Description:
Kids are not just along for the ride. They are taking everything in. Everything impacts them. They have their own unique needs, hopes, dreams.
Content:
Homeless street youth have become a common presence in most large American cities. The prevalence of homeless youth is difficult to determine, but researchers estimate that 1 million to 1.6 million youth per year experience homelessness. Not surprisingly, homeless youth have significant mental health problems, including depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidal ideation, and substance abuse disorders. Most of these youth experienced potentially traumatic events before they left home, and many of them are retraumatized once they arrive on the street. These youth struggle to recover from both previous and new traumatic experiences while trying to survive in a hostile street environment. (Authors)
Check out the The National Child Traumatic Stress Network's (NCTSN) Culture and Trauma brief on Trauma Among Homeless Youth.
Type of Resource:
Quick Tip