A Qualitative Study of Early Family Histories and Transitions of Homeless Youth

Using intensive qualitative interviews with 40 homeless youth, this study examined their early family histories for abuse, neglect, and other family problems and the number and types of transitions that youth experienced. Multiple forms of child maltreatment, family alcoholism, drug use, and criminal activity characterized early family histories of many youth. Leaving home because of either running away or being removed by child protective services often resulted in multiple transitions, which regularly included moving from foster care homes to a group home, back to their parents, and then again returning to the streets. Although having experienced family disorganization set youth on trajectories for early independence, there were many unique paths that youth traveled prior to ending up on the streets. (Author)

Qualitative interviews with 40 youth who are homeless revealed multiple types and occurrences of trauma and transitions in their lives. The study also includes an examination of the linkage between these transitions and involvement in the child welfare system.

Publication Date: 
2006
Pages: 
1385-1393
Volume: 
21
Issue: 
10
Journal Name: 
Journal of Interpersonal Violence