Study Notes on Child Protection Services and Youth Experiencing Homelessness

Child Protection Services (CPS) and Youth Experiencing Homelessness

Keywords

  • Child protection services

  • Adverse childhood experiences

  • Homelessness

  • Canada

  • Youth

Abstract

  • Vulnerable Population: Youth leaving or being discharged from CPS face increased risks of homelessness linked to adverse consequences like declining health, school disengagement, legal issues, and substance use disorders.

  • Study Focus: This paper uses the 2019 National Youth Homelessness Survey to assess differences between youth accessing homelessness services with and without CPS involvement, based on a sample size of 1375.

  • Examination Areas: Life circumstances, quality of life, relationships, criminal records, education, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) were examined.

  • Conclusions: Discusses policy implications and future research avenues.

1. Introduction

  • Importance of the Issue: Youth homelessness in Canada is critical, with estimates of 6,000–7,000 homeless youth daily (Gaetz et al., 2016).

  • Connection to Adverse Childhood Experiences: Youth exposed to ACEs (violence, abuse) are vulnerable, leading to CPS involvement and subsequent homelessness (Alberton et al., 2020; Gaetz et al., 2016).

  • Research Gap: Previous studies primarily focused on the US; this paper aims to fill the gap in Canadian research on CPS and homelessness.

2. Context: Child Protection Services (CPS) and Youth Homelessness

  • Literature Overview on CPS: Transitioning youth from CPS, including those aging out or leaving care, experiences challenges in securing stable housing.

  • Operational Deficiencies: CPS often lacks coordinated policy delivery for supporting youth transitions.

  • Cyclical Pattern: Poor health, low educational attainment, legal issues, and substance disorders linked to CPS involvement.

  • Specific Populations at Greater Risk: Indigenous youth, racialized youth, and 2SLGBTQA+ youth face systemic discrimination and equity barriers (Alberton et al., 2020).

3. Study Design and Methodology

3.1 Data Collection and Recruitment Strategy

  • Survey Details: 2019 Without a Home survey involved 1375 youth aged 13–24 collected through 98 agencies across 49 Canadian communities.

  • Participant Recruitment: Youth identified through partnerships with the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness; surveys included informed consent and were incentivized with compensation.

  • Survey Duration: On average, participants spent 30–90 minutes completing the survey.

3.2 Variables and Analytical Procedures

  • Demographic Characteristics: Controlled for age (mean = 20.10), racial diversity (Black, racialized, White), and sexual identity (2SLGBTQA+ represented 34.7%).

  • Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): Participants reported exposure to ACEs, with mean scores for incidents reported at 4.08.

  • Analysis Methods: Chi-squared tests, independent samples t-tests, and stepwise linear regression utilized to measure relationships between variables, particularly age of first homelessness.

4. Results

4.1 Within-Group Analyses of CPS Involvement

  • CPS Involvement Statistics: 607 youths (61.1%) reported CPS involvement—21.3% in foster care, 14% in group homes, and others through various child protection services.

  • Average Age of CPS Contact: First contact occurred at a mean age of 7.6 years (SD = 5.12).

4.2 Transitional Supports While in Care

  • Transitioning Help Received: 30% received help from caseworkers; low awareness (13.7%) of homelessness risk assessments.

  • Types of Support: Skills training (45.7%), budgeting (44.2%), school planning (46.4%).

4.3 Transitional Supports After Departure

  • Support Deficiencies: 51.6% reported no help post-departure; varied support levels for employment (30.5%) and health services (44.2%).

4.4 Cross-Case Comparisons

  • Demographics & Age of First Homelessness: CPS involvement led most youths (37.7%) to first experience homelessness before age 16. Notable differences in demographics identified.

  • Adverse Outcomes & Quality of Life: CPS group faced more ACEs, significant drug and alcohol overdose rates, and suicidality incidents compared to non-CPS group.

4.5 Age of the First Experience of Homelessness

  • Stepwise Linear Regression Findings: CPS involvement associated with homelessness occurring on average 0.71 years earlier.

5. Discussion

  • Summary of Findings: A large dataset reveals CPS involvement closely correlates with poorer outcomes and higher ACE exposure.

  • Policy Implications: Emphasizes the need for improved transition support, systemic policy shifts toward prevention, and targeted strategies for youth at risk.

6. Conclusion

  • Main Contribution: The paper illustrates the interplay of CPS involvement and youth homelessness, emphasizing socio-economic conditions, risk factors, and policy solutions.

  • Future Research Directions: Incorporate mixed methods and longitudinal studies to further explore CPS and homelessness connections.

Funding

  • Research funded by Home Depot Canada.

Acknowledgments

  • Thanks to anonymous reviewers and Cedar Michel for their contributions to this manuscript.

Declaration of Competing Interest

  • Authors declare no conflicting interests.

Data Availability

  • Data is available under set conditions to other researchers upon agreement to terms and policies.