HOUSING FIRST for YOUTH A Framework for Dr. Stephen Gaetz Director, Canadian Homelessness Research Network Professor, Faculty of Education, York University National Housing First Day June 7, 2015

Understanding Youth Homelessness Part 1

How are youth different from the adult homelessness population? Age Adolescent development Experience Dependency and supports

Loss

When we let young people become homeless …

Health worsens Mental health declines Exploitation Greater risk of addictions Involvement with the law Dropping out of school Trauma and criminal victimization Entrenchment in live on the streets

The Key Question: Can Housing First be adapted for youth?

Housing First for Youth! Part 2

The importance of developing a response based on the needs of young people.

Research on Housing First for Youth Scott, F., & Harrison, S. J. (2013). Calgary, Alberta: The Infinity Project. In S. Gaetz, F. Scott & T. Gulliver (Eds.), Housing First in Canada: Supporting Communities to End Homelessness, (pp ). Toronto: Canadian Homelessness Research Network.Calgary, Alberta: The Infinity Project Forchuk, C., Richardson, J., Laverty, K., Bryant, M., Csiernik, R., Edwards, B., … Kelly, C. (2013). Service preferences of homeless youth with mental Illness:Service preferences of homeless youth with mental Illness: Housing first, treatment first, or both together Housing first, treatment first, or both together. In S. Gaetz, B. O’Grady, K. Buccieri, J. Karabanow & A. Marsolais (Eds.), Youth homelessness in Canada: Implications for policy and practice, (pp ). Toronto: Canadian Homelessness Research Network Press.

1.Immediate access to housing with no preconditions. 2.Youth choice and self determination. 3.Positive youth development orientation. 4.Individualized and client-driven supports. 5.Social and community integration. CORE PRINCIPLES

Housing First Framework It is both PROGRAM and a PHILOSOPHY?

The Application of Housing First

Case Management Client driven Assessment Family reconnection Shelter diversion

Accommodation and Supports Part 3

What kind of HOUSING is needed?

Youth need different Housing Options

SUPPORTS Housing Income/ Education Health Complementary Supports Youth engagement

 Help in obtaining housing  Housing retention  Rent supplements  Support when things go wrong  Aftercare 1. Housing Supports

 Trauma informed care  Mental Health  Substance use and addictions  Harm Reduction  Healthy Sexuality 2. Health and Well-Being

 Youthful age of clients  Landlord concerns and liability  Friends and maintaining housing  Program and staff acceptance  Community acceptance  Government of Canada Issues re: Harm Reduction

 Income supports  Training  Employment  Education 3. Income and Education

 Life skills  Adult support and mentoring  Family reunification  Anti-discrimination environment  Supporting young people with children  Advocacy 4. Complementary Supports

 Developing social relations  Community engagement  Cultural engagement  Meaningful activities 5. Meaningful Engagement

Conclusions! Part 4

Housing First Addressing youth homelessness means youth-focused approaches Housing First works best when it takes account of the needs of developing adolescents and young adults The successful implementation of Housing First for Youth requires fidelity to the core principles of the model.

Housing First Housing First for youth requires different models of accommodation. If Housing First is about choice, then accommodation options must include not only scattered site housing, but also transitional housing.

Housing First “For the first time in my life I am not living a program. I am living my life.” Youth participant in the Infinity Project, quoted by Kim Wirth, Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary

Housing First is not the only solution to youth homelessness … Housing First.. … but is a key, evidence-based intervention

Moving Forward! The challenges of implementation Part 5

1 Politics of Scarcity Prioritizing chronically homeless persons often pushes youth homelessness to the side

2 Moving beyond a program response Housing First for youth must be embedded within broader community strategies to prevent, reduce and end youth homelessness.

Lack of Community Readiness 3

Supporting Community and Provincial Planning Efforts Working Together to End Youth Homelessness in Canada

To find out more … Available on the Homeless Hub

Questions or comments ?