Updated: March 07, 2013
For some teens, worrying about a pop quiz or school cliques isn't nearly as important as finding a warm meal and a place to sleep at night. Homelessness among teens is more common than many are aware -- 1.6 million children and teens experience homelessness each year.That means one in three people without homes are under 18-years-old.
Why are teens leaving home? A recent Stanford study that looked at homeless families included interviews with 50 homeless teens found that 92% of those youth came from broken homes. Half of the teens interviewed by a student researcher helping with the study reported alcoholism in the household they left and forty percent reported drug abuse in the home.
Some other factors that led teens to runaway or forced them from their homes include the disturbing statistics that 56% of teens reported physical abuse and 38% reported sexual abuse in their families. For others, the economy, unemployment, increase in home foreclosures and lack of health insurance may also have contributed to homelessness.
Thankfully, there are resources to help children and adolescents. For example, the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act protects the educational rights of homeless children and adolescents. There are 15 programs across the country to help youth continue their education and have shelter to eventually escape poverty. And, according to the Stanford study, many homeless teens are willing to accept help like food, work, shelter, counseling, etc. as long as there are no strings attached.
"Street teens were interested in obtaining assistance, but they were reluctant to make lasting commitments to get such help," the researchers said. "Almost no street teens expressed an interest in family re-unification or residential placement."
Understand more about homelessness, check out useful resources and watch one teen turn tragedy to triumph, in "Homeless to Harward" below.
Gain perspective about homelessness in the U.S. and find out how teens are affected.
A group of Texas student slept out for a night to learn about homelessness.
This 18-year-old overcame big obstacles to become a student at a prestigious university.
Steven Fabian spent the night with a group of teens who wanted to find out what homelessness is like.
One Los Angeles teen has his mind set on attending the Ivy League school despite the challenges he's faced growing up.
Resources for people who are, may become, or know someone who is homeless. Information and support provided by the National Coalition for the Homeless.
This year, one in 260 runaways and homeless youths will die from assault, illness and suicide. Get the facts and find out how you can help do something.
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