Unaccompanied Homelessness Among High School Students
New findings on unaccompanied homelessness among America's teenagers
Understanding Unaccompanied Homelessness Among High School Students
In a new study published in theĀ Journal of Social Distress and Homelessness, my colleagues and I explored the prevalence and risks associated with unaccompanied homelessness among high school students across ten states. Students experiencing unaccompanied homelessness lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence without the presence of a parent or guardian. The findings underscore the need for interventions and policies to support these vulnerable teens. Read more below.
Key Findings
We used data from the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) to estimate how common unaccompanied homelessness was among high school students and to understand some of their behavioral health needs. The YRBS is an anonymous survey that students complete in their high school, so it only covers teens who are still connected to school.
We used data from 10 states asked that asked whether each student had slept away from their parents or guardians because they were kicked out, ran away, or were abandoned in the past 30 days. We considered this to be a marker of unaccompanied homelessness. A different question asked about homelessness in general, specifically if each student had slept in a homeless situation in the past 30 days. This allowed us to reasonably determine whether each teen experienced unaccompanied forms of homelessness compared to homelessness in general.
Approximately 10% of students experienced some form of homelessness, with 5.91% reporting unaccompanied homelessness. This subgroup of students faces significant challenges and risks.
Risks and Adversities
Students experiencing homelessnessāwhether unaccompanied or with their parent/guardianāwere at a higher risk for a range of poor outcomes and experiences compared to their more-stably housed peers. These outcomes include:
Alcohol Problems
Severe Drug Use
Poor Grades in School
Suicidality
Risky Sexual Behavior
When we compared students who experienced unaccompanied homelessness to those who experienced other forms of homelessness (e.g., with their parent or guardian), unaccompanied homelessness showed higher risk for some problems, lower risk for others, and about the same for risk for some.
Unaccompanied homelessness compared to other forms of homelessness:
Lower risk for students who experienced unaccompanied homelessness:
Severe Drug Use
Poor Grades in School
Higher risk for students who experienced unaccompanied homelessness:
Alcohol Problems
About the same risk:
Risky Sexual Behavior
Suicidality
Demographic Disparities
The findings also highlight differences among students experiencing homelessness related to their identities. Unaccompanied homelessnessācompared to other forms of homelessnessāwas less likely among students who identified as Hispanic/Latino and those who reported victimization. It was more likely among White students and among female students. Ā
Challenges in Identification and Support
One significant challenge in addressing unaccompanied homelessness is the difficulty in accurately identifying these students. The YRBS does not ask about whether teachers or others at school know about their homelessness or, if not, why not? We know from other studies that many teens experiencing homelessness are not connected to services or identified by school personnel due to fear, stigma, and a desire for independence. This under-identification means that many students do not receive the support they need.
Policy Implications
The findings have implications for public policy and intervention strategies. To effectively support unaccompanied homeless students, it is important to:
Improve Identification: Schools and communities need better mechanisms to identify and support students experiencing unaccompanied homelessness. This includes training for school personnel and creating safe environments for students to disclose their housing status.
Provide Comprehensive Services: Addressing the needs of unaccompanied students experiencing homelessness requires a multidisciplinary approach that includes educational support, mental health services, substance use treatment, and family and housing stability.
Address Demographic Disparities: Policies must consider the unique challenges faced by marginalized groups and ensure that interventions are culturally sensitive and inclusive.
Enhance Data Collection: Continued research and improved data collection methods are essential to understand the full scope of unaccompanied homelessness and to develop effective interventions.
Conclusion
Unaccompanied homelessness among high school students is a pressing issue that demands attention. By understanding the prevalence and risks associated with this form of homelessness, policymakers, educators, and community leaders can develop targeted strategies to support these vulnerable youth. Ensuring that all students have a safe and stable place to live is not only a moral imperative but also a crucial step towards breaking the cycle of homelessness and adversity.
Anecdotally, I can confirm your findings based on the families I've worked with and/or interviewed over the past 40 years. Not a pretty picture for most, understandably.