2011 Street Involved Youth

Title:Impacts of a peer support program for street involved youth
Author(s):Currie, Cheryl L.|split|LaBoucane-Benson, Patti
Citation:Published in “Pimatisiwin: A Journal of Aboriginal and Indigenous Community Health” (Vol. 9, Issue 1)
Subject:Housing – temporary, emergency, homelessness|split|Youth – programs, services|split|Poverty – specified groups|split|Indigenous peoples – inner city
Publisher:Native Counselling Services of Alberta
Place of Publication:Edmonton
Date of Publication:2011
Abstract:

Homelessness is a growing problem in urban centres. The well-documented overrepresentation of Aboriginal peoples among the homeless in Canada makes it a particularly relevant issue for this population. Some of the most vulnerable homeless are youth who are at special risk for gang recruitment, prostitution, and exploitation. The Links program began in 2005 as a three-year project bringing street-involved youth and university students together to increase understanding, foster supportive relationships, and enhance the knowledge and skills of each group. Emphasis was placed on recruiting Aboriginal youth to the program. As a result 50% of street-involved youth who took part identified as Aboriginal. Qualitative evaluation data were collected via surveys, written assignments, and in-person interviews. Findings suggest the program created intense bonds between students and youth. Stereotypes were identified and broken down and youth were empowered to broaden their perspectives on what they could achieve. Both groups gained knowledge they can use to build a better future for themselves and their communities.

Language:English
Material Type:Article

F. SOCIAL ISSUES/F.09 YOUTH/2011 StreetInvolvedYouth.pdf