Throughout my paper, I discussed the question of what it means to be homeless. Several characteristics of this heterogeneous population are mentioned, as well as estimates of the group. Why is it that juveniles are choosing lives on the street rather than in their homes? Contributing factors include: family problems, throwaways, homeless families, residential instability, foster care and other residential programs, institutional contact, and socioeconomic pressures. Additionally, why do homeless youth flock towards the urban atmosphere? Is it because they have big dreams of the bright lights within the city? This is one factor as well as the numerous aid that is provided there. Another topic of discussion includes the hardships experienced by the homeless/runaway adolescents who are the problematic children which law enforcement officials deal with on a day to day basis. The conclusion of this paper is my personal opinion on what I think should be done to reduce the problem of homelessness.

What Does it Mean to be Homeless? p. 1-2

Despite their heightened risk for suicidal behavior, homeless and runaway youth have been understudied in the suicide literature. A study conducted by Caton, considered risk factors associated with suicidal thoughts and the likelihood of a suicide attempt in a sample of 297 homeless and runaway youth. Over half the sample, 53%, endorsed some level of suicidal thoughts, and one quarter, 26.3% attempted suicide in the year prior to the interview. It was found that sexual abuse by a family member, knowing a friend who attempted suicide, drug abuse, and internalization were highly related to suicidal thoughts. Sexual abuse, sexual victimization while on their own, and internalization were found to be highly related to the likelihood of an actual suicide attempt (Caton).

Providing assistance to homeless children and adolescents calls for a comprehensive approach. First, their basic needs of food, clothing and shelter must be met. Then, services must be integrated into a continuum that includes crisis intervention, intensive home-based intervention and intermediate or long-term residential programs. Care for homeless children and adolescents must be flexible and forgiving. They need to be supported in their efforts to repair their lives. They will need individual tutors and mentors to guide them through educational and employment programs. They will also need flexible living arrangements and the assurance of at least one constant in their lives. Every community must establish an interagency team to provide for immediate and long-term needs of homeless children and adolescents if the problems of the homeless are not resolved.

Problems Experienced by the Homeless p. 6-9

Homeless youth may avoid school because of low academic achievement or they may fear ridicule because they do not have acceptable clothing. The environmental deprivation homeless student’s experience leads to a diminished capacity for both cognitive and adaptive functioning. These factors may account for problems in school. They may also seem developmentally delayed, timid and over anxious (Reganick). In addition, homeless students are probably under-immunized or not immunized at all (due to poor health treatment) which will prohibit these youths from entering school. As the homeless struggle to survive, education is not a priority, it is a luxury.

Some topics in this essay:
Schaffner Despite, Salamon Homeless, Springer Youth, Fall Levin, Annotated Bibliography, Research Corporation, Abstract Throughout, Salamon Neglect, Reganick Whatever, Reganick Homeless, homeless youth, youth homelessness, homeless adolescents, sexual abuse, homeless children, youth population, homeless youth population, affordable housing, runaway behavior, physical sexual abuse, residential instability, substance abuse, homeless children adolescents, towards urban atmosphere, law enforcement officials,