviors in homeless youth populations.

Health Issues in the Homeless Youth Population

Health Issues in the Homeless Youth Population