A moral case for universal healthcare for runaway and homeless youth

Prevalence of youth experiencing homelessness and its association with suicidal thoughts and behaviors: Findings from a population-based study

Although various studies have examined factors associated with suicidal behaviors among youth, few studies have investigated the association between youth experiencing homelessness (YEH) and suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) using a large nationally representative sample. The objectives of this study were to investigate prevalence of YEH and its association with STBs. Data for this study came from the 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. An analytic sample of 17,033 youth aged 14-18 (51.7 % male) was analyzed using binary logistic regression. Of the 17,033 youth examined, 3 % experienced homelessness during the past 30 days, 21.3 % experienced suicidal ideation, 17.3 % made a suicide plan, and 10.9 % attempted suicide during the past 12 months. Controlling for demographic characteristics and feeling sad or hopeless, YEH was associated with 2.48 times higher odds of experiencing suicidal ideation (AOR=2.48, p<.001), 2.46 times higher odds of making a suicide plan (AOR=2.46, p<.001), and 4.38 times higher odds of making a suicide attempt (AOR=4.38, p<.001). The findings of this study highlight the importance of identifying youth who are at risk of experiencing homelessness to ensure early interventions are put in place to prevent suicidal behaviors.

How hospital practitioners can support sofa surfing adolescents to access community mental health services: An English perspective

Informal homelessness or, as Centrepoint describe, 'the hidden homeless' includes young people who may sleep on their friends' or extended family's couches or floor. They estimate that 103,000 people aged 16-24 in the United Kingdom presented to their Local Authority in 2017-2018 as being or at risk of being homeless. A proportion of young people who experience homelessness rely on their own resources rather than approaching their Local Authority for support. There are a number of barriers that make it harder for any homeless person to access services to enhance their emotional well-being. If a young homeless person presents at a hospital, there is an opportunity for them to be directed to the appropriate support required. This is even more critical when young people have an identified mental health need. The authors will outline ways in which hospital practitioners can support adolescents who are sofa surfing and who have an identified mental health need, to receive community-based support when planning for discharge from hospital.

Helping and supporting hospitalized youth experiencing homelessness: An American perspective

Despite many similarities, there are key differences in the ability of providers in the United States to assist homeless youth compared to their colleagues in the United Kingdom. However, legislation, and strategies to identify and advocate for youth experiencing homelessness can lead to improved health outcomes and other psychosocial improvements for youth. This article highlights, compares and contrasts the systems with a goal of greater understanding and opportunities to assist youth experiencing homelessness in either country.

Homelessness in Pediatric Populations: Strategies for Prevention, Assistance, and Advocacy

Recent data indicate that homelessness among pediatric and adolescent populations is significantly higher than previous studies and point-in-time counts indicate. Pediatricians and other health care providers often see children and youth who are at risk of or are currently experiencing homelessness, but may not be aware of their status. This article summarizes current definitions of homelessness and data on common health issues for pediatric patients. Information on how to recognize and help those experiencing homelessness as well as areas for continued advocacy is shared.

The Healthcare Needs and Rights of Youth Experiencing Homelessness

The purpose of this position paper is to set forth guiding principles for working with youth experiencing homelessness (YEH). The Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine supports the following positions.