Physical, sexual, and emotional abuse – street youth are five times more likely to report being victims of abuse as children. Linked to impaired ability to form trusting relationships, low self-esteem, depression, suicide attempts, running away and being kicked out
Involvement with the child welfare system: (Grew up in foster homes, group homes, involvement of CAS, grew up in insecure housing with unstable family relations etc.)
Discrimination: Racism, sexism
25 – 40% of youth experiencing homeless self-identify as LGBTQ
Poverty: Often supportive families can no longer support a child, and it’s not uncommon for the young person to leave and seek better economic opportunities. If those opportunities are not found, it can lead to more poverty and homelessness.
Youth with mental health and/or developmental issues who come from homes where there is lack of resources, or family feels overwhelmed with nowhere to turn
Addictions: often relates to family poverty and/or not being equipped to support and help their child.
