Correlates of service utilization among homeless youth

Kimberly A. Tyler, Sarah L. Akinyemi, Lisa A. Kort-Butler

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

43 Scopus citations

Abstract

Though few studies exist on service utilization among homeless youth in the U.S., services are important because without them, many of these young people may resort to delinquent strategies in order to meet their daily survival needs. The current study examines frequency and correlates of service utilization (i.e., shelters, food programs, street outreach, counseling, STI and HIV testing) among a sample of 249 homeless youth ages 14 to 21. Multivariate analysis revealed significant differences in service usage by sex, age, and sexual orientation. Experiencing family physical and/or sexual abuse, being kicked out of the family home, spending more nights per week sleeping on the street, and having ever stayed in a group home facility were significant correlates of homeless youths' service usage.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1344-1350
Number of pages7
JournalChildren and Youth Services Review
Volume34
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2012

Keywords

  • Family histories
  • Homeless youth
  • Service utilization

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Education
  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Sociology and Political Science

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