The consequences that arise from youth homelessness

Mental health issues, drug abuse, criminal activity, and hurdles to education and employment are all repercussions of homelessness for youth. Moreover, these issues place pressure on society to discover solutions to care for the young.

1. Employment/Criminal activity:

Because finding employment is difficult due to their homelessness, our youth are compelled to participate in illegal activities to provide for themselves. A survey conducted by the Coalition for Juvenile Justice found that 62 percent of a runaway or homeless youth had been arrested at some point, indicating that they are unable to find work due to their age, homelessness, or misconceptions about their true intentions as they are frequently criminalized.

2. Education:

Similarly, our youth are unable to continue post-secondary education due to a lack of financial success, as no one can provide for them because the majority of youth are forced to take care of themselves, which often leads to illicit activities. As a result, the majority of homeless high school students drop out. After all, they do not see the value in completing their education because they will not be able to pay for it.

3. Mental health issues

Many homeless kids are depressed as a result of their sad circumstances. According to the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, over 40% of youth are depressed, which contributes to rising youth suicide rates. This continual pressure to find food, a place to sleep, and take care of oneself may be a lot of obligations for a young person, leading to mental health difficulties.

Works cited

1. “Children, Youth & Families.” National Health Care for the Homeless Council, nhchc.org/clinical-practice/homeless-services/special-populations/children-youth-f.

Researcher: Anahad Chattwal (Researcher from Power to the Youth Toronto)

Editor: Manasvini Anad (Editor from Power to the Youth Toronto)

Date published: June 8th 2022