Youth Homelessness and Vulnerability: How Does Couch Surfing Fit?

Curry, Susanna R.; Morton, Matthew; Matjasko, Jennifer L.; Dworsky, Amy; Samuels, Gina Miranda; Schlueter, David J.

doi:10.1002/ajcp.12156

Cited by 41 publications

(25 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…Still, a sizable share of the overall prevalence rates also involved couch surfing only without a safe and stable living arrangement. These experiences likely include a wide range of degrees of vulnerability (from lower-risk experiences of leveraging social networks during periods of housing instability to high-risk or exploitative arrangements) [ 15 , 24 ]. Additionally, some couch surfing could function as a precursor to more entrenched homelessness [ 25 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence and Correlates of Youth Homelessness in the United States

Morton

Dworsky

Matjasko

et al. 2018

Journal of Adolescent Health

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350

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Purpose Unaccompanied youth homelessness is a serious concern. Response, however, has been constrained by the absence of credible data on the size and characteristics of the population and reliable means to track youth homelessness over time. We sought to address these gaps. Methods Using a nationally representative phone-based survey (N = 26,161), we solicited household and individual reports on different types of youth homelessness. We collected household reports on adolescents aged 13–17 and young adults aged 18–25, as well as self-reports from young adults aged 18–25. Follow-up interviews with a subsample (n = 150) provided additional information on youth experiences and enabled adjustment for inclusion errors. Results Over a 12-month period, approximately 3.0% of households with 13- to 17-year-olds reported explicit youth homelessness (including running away or being asked to leave) and 1.3% reported experiences that solely involved couch surfing, resulting in an overall 4.3% household prevalence of any homelessness, broadly defined. For 18- to 25-year-olds, household prevalence estimates were 5.9% for explicitly reported homelessness, 6.6% for couch surfing only, and 12.5% overall. The 12-month population prevalence estimates, available only for 18- to 25-year-olds, were 5.2%, 4.5%, and 9.7%, respectively. Incidence rates were about half as high as prevalence rates. Prevalence rates were similar across rural and nonrural counties. Higher risk of homelessness was observed among young parents; black, Hispanic, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) youth; and those who did not complete high school. Conclusions The prevalence and incidence of youth homelessness reveal a significant need for prevention and youth-centric systems and services, as well as strategies to address disproportionate risks of certain subpopulations.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence and Correlates of Youth Homelessness in the United States

Morton

Dworsky

Matjasko

et al. 2018

Journal of Adolescent Health

Self Cite

350

181

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…The policy commentary is followed by two brief reports on the prevalence of housing instability and homelessness among families being investigated for child maltreatment (Farrell, Dibble, Randall & Britner, ) and couch surfing among young people (Curry et al., ). Farrell, Dibble et al.…”

Section: Summaries Of Contributions In Contextmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Using data from a nationally representative household telephone survey (over 13,000 adults with youth ages 13–25 in their households or themselves ages 18–25), Curry and her colleagues in the Voices of Youth Count study found couch surfing to be relatively common, particularly among the older age group (Curry et al., ). Among households with 13‐ to 17‐year‐olds and 18‐ to 25‐year‐olds, 4.0% and 20.5% (respectively) couch surfed in the preceding 12 months.…”

Section: Summaries Of Contributions In Contextmentioning

confidence: 99%

Housing and Child Well Being: Implications for Research, Policy, and Practice

Fowler

Farrell

2017

American J of Comm Psychol

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Inadequate housing and homelessness represent significant barriers to family stability and child development. An accumulating body of evidence documents the relatively high risk of family separation among families experiencing housing instability and homelessness, the extent of housing problems experienced by families involved in the child welfare system, and the disproportionately high rates of homelessness among youth aging out of foster care. Vulnerable youth and families interact frequently with various social service programs intended to mitigate multifaceted and multilevel risks, however, systems efforts and resources are rarely coordinated and results to date are mixed. We introduce 13 papers that are part of a burgeoning, increasingly sophisticated body of scholarship that inform coordinated responses to inadequate housing experienced by families involved in child welfare and related interventions. We note emergent themes and state a pressing need for research that accounts for ecological and contextual influences, examines the differential impact of housing and service interventions, identifies critical ingredients of effective housing and service interventions, and positions for scale-up. We distill findings into a set of observations and recommendations that align with best intentions to improve quality of life and promote well being among some of society’s most vulnerable individuals.

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“…Curry et al. () explore the prevalence of couch surfing among adolescents. Additional findings of the Voices of Youth Count will serve to illuminate the link between homelessness and involvement in child welfare (Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago, n.d.).…”

Section: Translating Research To Housing Policymentioning

confidence: 99%

Pathways to Housing Policy: Translating Research to Policy to Achieve Impact on Well Being

Samuels

2017

American J of Comm Psychol

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Policy emerges from the legislative, agency, and practice levels and from several pathways, including litigation; high profile or tragic events; community-based service provision and practice innovations; and research evidence. This commentary places an emphasis throughout on discussions of the articles included in this issue. It explores pathways that influenced the development of housing policy targeting child and family well being and provides examples to illustrate each pathway. The article further highlights how research on housing and child well being has influenced policy and practice and notes gaps for further research. It concludes with suggestions for structuring research to more effectively assist policymakers to make informed decisions that achieve positive change for children, youth, and families.

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Youth Homelessness and Vulnerability: How Does Couch Surfing Fit?

Cited by 41 publications

References 6 publications

Prevalence and Correlates of Youth Homelessness in the United States

Prevalence and Correlates of Youth Homelessness in the United States

Housing and Child Well Being: Implications for Research, Policy, and Practice

Pathways to Housing Policy: Translating Research to Policy to Achieve Impact on Well Being

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