Leaving the Streets

Stories of Canadian Youth

Alexa Carson, Phillip Clement, Katie Crane, Jeff Karabanow

Youth between sixteen and twenty-four are considered the fastest growing segment of the homeless population in Canada. While much has been written about street engagement and street culture, little attention has been paid to how youth move away from the street. Giving prominence to the voices of the street youth themselves, Voices from the Street explores the attempts of street youth to exit street life, examining the motivations and challenges, as well as the supports and barriers that aid and hurt the youth through this process. From shelters and programs to mental health and drug use, this book examines the services that are available, and those that should be available, to help street youth find housing, income and the strength needed to start a new life.

Contents

Introduction • Entering the Street • Contemplating Leaving the Street • Motivation to  Change • Taking Positive Steps: Overcoming Barriers  Related to Personal Issues, Mental Health, Life Skills, Housing,  Employment and Education • Transitioning From the Downtown Core • ”Successful” Street Exiting •  Promising Services • Conclusion • References • Tables/ Figures/Illustrations

About the Authors

Alexa Carson has a Masters in International Development Studies from Dalhousie University. 

Philip Clement currently works in Northwest BC at a residential school and drug treatment program for youth. 

Katie Crane is an artist and lives in Halifax.

Jeff Karabanow is Professor of Social Work at Dalhousie University.