Youth Homelessness: A Global and National Analysis of Emerging Interventions for a Population at Risk

Abstract

Practitioners working with homeless youth have an opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of their clients if they possess the appropriate skills. This chapter demonstrates how assessment, intervention, and policy analysis are all important practice skills in order to comprehensively serve youth experiencing homelessness. The use of surrounding resources strengthens services and helps to build trust with the youth served. Applying knowledge in the context of a stable, consistent relationship can increase effectiveness and build on the strengths of youth experiencing homelessness. The causes and consequences of youth homelessness are varied, and it can be difficult to differentiate between factors that preceded homelessness and factors precipitated by homelessness. Overarching the causes and consequences of youth homelessness are the effects of poverty and racism. A lack of affordable housing intensified by the rising cost of rent, an increasing percentage of households who are renting, and dormant wage growth are contributing factors to homelessness. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)