26. Youth-Driven Systems Alignment Strategies to Optimize Health Among Youth Experiencing Homelessness

Nearly 4.2 million youth experience homelessness annually in the U.S. Among them, LGBTQ+ youth and youth of color are over-represented. Youth experiencing homelessness (YEH) represent a diverse population with significant adverse health risks, often in the context of trauma and oppression. The systems and sectors that serve YEH, including healthcare, public health, and housing, are often siloed, amplifying existing inequities and barriers to necessary services. The purpose of our community-engaged, multi-sector study was to identify the health needs and local gaps in healthcare for YEH, and, in partnership with a multi-sector and youth-engaged consortium, develop an integrated system of healthcare and public health programming for YEH locally.
Source: Journal of Adolescent Health - Category: Child Development Authors: Source Type: research