Homeless kids benefit from current research

Our research has revealed strong association between youth homelessness and indicators like early pregnancy and substance abuse.

At the heart of Covenant House’s mission is the commitment to serve and assist all homeless, runaway, and at-risk youth. In order to provide the highest quality services and advocacy for this population, Covenant House must draw upon the most current information available regarding youth well being on national, state, and local levels.

Such indicators of well being include levels of poverty, educational attainment, employment, placement in foster care and juvenile justice systems, pregnancy, alcohol and substance use, and mental and physical health. Research conducted over the past decade has revealed strong associations between these indicators and youth homelessness.

The Covenant House Institute produced this report to inform service delivery and advocacy efforts, specifically with regard to program development, fundraising initiatives, legislative recommendations, and raising awareness among local, state, and federal officials. The findings in this report can play a pivotal role in determining priorities and developing strategies. It provides a comparative analysis of 24 indicators of well-being. Our analysis indicated the following key issues of particular concern:

  • High percentage of 18-24 year olds in poverty (19%)
  • High percentage of 18-24 year olds who represent all 18-44 year olds without a H.S. diploma or GED equivalent (32%)
  • High rate of unemployment among 20-24 year olds (11.2%) in comparison to 20-64 year olds (5.2%)
  • 27% increase from 2002-2006 in the number of individuals emancipating from care
  • Variable flux (5% -20%) from 1997-2006 in the number of individuals 18 years of age and older in juvenile residential placement facilities
  • 4% increase in the birth rates among 18-19 and 20-24 year old females in 2006
  • High percentage of monthly cigarette use among 18-25 year olds (45%) in comparison to individuals 26 years of age and older (25%)
  • High percentage of monthly marijuana use among 18-25 year olds (16%) in comparison to individuals 26 years of age and older (4%)
  • High percentage of monthly illicit drug use (excluding marijuana) among 18-25 years olds (9%) in comparison to individuals 26 years of age and older (3%)
  • Elevated percentage of monthly alcohol use among 18-25 year olds (61%) in comparison to individuals 26 years of age and older (54%)
  • High percentage of monthly binge alcohol use among 18-25 year olds (42%) in comparison to individuals 26 years of age and older (21%)
  • High percentage of 18-24 year olds without health care coverage (29%) in comparison to all 18-64 year olds (17%)
  • High percentage of 18-24 year olds who are not receiving annual dental care (30%)
  • High percentage of 18-24 year olds who represent all homicide victims (26%)

Each individual report targets a city where Covenant House has a program site. The Covenant House Institute produced this report in an effort to inform advocacy and service delivery efforts, specifically with regard to the following: program development, advocacy and fundraising initiatives, legislative recommendations, and raising awareness among local, state, and federal officials. 

The findings in this report can play a pivotal role in determining priorities and developing strategies. Download the reports: