NCJ Number
189983
Journal
Children's Voice Volume: 10 Issue: 4 Dated: July 2001 Pages: 8-10,12-13,14
Date Published
2001
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article examines the Nation's population of homeless youth.
Abstract
Homeless youth are generally defined to include runaway, "throwaway", and "street" youth. Runaways are youth under 18 away from home at least one night without permission of parents, guardians, or custodial authorities. Throwaways have been told or forced to leave home or deserted by parents or guardians. Street youth manage to live for an extended time on the streets; many are long-term runaway or throwaway children. A large number of runaways and homeless youth appear to be present or former children in foster care. The article briefly describes special efforts to assist them. The article also discusses reasons why young people leave home, including family conflict and physical, sexual, and psychological abuse. The article includes a look at Tuscon, AZ, where as many as 200 youngsters live on the streets in mid-winter, and attempts to help them. The article also describes other cities' efforts to prevent runaways and to provide services to homeless young people. Those services include street outreach workers and walk-in centers that provide short-term shelter, food, clothing, medical assistance, and counseling. Resources, references