This research explored the experiences of 8 street-involved youth (4 male, 4 female) between the ages of 20 and 27 living in north-central British Columbia. The analysis was carried out in 3 phases based on the narrative approach developed by Lieblich, Tuval-Mashiach, and Zilber (1998). The narratives represented the holistic experiences of the…

Explores stress and depression levels in Canadian street youth and ways in which they cope. Results show that street youth (n=27) reported more stress and depression than non-runaways (n=27). Street youth were more likely to engage in acts of self-harm and to use drugs and alcohol, while non-runaways used more productive problem solving and…

Some studies suggest lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) teens are at higher risk than peers for violence at home, in school, and in the community. That can bring them into the child welfare system or services for runaway and homeless teens. This study compared self-reported experiences of sexual and physical abuse based on sexual orientation and…

Interviews were conducted with 712 Canadian street youth (ages 15-20 years) to assess their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors with regard to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Youth were interviewed in 10 cities across Canada on the basis of 5 street culture lifestyles: prostitution, drug…

Documents living conditions of adolescents (n=390) who left home and were living in the streets of Toronto, Canada. Multiple regression analyses revealed that the most consistent predictions of hunger, criminal activity, and incarceration were the conditions of street life itself: lack of secure shelter and length of time on the street. (JBJ)

A practicum at a crisis intervention center in the middle of a large Canadian city in Ontario was designed to offer crisis intervention, shelter, and non-residential support for runaway and homeless youth, ages 16 to 21, who lived on the streets or in emergency shelters. The practicum provided an opportunity for program staff to develop a…

This assessment of the needs of homeless runaway youth in Winnipeg (Manitoba, Canada) indicates the need for a cooperative intergovernmental, interdepartmental, and interagency initiative incorporating prevention, intervention and protection, and repatriation. Information was gathered from the Winnipeg Police Department, interviews with 127…