RESEARCH TOPICS

RESEARCH BY TOPIC

Professor Jeff Karabanow recently completed a government report regarding the process by which street youth exit or attempt to exit street life. The paper explores that ways in which young people across Canada attempt to exit street life. Findings suggest that there are several interrelated dimensions to the exiting process including contemplation, motivation to change, securing help, transitioning from the street, changing daily routine and redefining one's sense of self. Throughout these dimensions, street youth organizational structures play significant roles in supporting young people's disengagement from street culture.

Another study which discusses the barriers to leaving street life as well as the facilitators to leaving street life highlighted that early intervention is vital in order to prevent entrenchment in the street lifestyle.¹ The authors note that such early intervention initiatives should assist youth in meeting their basic needs for food, clothing and shelter. In order for youth to transition from the street, adequate and stable housing is a priority. The study also reminds that youth need a coordinated set of services to assist them to leave street life (e.g., counseling, legal advice, addictions treatment, etc.). Another critical component for service providers is that a continuum of services from housing assistance to developing social networks to employment skills are needed over an extended period of time.

In another recent study, the author asked participants for their insights about recommendations for helping youth get off the street. The suggestions (which are explored in greater detail in the article) were categorized under the following headings: a) show compassion; b) teach skills; c) give information; d) instill pride; e) fulfill needs; f) show the bad side of street life; g) have a structured environment; and, h) get more education.²

_{¹S. Wiggert, et. al, "Voices from the Margins: Understanding Street Youth in Winnipeg," Canadian Journal of Urban Research, Vol. 14, Issue 1, pp. 54-81, Summer 2005.
²C. Raleigh-DuRoff, "Factors That Influence Homeless Adolescents to Leave or Stay Living on the Street," Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, Vol. 21, No. 6, pp. 561-572, December 2004.}