Critical Data Points About Homeless Youth in Sonoma County Based on the 2011 Homeless Count & Survey Dataset Haley Vicchio, Data Analyst Jenny Helbraun Abramson, Continuum of Care Coordinator June 28, 2011

Homeless Youth in the 2011 Count 264 unaccompanied minors, and 267 youth ages 18- 24. The homeless youth population made up 15.4% of the countywide homeless count of 4,539 people. Our 2011 effort in was superior to the 2009 effort, with 10 youth teams enumerating homeless youth in Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Sebastopol, Guerneville, and the Sonoma Valley. 76% had lived in Sonoma County prior to becoming homeless. 44% of children and youth respondents had been homeless for a year or more since they last lived in a permanent housing situation.

This analysis was conducted to inform that process. Nearly two-thirds of homeless youth enumerated in Sonoma County were male and about one-third were female. 45% of homeless youth are non-white, compared to 35% of the adult homeless population. Successful collaborative planning in the past, together with this rich new data source, created an opportunity to develop a housing and services plan for homeless youth – both unaccompanied minors and transition aged youth. This analysis was conducted to inform that process. Youth Enumerated by Youth Teams by Location Number Percent of Total Guerneville 74 13% Petaluma 67 12% Rohnert Park 15 3% Santa Rosa 358 65% Sebastopol 21 4% Sonoma Valley 16 Total 551 100%

These are the Top issues facing the Youth in our study area These are the Top issues facing the Youth in our study area. these are from the overall data and not from the data broken down by under 18 and 18-24. A ‘TOP’ issue is defined as one where it effects over 75% of the sample.

Only 12% of the youth surveyed reported a disability, but 38% reported mental health problems and nearly 3 out of 4 reported substance abuse. The Disability figure is a reliable number for calculating the need for permanent supportive housing beds, which will be part of the Homeless Youth Housing planning process later this summer.

It is safe to say that over 1/3 of the youth population is effected by a mental health issue and needs treatment. It is also safe to say that ¾ of the youth population struggles with some sort of alcohol or drug issue and needs treatment. There is also a population, a little less that 1/3 that has both alcohol or drug abuse and mental health issues. These individuals are in the most need of services. NOTE 86% of those with mental health problems also have alcohol or drug abuse problems. 40% of those with alcohol or drug problems also have mental health problems. These percents indicate that there is a very high need for treatment.

These results indicate that there is a partnership needed with the criminal justice system, especially for youth 18-24. It also may indicate that there is a gap in care as individuals leave the criminal justice system and end up on the streets.

Around 1/3 of youth have had foster care experience – nearly 40% of the unaccompanied minors. Recent legislation will require local Child Welfare departments to be responsible for former foster youth up to the age of 22, phasing in with 19-year olds next winter. This will give County staff some idea of the scope of the housing and services for which they will be responsible.

Next steps This data will inform housing need estimates for the homeless youth population Stakeholders are gathering for 2 long meetings at the Community Foundation in August, convened by SAY, CofC, and So. Co. Family, Youth & Children’s Services Goal: Plan to establish appropriate programs for homeless youth