Early adolescent street youth: An overlooked population with unique problems and service needs

Despite the increasing knowledge about homeless and street youth in the United States, little is known about the youngest segments of those populations, early adolescents (12 through 15 years of age). Investigated in this study were the demographic and lifestyle characteristics of 245 street youth in California. Measures included demographic characteristics (e.g., gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation), peer group identification, history of homelessness, sources of shelter and money, and perceived health status. Results revealed high rates of problem behaviors and health risks: 34% reported affiliation with gangs, and 40% reported involvement in illegal activities such as prostitution, drug dealing, mugging, or stealing. Early adolescent street youth differed from older street youth on several demographic and lifestyle measures. These data indicated that early adolescents are especially at risk for negative psychological and physical consequences of life on the streets. Further research is needed to understand the unique needs of this understudied population.