The Problem: Youth Facing Homelessness and Trafficking
Youth facing homelessness can occur for many reasons, but are typically due to circumstances beyond the control of the youth.
Circumstances Leading to Homelessness
The Problem – Understanding the Circumstances of Homeless and Trafficked Youth Who Find Us
Homelessness happens for a range of reasons. Youth who are homeless find themselves disconnected from the necessary supports and systems that we may take for granted. Parental or adult support is often missing or abusive. Many of our youth have been part of systems such as foster care that can perpetuate their trauma.
Homeless and trafficked youth suffer disproportionately from trauma, sexual and physical abuse, involvement in the foster care system, domestic violence, mental health challenges, and life on the street
27% victims of domestic violence
30% foster care history
35% justice system issues
37% mental health challenges
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NIGHTS OF HOUSING PROVIDED
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PERCENT OF YOUTH ENGAGED IN RESILIENCE BUILDING ACTIVITIES
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YOUTH SERVED
Source: CHNJ FY22 Impact Report
We serve youth between 18 to 21 years old – a critical time for intervention, and a chance to change a young person’s life through the services we provide.
To better address the homeless and trafficked youth we serve, we have established CHART – Covenant House Action and Research Tank. CHART aims to contribute practical, evidence-based, and client-centered program approaches to regional and national dialogues about homelessness and trafficking. You can learn more about the work we’re doing at CHART by clicking here.
The Problem – Circumstances Surrounding Human Trafficking
In recent years, increased attention has been drawn to the prevalence of trafficking among homeless youth. According to the National Academy of Medicine (NAM; formerly the Institute of Medicine), these U.S. citizens and residents are at particular risk of being trafficked domestically. Youth who are on the street or are not stably housed, are compelled to take risks to fulfill basic needs such as shelter, food, clothing, and a feeling of connection to others. With minimal to no resources and poor support networks, they are targets for exploitation. While trafficking is a form of severe exploitation, it can begin with an offer of help from a person who appears to care at a moment when a youth has nowhere else to turn.
To better address the problems of homeless and trafficked youth we serve, we have established CHART – Covenant House Action and Research Tank. CHART’s goal is to contribute effective, evidence-based, and client-centered program approaches to local and national dialogues about homelessness and trafficking. You can learn more about the work we’re doing at CHART by clicking here.
