Homeless Youth

According to the UN definition of youth, youth are people between the ages of 15 and 24. It is a transitional age in which adolescents learn skills in order to transition into adulthood. Many of the skills needed come from the first social group they are a part of: family. The way youth interacts with his or her family can have significant consequences in their lives. Unfortunately, when those interactions are negative it can set up the youth for undesirable outcomes later in life. One of many undesirable outcomes is homelessness.

Runaways and throwaways make a big part of the homeless youth population. Youth runaway as a last resort. They are running away from abusive or neglecting parents or caregivers and think they will find a better life on their own. Throwaways are youth who were purposely kicked out from the home. Both can occur when there is disagreement in the family; especially when the child is used as a scapegoat. The youth may not necessarily be the reason for the family problems but putting the blame on them allows others to not take responsibility. Tensions may lead to disagreements and fights, and if the child is old enough, they may runaway or be kicked out. Once on the streets, most of these youth do not have the life skills and resources to make it on their own which can lead to homelessness.