How do the demographics of California’s homeless youth population compare to the rest of the nation?

The Covenant House Institute recently released their report, A National Picture of Youth Homelessness, describing the characteristics of youth served across the country by Covenant House, the largest provider of services to homeless and at-risk youth. The key findings of this report highlight the experiences of violence, histories of foster care and institutional placement, unemployment, and mental health issues that these youth face.

California’s Covenant House (in Los Angeles) differed from the rest of the country in terms of demographics in the homeless youth population in a number of ways. Namely, California served a higher proportion of males (69% vs. a national average of 54%). California’s homeless youth were also more likely to report having stayed in another shelter prior to coming to Covenant House (24% vs. 11% national average) or incarceration (10% vs. 3% national average). The authors note that these results likely speak to differences in emergency shelter options and incarceration rates for youth in LA. Homeless youth in CA reported significantly lower rates of sexual abuse (15% vs. 26% national average). However, other California studies have found rates more similar to the national average. California’s homeless youth were also significantly less likely to report a history of arrest (30% vs. 51% national average), but were more likely to report currently being on probation or parole (8% vs. 5% national average). Homeless youth across the country had incredibly high rates of unemployment, with a 79% national average. California’s rate was marginally less at 70%, but was still significantly higher than the 2008 U.S. Census rate of unemployment for 18-24 year olds (12%). California’s homeless youth were in greater need of a high school diploma or GED, 71% report not having completed high school compared to the 59% national average.

This report also includes a variety of policy recommendations as well as recommendations for future research on this population. As we move forward in the effort to end youth homelessness, it is important we take into consideration the unique characteristics of homeless youth in our state. 

Posted January 18, 2011