The Plight of Homeless Youth

THE PLIGHT OF Homeless Youth Many homeless youth are runaways that have escaped dysfunctional family environments and leave to avoid physical and or sexual abuse. Astudy conducted by the US. department of Health and Human services indicates: 46% of homeless youth had been physically abused 17% had been forced into unwanted sexual activity The remaining homeless youth either fell victim to a family financial crisis or left because of neglect ora family dispute. A LARGE nomber of homeless Youth were once in foster care. An estimated 50% of foster youth end up homeless once they age out ofthe foster care system. Many young runaways lack the education and age requirements to hold jobs. They are forced to beg ortun to prostitution for survival. 25%ofthese at-risk youth will end up incarcerated MANY SUFFER FROM DRUG * ALCOHOL ADDICTIONS AS WELL AS MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES Without adequate life skills and adult role models these youth have difficulty adjusting on their own and end up unemployed and potentially living in poverty. zons smart TM Pndependent Living Skills