By: Clair Lorch
As of 2010, studies showed that one in seven kids between the ages of 10 and 18 will run away. Within this age range, 75% of those running away are female. Between 20 and 40% of homeless youth identify as Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender or Questioning (GLBTQ). 46% of runaway and homeless youth reported being physically abused, 38% reported being emotionally abused , and 17% reported being forced into unwanted sexual activity by a family or household member. 75% of homeless or runaway youth have dropped out or will drop out of school. In California there is an organization called the Homeless Youth Project (HYP) that has set out to research the issues and challenges faced by unaccompanied young people who are homeless or lack stable housing. They want to help bring light to this issue and alert policymakers of it. "This project seeks to improve understanding of young people ages 12 to 24 who are on their own and the issues they face. These include family conflict and other reasons for being on the street, lack of shelter and educational opportunities, health and mental health needs, and the effect of interactions with law enforcement agencies. The project highlights solutions for these youth by engaging them directly in research and policy discussions, and giving voice to their experiences and recommendations as well as those of researchers, practitioners, and policy experts"
(http://cahomelessyouth.library.ca.gov/about.html)
As of 2010, studies showed that one in seven kids between the ages of 10 and 18 will run away. Within this age range, 75% of those running away are female. Between 20 and 40% of homeless youth identify as Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender or Questioning (GLBTQ). 46% of runaway and homeless youth reported being physically abused, 38% reported being emotionally abused , and 17% reported being forced into unwanted sexual activity by a family or household member. 75% of homeless or runaway youth have dropped out or will drop out of school. In California there is an organization called the Homeless Youth Project (HYP) that has set out to research the issues and challenges faced by unaccompanied young people who are homeless or lack stable housing. They want to help bring light to this issue and alert policymakers of it. "This project seeks to improve understanding of young people ages 12 to 24 who are on their own and the issues they face. These include family conflict and other reasons for being on the street, lack of shelter and educational opportunities, health and mental health needs, and the effect of interactions with law enforcement agencies. The project highlights solutions for these youth by engaging them directly in research and policy discussions, and giving voice to their experiences and recommendations as well as those of researchers, practitioners, and policy experts"
(http://cahomelessyouth.library.ca.gov/about.html)
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