Problems of Homeless Youths: Empirical Findings and Human Services Issues

Abstract

This regional study compares homeless and nonhomeless youths who sought help at runaway shelters in eight southeastern states. Both groups reported a range of personal, family, and school problems, but the problems of the homeless group were more chronic than those of the nonhomeless group. Although homeless youths received more services from shelters than nonhomeless youths, the prognosis for the former was grim. Most lacked a stable, supportive family to which they could return. Many already were victims of a fragmented child welfare system that offered bleak alternative living arrangements. The authors present recommendations for services that are integrated into a continuum of care for homeless youths.