Youth

"Purpose
This study aimed to explore the association between direct exposure, indirect exposure, and perpetration of gun violence and suicidal ideation among young adults experiencing homelessness (YAEH).

Methods
YAEH (n = 1,426) in seven cities across the U.S. were surveyed. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the association between lifetime gun violence exposure and suicidal ideation in the past 12 months.

Results
Forty-five percent (n = 641) of YAEH had experienced direct or indirect gun violence, whereas 17% (n = 247) had engaged in gun violence perpetration. Gun violence perpetration is associated with elevated suicidal ideation risk (odds ratio = 1.46; 95% confidence interval = 1.02–2.01) among YAEH.

Conclusions
A high percentage of YAEH were exposed to firearm violence. Cross-sector, multiagency collaborations are warranted to reduce firearm violence exposure among this vulnerable population. Homeless service providers should screen for gun violence exposure and suicide risk and target prevention efforts on YAEH with a history of gun violence perpetration."

Queer young people, or young people who are sexuality diverse and/or trans and gender diverse, face a higher lifetime likelihood of homelessness than their cis-heterosexual peers. However, queer young people are often treated as a homogenous group within research, a methodological decision that obscures differences on the basis of gender identity. Drawing upon 2,159 intake records from a youth housing program in Australia, the authors compare the experiences of (i) cis-heterosexual; (ii) sexuality diverse; and (iii) trans and gender diverse young people across a number of domains related to vulnerability, including victimization and violence, health, substance use, and support systems. Eighteen percent of young people in the sample identified as queer, and five percent identified as trans or gender diverse. Queer young people were more likely to report family and intimate partner violence, poor mental health, and recent substance use than cis-hetero youth. Trans and gender non-conforming respondents were more likely than sexuality diverse peers to be experiencing current, rather than past, family violence, and less likely to report intimate partner violence and substance use. We conclude by discussing these issues within the context of past research and their implication for future research and practice within the homelessness sector.

"Aims and objectives: To explore homelessness among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning plus (LGBTQ+) youth and to identify their support and care requirements.
Background: LGBTQ+ youth face many health and societal challenges including issues related to homelessness.
Design: A systematic review of qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods studies.
Methods: A search of relevant electronic databases was carried out and included the dates August 2008-August 2018 and limited to academic journals and peer-reviewed empirical studies written in English. Included studies specifically addressed the homeless experiences of youth aged 13-24 years old who identified as LGBTQ+. The PRISMA checklist was used in the review. A quality assessment instrument was used to review all of the selected papers and narrative methods utilized in the synthesis of the research evidence.
Results: The search resulted in 319 papers, and after applying distinct inclusion criteria, a total of 14 papers were considered suitable for the systematic review. Following analysis, the four main themes identified were stigma, discrimination and exclusion; mental health issues and substance use; sexual risks and vulnerability; and interventions and supports.
Conclusion: LGBTQ+ homeless youth is a major public health concern that has significant consequences for a young person's physical and psychosocial well-being.
Relevance to clinical practice: Practitioners need to be aware of the specific health and support requirements of LGBTQ+ youth in relation to homelessness. Inclusive and holistic care plans should exist that are fully responsive to the distinct needs of this group guided by definitive policies and sound clinical research. The implications for future nursing practice are presented and discussed.

This brief aims to develop Vocational Rehabilitation Professionals’ awareness and knowledge related to serving young people with disabilities who experience homelessness. It also provides guidance on building collaborative relationships with Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) service providers to assist youth with disabilities in accessing available services and support. (author abstract modified)

Each year, millions of youth experience homelessness across the United States, and they need proven housing models and an array of services and supports to help them achieve stability and independence – all in an effort to ultimately prevent and end youth homelessness. Covenant House International, National Network for Youth, and SchoolHouse Connection published this paper to highlight an essential, but often under-resourced, housing model for young people: transitional housing. This paper shares research demonstrating the effectiveness of transitional housing programs and argues for greater investments and wider availability of this essential housing model. This includes offering transitional programs and other types of homelessness services to minors. The need for expanded programming is great among this population, as the vast majority of students experiencing homelessness are not in shelters or other housing programs.

This article presents the findings of the first phase of an innovative approach to youth homelessness and offers insights in to how communities can design and implement similar interventions in their own community. The authors used a youth-centered non-paternalistic approach and broad community engagement. While direct cash transfers have a large evidence base around the world, this first of its kind work may have a significant impact on the field as well as other related social service fields. (author abstract modified)

This journal article explores how behavioral family interventions help prevent negative outcomes for youth experiencing homelessness. It also explores factors of participation by their families. These two dimensions of participation, retention and engagement, in a family intervention were examined in a sample of newly homeless adolescents and their parents or guardians. (author abstract modified)

This journal article explores a book on youth homelessness and factors they youth face related to instability after transitioning out of homelessness. The book Jeff Karabanow, Sean Kidd, Tyler Frederick and Jean Hughes addresses a major gap in research on youth homelessness in Canada by attempting answer the question: what happens after youth have transitioned out of homelessness? The book summarizes the findings and processes used in completing a multi-year longitudinal study that with 51 youth aged 16 -25 in Halifax and Toronto who had recently transitioned into housing from experiences of homelessness. (author abstract modified)

This brief spotlights several Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP) communities for how they have fostered youth leadership, as well as for lessons learned that may provide guidance for other communities seeking to establish effective youth collaboration in their local communities. The Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP) is a national initiative designed to reduce the number of youth experiencing homelessness. Twenty-three communities were selected in Round 3 of YHDP. As a part of this initiative, these communities committed to authentic collaboration with youth and young adults who have lived experience of homelessness. (author abstract modified)