Youth ages 18-24 make up 12% of the homeless population. Youth are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population and may be at greater risk of homelessness than any other age group. Many factors associated with youth homelessness mirror adult homelessness – substance use, mental health issues, lack of educational or employment opportunities, and poverty. Family conflict, and “aging out” of the foster care or juvenile justice systems are also risk factors for youth homelessness. An understanding of these transitions and the issues facing youth who are homeless should inform service delivery to this population. The resources on this page can assist these efforts.
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