Research

Mental Health Needs of Transitional Street Youth

Co-Principal Investigators: Elizabeth McCay & Dr. John Langley
Co-Investigators: Heather Beanlands, Linda Cooper, Carol Howes, Karen Bach, Colin Dart, Susan Miner & Patricia Robinson

Funded by: Wellesley Institute

For youth living on the street, mental illness may be either a major risk factor for homelessness or may frequently emerge in response to coping with the multitudinous stressors associated with homelessness including exposure to violence, pressure to participate in survival sex and/or drug use (Kipke, et al., 1997; Smart & Adlaf, 1991; & Morrell-Bellai, et al., 2000). Despite the literature that is emerging related to the mental health of homeless youth there is a continued and urgent need to carefully assess the current level of unmet mental health need amongst street youth (Rhode, Noell, Ochs & Seeley, 2001), as well as a desperate need to provide access to mental health treatment and services.

The ultimate objective of our program of research was to develop a plan for intervention to meet the mental health needs of street youth. The first objective of this research study was to undertake a comprehensive assessment of mental health needs using qualitative and quantitative methods, including participatory research methods. This mixed methodology approach has been used to capture the data related to mental health needs of homeless youth.

References:

Kipke, M.D., Simon, T.R., Montgomery, S.B., Unger, J.B., & Iversen, E.F.  (1997).  Homeless youth and their exposure to and involvement in violence while living on the streets. Journal of Adolescent Health, 20(5), 360-367.

Morrell-Bellai, T., Goering, P.N., & Boydell, K.M.  (2000).  Becoming and remaining homeless: a qualitative investigation.  Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 21(6), 581-604.

Rhode, P., Noell, J., Ochs, L., & Seeley, J.R.  (2001).  Depression, suicidal ideation and STD-related risk in homeless older adolescents.  Journal of Adolescence, 24, 447-460.

Smart, R. G. & Adlaf, E. M.(1991). Substance use and problems amongst Toronto street youth. British Journal of Addiction, 86, 999-1010.