NCJ Number
119238
Date Published
1988
Length
34 pages
Annotation
The history and results of the first two years of operation of a project serving homeless youth in California through outreach, shelter, food, medical screening, and planning for long-term stabilization are described.
Abstract
The project was established under the Homeless Youth Act. Grants for pilot projects in Los Angeles County and the city and county of San Francisco were awarded on July 1, 1986. In San Francisco, shelter agencies served 3,375 youth yet turned away 233, almost half of whom were 15 years old or younger. Sixteen percent of those sheltered and 44 percent of those seen by outreach had a history of abuse and neglect, while 44 percent were chronic runaways or homeless. Only 30 percent were good candidates for reunification with their families. In Los Angeles, the shelter agencies served 4,861 youth while turning away 5,784; Forty-five percent of those sheltered had a history of abuse or neglect. Only 20 percent were good candidates for family reunification. Results demonstrate the need for continued support for emergency services for homeless youth. Tables and appended legislation are included.