When Client Administrative Data Speak:Evidence-Based Practice and Advocacy to Prevent Homelessness Among Youth in Care Ageing out of the System

Background & Purpose:Empirical studies of youth homelessness in the United States and in Canada have found overlaps in involvement in the child protection system and homelessness in adolescence or young adulthood.  Most of these studies were conducted in large city centers, but there is limited knowledge about youth in care ageing out of smaller city centers. Research conducted in larger city settings may not be the best to inform delivery of services, service programs, and policy making due to differences in contexts, community needs, and the resources available.  Therefore, on the ground research was conducted to examine the role of Independent Living Programs in preventing homelessness among youth leaving care in Kelowna, BC.  

This mixed-methods study addresses the gap in the literature pertaining to the outcome of ILP and ageing out of government care in a smaller city context in Canada.  As well, recommendations and insights obtained from the study have led to changes in the ILP and establishing a “foundation” for service providers to enhance effectiveness of ILP in preparing aged-out youth for independence and stability as young adults.

Methods: The first phase of the mixed-methods study consisted of a secondary data analysis of a random sample (n = 250) drawn from 970 closed ILP client files from 1998 to 2013 at a community agency in Kelowna.  The second phase sought to obtain an understanding of the impact of the ILP on the lives of youth in care and the ILP’s impact on preventing homelessness after they left government care.  Thirteen indepth interviews (4 men, 9 women, 19-43 years old) were conducted with adults who were former youth in care in the ILP. 

Results: Fifty-six percent of the sample were adolescent females between the ages of 15-18, 43.6% were straight, 61.6% reunited with their biological family, 12.8% completed all ILP goals, and 37.6% partially completed ILP goals upon leaving care. A logistic regression was conducted to predict the likelihood of becoming homeless after leaving ILP. Predictors were entered based on factors reported in the literature deemed to be protective for preventing youth homelessness: completion of high school education, relationship with one caring adult, being employed, and other factors. Completion of high school and employment upon exit from the ILP were statistically significant predictors that prevented homelessness after leaving ILP.  Key themes that emerged from these interviews were: loss and shock upon ageing out of government care, budgeting was the most significant lesson learned from the ILP, most were at risk or had become homeless within a few years after leaving ILP, pervasive loneliness and stigma of being former youth in care. 

Conclusion & Implications: The ILP was partially effective as the former youth felt they had no one else, but at the same time felt rushed to “grow up”.  They recommended ILP also help youth in care by focusing on (1) emphasizing daily life skills, (2) development of social skills to relate to others and manage conflict, (3) address loneliness, and (4) have continued access to their workers.