Homeless young people, families and change: family support as a facilitator to exiting homelessness

Abstract

A B S T R AC TThe families of homeless young people are most often portrayed as a precipitating factor in their homelessness. However, recent studies, particularly those taking a longitudinal approach, have drawn attention to the enabling role of family members and their positive influence on the housing trajectories of homeless youth. Drawing on selected findings from an ongoing longitudinal qualitative study of homeless young people in Dublin, Ireland, this paper aims to build on this relatively fertile area of research. We demonstrate the supportive role of the families of young people who experience homelessness (often as a consequence of difficult family environments) and specifically examine how family re-engagement is negotiated and achieved. The findings highlight a number of dimensions of transition and change. Prominent among these is the importance of renewed trust and communication. Young people and their parents also had to accept responsibility for areas of life that previously served to undermine their relationships and were implicated in the circumstances surrounding a young person's premature home-leaving. Tensions and resistances on the part of young people are highlighted, demonstrating the adaptive mechanisms at work as they attempt to re-engage with family members. The implications of the findings for social work intervention with homeless youth are discussed.

Couch surfing on the margins: the reliance on temporary living arrangements as a form of homelessness amongst school-aged home leavers

“…51Á53). Indeed, the overriding theme of difficult family relationships and home lives Á punctuated by personal issues of substance misuse and mental illness, and/or experiences of abuse and trauma Á is widely recognised in the literature as one important aspect of the 'story' of youth homelessness (see, e.g., Mallett et al 2009, Milburn et al 2009, Mayock et al 2011, Barker 2012. At the same time, it is important not to over-simplify home leaving as an explicit 'choice' or indicator of agency amongst this group of young people (Jones 1995, pp.…”

What leads to homeless shelter re-entry? An exploration of the psychosocial, health, contextual and demographic factors

“…It is well documented that those who receive financial and emotional support are more able to make the transition from homelessness to domicile. 6,[22][23][24][25] Furthermore, evidence suggests that the more social supports a person has, the fewer episodes of homelessness they experience. 26 This finding underscores the importance of family and friends in determining health and length of homelessness.…”

The Resettlement of Homeless Young People: Their Experiences and Housing Outcomes

“…Many have experienced family conflicts and are without strong family support. The few studies of their pathways out of homelessness have found that positive outcomes are associated with returning to the family home, engagement in education, training and employment and help from family and professionals (Kurtz et al, 2000;Milburn et al, 2007Milburn et al, , 2009Nebbitt et al, 2007;Mallett et al, 2010;Mayock et al, 2011;Tevendale et al, 2011). The few studies of their pathways out of homelessness have found that positive outcomes are associated with returning to the family home, engagement in education, training and employment and help from family and professionals (Kurtz et al, 2000;Milburn et al, 2007Milburn et al, , 2009Nebbitt et al, 2007;Mallett et al, 2010;Mayock et al, 2011;Tevendale et al, 2011).…”