Search Results (29)

(1) Background: Housing instability is a public health issue in both developed and developing countries. This exploratory pilot study examines executive functioning (EF) and the history of acquired brain injury (ABI) in youth and young adults experiencing homelessness (YYEH). (2) Methods: Twenty-three YYEH (ages 18–25; 48% male) were recruited from a drop-in center in Central Ohio. The Ohio State University TBI Identification Method (OSU TBI-ID+ABI) was used to screen for exposure to ABI. Outcomes were measured using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function for Adults (BRIEF-A) and the NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery. (3) Results: Eighty-seven percent of participants reported a lifetime history of ABI, including traumatic brain injury or hypoxic-anoxic brain injury. Overall, participants did not present with elevated EF scores on outcome measures. Those with multiple lifetime ABIs (n = 16) had significantly higher scores than those with a single ABI (n = 4), representing poorer EF, on shift, self-monitor, task monitor, and the Global Executive Composite of the BRIEF-A. There was no evidence of significant differences between participants on outcome measures based on injury mechanism. (4) Conclusions: In this pilot sample, those with multiple reported ABIs demonstrated decreased EF performance, and these differences were noted in specific areas of EF. To ensure YYEH have access to services, resource support and intervention providers should consider the cognitive profiles of the youth they serve. Full article

Youth-led action research has significantly influenced local and statewide policies aimed at supporting students experiencing homelessness in California. This study employs a Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) methodology, summarizing five years of research conducted by high school student cohorts and UC Berkeley graduate students to examine effective strategies for preventing and addressing student homelessness. The research engaged over 260 high school students, nine graduate research fellows, 31 university student mentors, and eight civic and community organizations through data collection, policy analysis, and stakeholder collaboration. Findings indicate that youth-led research strengthens alignment mechanisms, enhances cross-sector collaboration, and improves policy coordination, leading to more effective services and positive educational experiences for students experiencing homelessness. These results underscore the transformative role of youth-driven inquiry in shaping inclusive, evidence-based policies, and demonstrate the need for sustained youth engagement in policymaking to create long-term, systemic change. Full article

Youth experiencing homelessness (YEH) face elevated risks of HIV and STIs compared to their housed counterparts. HIV and STI testing services are pivotal for prevention and early detection. Investigating utilization rates and associated factors among YEH provides critical insights for intervention efforts in major U.S. regions. This study analyzed secondary data from the Homeless Youth Risk and Resilience Survey (HYRRS) conducted between 2016 and 2017. Participants were recruited in seven major cities: Los Angeles, San Jose, Phoenix, St. Louis, Denver, Houston, and New York City (n = 1426). Notably, YEH in Denver, Houston, Phoenix, San Jose, and St. Louis were significantly less likely to use HIV testing services than those in Los Angeles. YEH reporting early sexual activity were less likely to undergo HIV testing, while having online sex partners increased the likelihood of HIV testing. Moreover, YEH in New York City were more likely to receive STI testing, while Phoenix and San Jose had lower testing rates. Disparities in testing rates highlight questions about equitable resource allocation, accentuating the need for enhanced educational and community outreach efforts to address barriers across diverse urban settings. Full article

In recent years, researchers and policymakers have called attention to the importance of child and adolescent trauma for understanding adult health status. The primary aim of this study is to describe the adverse childhood events reported in a sample of runaway and homeless youths and examine their impact on these youths’ current health status. We utilize survey data collected from a community sample of runaway and homeless youths gathered in metro Atlanta. Using the Adverse Childhood Experiences Scale (ACEs scale), we examined the relationship between ACEs and several health status measures using OLS and logistic regression. We found that runaway and homeless youths endorsed experiencing many ACEs, especially sexual minority youths, youths who had prior involvement with child-serving social service systems, and youths who were homeless for more than a year. Black/African American youths were slightly less likely to report many adverse childhood experiences. Runaway and homeless youths who reported more ACEs had increased odds of experiencing significant current mental health and/or substance abuse problems. Our study suggests ACEs are an important factor shaping these youths’ health and underscores the potential value of trauma-informed care for youths experiencing homelessness. Full article

Young adults experiencing homelessness face multiple challenges and are often confronted with additional barriers stemming from adverse past experiences. Whereas youth homelessness rates appear to increase across Europe, our knowledge on its nature in Belgium remains limited. Based on recent local point-in-time counts on homelessness in Belgium (2020–2022) and a focus group (2022) to interpret these results, we examine the profiles of more than 2000 homeless young adults and distinguish between three distinct groups (youth care leavers, Belgians with no care history, and newcomers). Alongside the need for universal prevention, tailored interventions are crucial for each subgroup to address their unique needs. Full article

Transphobic and homophobic violence and discrimination within homes and housing programs lead many 2-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (2SLGBTQ+) youth to find alternative, temporary, and insecure housing. These types of living situations are considered “hidden homelessness”. This study interviewed 2SLGBTQ+ youth (n = 6) and key informants (n = 12) who have experienced and/or who support hidden homelessness across three sites in Ontario (Toronto, York Region, and London). The results suggest experiences of hidden homelessness for 2SLGBTQ+ youth are nonlinear, with pathways driven by family conflict combined with the high cost of living and lack of employment, making independent living unaffordable. Additionally, youth avoid services where they experience discrimination and often experience social isolation. In rural and suburban areas, youth have fewer options for safe and inclusive services. When services are accessible, wrap-around supports that address the complexity of their situations help youth exit hidden homelessness. Prevention strategies should focus on addressing family conflict and supporting reunification when it is safe to do so. For those who are unable to return home, there is a need for increased financial support and more affordable housing. Building comprehensive population-based support services is recommended to address the overrepresentation of 2SLGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness. Full article

Background: Youth experiencing homelessness (YEH) in East Asian Pacific (EAP) regions represent one of the most at-risk populations due to cultural and geographical factors. Effective mental health interventions, primarily researched in Western contexts, may not fully apply to YEH in EAP. Their lack of stable shelter, disrupted social networks, and limited access to mental health services elevate their susceptibility to adverse mental health, making urgent interventions essential to address their needs. Objective: The objective of this study is to explore and systematically search the types of mental health services and interventions available for YEH in EAP and their impact on overall quality of life and wellbeing. Methods: Electronic databases (e.g., Medline, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus) were systematically searched (publication dates between 1 January 1990 and 13 May 2023), as well as additional online resources specific to homelessness. Articles were screened, and a critical appraisal assessed the quality of the included studies. Results: Eight studies with different interventions were identified in Indonesia (n = 2), Malaysia (n = 1), South Korea (n = 3), and the Philippines (n = 1). These were thematically clustered into six categories: art, cognitive behavioural therapy, life skills education, resilience enhancement, family strengthening, and government interventions/services. Conclusions: This review highlights effective mental health interventions’ positive impact on YEH mental health outcomes and quality of life in EAP, stressing the urgent need to implement socio-culturally sensitive services. Future research should address knowledge gaps through comprehensive studies covering diverse EAP regions and populations, prioritising socio-culturally specific psychological measures. Full article

Youth homelessness represents a persistent and significant challenge for service sectors with limited best practice guidance. Housing supports, in particular, are widely deployed, with the practice-oriented literature providing little detail regarding service design beyond broad domains such as employment support and life skills coaching. The present multiple case study investigation was designed to develop a preliminary understanding of the guiding principles that attend the development of interventions that support youth exiting homelessness in the Canadian context. These case studies were conducted with a diverse group of five organizations recognized as sector leaders, with findings considered in light of practice standards from the better-established adult housing literature. Key findings with respect to service models included the strategies used to provide flexible, culturally responsive, tailored services with an emphasis on specialist support. Implementation factors included the navigation of strategic partnerships, the use of data in capacity-building, and the benefits and drawbacks of larger, centralized service environments versus smaller, dispersed environments. Youth-specific considerations in housing stabilization models are highlighted. This work contributes to a growing body of literature that seeks to articulate best practices in the effort to address and prevent youth homelessness. Full article

Youth homelessness presents a complex and persistent challenge worldwide, particularly affecting young adults between 16 and 24 years of age in the US and Canada. This population faces elevated risks of exploitation, victimization, and various health issues upon detachment from familial support structures. Understanding the multi-faceted nature of youth homelessness requires the consideration of individual, structural, and systemic factors within the socio-ecological model. Historically, when examining youth homelessness, traditional methods have concentrated either on individual factors contributing to homelessness or on broader structural issues within society. The emergence of the new orthodoxy attempted to bridge the apparent gap between individual- and structural-level factors by considering both to be equally significant, but it faced skepticism for its theoretical framework. In response, the “pathways” approach gained traction, emphasizing the subjective experiences and agency of youth experiencing homelessness. Departing from conventional epidemiological models, the pathways approach views homelessness as a dynamic process intertwined with individual life contexts. This paper navigates the scholarly discourse on youth homelessness and examines the distinct characteristics of the pathways approach. By exploring its implications for research and policy, this study contributes to a nuanced understanding of youth homelessness and informs future prevention-focused interventions. Full article

70%+ of youth and young adults experiencing homelessness (YYEH; 14–24 years old) smoke combustible tobacco. Little is known about the prevalence of acquired brain injury (ABI) among youth and young adult smokers experiencing homelessness (YYSEH) and its impact on tobacco use progression—the aim of our study. Through an interviewer-administered survey, YYSEH were asked about timing of tobacco use; exposure to causes of ABI; including brain oxygen deprivation (BOD; strangulation; accidental; choking games) and blunt force head trauma (BFHT; intentional; shaken violently; accidental); and perpetrators of intentional assault. Participants (n = 96) were on average 22 years old and from populations who experience structural disparities; including those minoritized by race (84.4%) and gender/sexual orientation (26.0%). In total, 87% of participants reported at least one exposure to BFHT and 65% to BOD. Intentional injury was more common than accidental. Furthermore, 60.4% of participants (n = 59) were classified as having ABI using the Brain Injury Severity Assessment. A significant proportion of YYSEH living with ABI were exposed to both BFHT and BOD prior to trying (68.5%, p = 0.002) and to first regular use (82.8%, p < 0.001) of tobacco. Among YYSEH with ABI; injury exposure occurred a median of 1 and 5 years before age of first regular tobacco use, dependent on injury mechanism. ABI from intentional violence is prevalent and precedes tobacco use among YYSEH. Full article

Background: The aim of this paper is to describe the development of a shared housing model intervention that was designed to serve youth experiencing homelessness who are LGBTQ+ and/or pregnant/parenting. The intervention is built around two guiding philosophies: housing first and restorative justice. Methods: We engaged in a year-long planning process with an advisory group from 1 July 2021 through 30 June 2022. The advisory group is a partnership between Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work, seven young people with lived experience expertise, and members from four partner organizations, including local organizations serving LGBTQ+ youth. Results: Marsha and Marian’s Neighbors is designed to provide safe, comfortable housing for 12 months for 20 young people and their children if they have any. Participants will live in apartments where rent and utilities are paid for by the program for all participants. The program also provides money for arrears that may prevent the participants from being able to secure a lease, mental health appointments, legal consultations, and doula services provided by partners recruited by the planning team. Services are provided by staff and partners that are LGBTQ+ affirming and pregnant and parenting affirming. Conclusion: One of the most important lessons that we learned is the power of developing shared values in a novel intervention for LGBTQ+ youth. One focused intervention that supports both pregnant and parenting youth who identify as LGBTQ+ remains necessary. Paradoxically, LGBTQ+ people, particularly bisexual, lesbian, and queer cisgender women, are at an equal or greater risk of unplanned pregnancy. Both groups are vulnerable to housing instability independently, and those who live at the intersection of being LGBTQ+ and pregnant/parenting face an elevated risk for housing instability. Full article

Indigenous youth are the fastest growing population in Canada, yet are marked by profound and disproportionate personal, societal, political, and colonial barriers that predispose them to mental health challenges, employment and educational barriers, and experiences of housing insecurity and homelessness. It is only from the perspectives and experiences of Indigenous community members themselves that we can gain appropriate insights into effective supports, meaningful interventions, and accessible pathways to security. This paper will explore the mental health of Indigenous youth who are at risk of, or who have experienced, homelessness, as well as the lifelong perspectives, teachings, and guidance from Indigenous Elders and traditional knowledge keepers; their perspectives are weaved throughout, in order to provide a more effective means to addressing holistic healing and the mental health needs of Indigenous homeless youth. As educators, researchers and clinicians who have sought to understand this issue in more depth, our analysis aims to raise awareness about the complexities of Indigenous youth homelessness and push back against systemic barriers that contribute to homelessness, fail young people, and subject them to oppression. We also offer recommendations from a clinical perspective in order for clinicians, researchers and those working within communities to serve our Indigenous youth with a diverse set of methods that are tailored and ethical in their approach. Full article

Underpinned by the New World Kirkpatrick model, and in the context of a community-based sport psychology programme (My Strengths Training for Life™) for young people experiencing homelessness, this process evaluation investigated (1) young peoples’ reactions (i.e., program and facilitator evaluation, enjoyment, attendance, and engagement) and learning (i.e., mental skills and transfer intention), (2) the relationship between reaction and learning variables, and (3) the mediators underpinning this relationship. A total of 301 young people living in a West Midlands housing service completed questionnaires on demographics and reaction and learning variables. Higher levels of programme engagement were positively associated with more favourable reactions to the programme. Enjoyment positively predicted learning outcomes, which was mediated by transfer intention. Recommendations are made for (1) a balance between rigor and flexibility for evaluation methods with disadvantaged youth, (2) including engagement as well as attendance as indicators of meaningful programme participation, (3) measuring programme experiences (e.g., enjoyment) to understand programme effectiveness, and (4) providing opportunities for skill transfer during and after programme participation. Our findings have implications for researchers, programme commissioners, and policymakers designing and evaluating programmes in community-based settings. Full article

Purpose: Homelessness is a major public health problem facing millions of youths across the United States (U.S.), with lesbian gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning (LGBTQ+) youths and youths of color being disproportionately at higher risk. This study obtains an understanding of the health and health-related social needs of youths experiencing homelessness during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: A total of 14 youths between the ages of 14 and 24 who (a) lived, worked, or attended school in New Britain, Connecticut (CT) and (b) had at least one experience of homelessness or housing insecurity worked with the research team to conduct a needs assessment regarding youth homelessness. Using photovoice, a community-based participatory research method, participants created photo narratives to share their stories and recommendations for community change. The main goals of photovoice are to enable participants to (1) record and represent their everyday realities; (2) promote critical dialogue and knowledge about person and community strengths and concerns; and (3) reach policy makers. Results: Most of the participants identified as youths of color, and half of the participants identified as members of the LGBTQ+ community. Three major themes that appeared in the youths’ narratives include the following: mental health and substance use challenges, trouble accessing basic human needs, and lack of a social support system. Conclusion: This study uplifts and empowers a vulnerable population to increase visibility around a major public health challenge from their own lived experiences. Despite the challenges that were voiced, many participants shared a sense of hope and resiliency. The major themes endorsed by the youths has the potential of informing practitioners and policy makers of how to better address the needs of youths experiencing homelessness, particularly those most at risk. Full article

Nationwide, public libraries are experiencing an increase in “on-premise” opioid overdoses and other issues (e.g., suicide attempts) affecting unstably housed library users. The public library presents a unique opportunity to access an otherwise hidden population. In partnership with the San Diego Central Library, researchers led focus groups, in-depth interviews, and surveys with 63 library patrons experiencing homelessness or housing instability (n = 49) and library staff (n = 14) (January–June 2019). Using a consensus organizing framework and mixed methods approach, the researchers conducted in-depth interviews exploring the library’s strengths and opportunities for patrons experiencing homelessness, the barriers to meeting their aspirations, and whether having a social worker at the library or other policy changes in government or the library could help. Specifically, participants answered inquiries about the opportunities for the library to address substance use and human trafficking. In brief surveys, library patrons and staff provided views on the patrons’ educational needs, library staff’s training needs, and changes needed in government or library policies. Results revealed the desire of the library patrons (69%) and staff (93%) to have a library social worker who could link patrons to housing services, substance use harm reduction or treatment, and address food-insecure youth/families and human trafficking/sexual exploitation. Participants also valued peer advocates with lived homelessness experiences. Over 70% of the unstably housed patrons said they would like library patrons to participate in peer leadership training. Other significant themes were the need for crisis prevention and intervention, connecting patrons to resources and each other, and creating consistent assistance. Libraries urgently need more on-premise support to address patrons’ pressing housing, health, and mental health needs. Full article