One-third of ex-DPJ youth experienced homelessness

These results do not surprise us.sadly asserted by one of the study’s authors, Martin Goyette, professor at ÉNAP and co-holder of the Quebec Youth Research Chair.

Not only does a third of DPJ’s previously placed people experience homelessness, but among them, 36.6% have been homeless for more than a month, Professor Goyette’s work shows.

These data, obtained by following the journey of hundreds of young people from DPJ over several years, painted a darker picture than a 2019 study, which set the proportion of former DPJ youth in 20% experienced homelessness.

” Poor planning and poorly supported discharge from care is an important risk factor when thinking about preventing youth homelessness. “

Professor Goyette’s team also made other disturbing findings. First, the residential stability of more than half of the youth in their sample deteriorated over time.

Homelessness was also more prevalent (44.3%) among young people living in congregate settings, such as group homes or rehabilitation centers, than among young people living in foster care (18.5%).

Risk factors

Overall, Mr. Goyette and his team observed that young men were more likely than young women to report experiencing homelessness.

Young women were not allowed, however: they were proportionally more likely to have experienced residential instability, meaning they had lived in at least three different places in the same year.

Moreover, the homelessness experienced by young people is associated with factors of vulnerability. Adolescents who report experiencing at least one stage of homelessness experience more significant mental health issuesdescribes for example Professor Goyette.

” Our report shows that 53% of homeless youth reported having had a major mental health problem in the past year. For those in residential stability, this is just over a little over 30%. “

Former law enforcement is also related to homelessness, as 44% of youth who experienced street violence were arrested by police last year, compared with 25% of those without stability problems.residential.

Actions

Nearly two months after the adoption of a youth protection services reform in Quebec, Professor Goyette believes his work should be alarming: Choice is a political choice. The research data is clear.

The minister responsible for the file, Lionel Carmant, undertook a reform of the youth qualification program, which prepares young people from the DPJ in their transition to adult life.

However, the Laurent Commission on children’s rights and youth protection recommends further progress. He proposed creating new programs to truly improve services after placement up to the age of 25.

” This is a social choice that our parliamentarians must make in order […] that young people leaving the placement, who are among the most vulnerable, can experience an integration that promotes their transition and their full participation in society. “

The executive director of the organization Dans la rue, which fights homelessness, also believes that support for adult life is not enough. Upstream prevention is really what needs to be done, and not just exit preparationsaid Cécile Arbaud.

According to him, Professor Goyette’s work remains entirely in reality on earth. Of the children using the shelters, half first went through the DPJ network, he estimated. We know that this is unfortunately a fairly frequent entry point.

” If we consider that young people are already mature and independent at the age of 18 when they go out, why should they find themselves in situations of homelessness? It’s just a matter of dignity. “

It cut all projects in life

Ms. invites us. Arbaud to realize that if homelessness particularly affects young people with a difficult course in life, it only makes things more difficult for these young people.

If you are in housing instability, it is very difficult to regain control of your life, to go to school, to find a job, to solve your mental health problems.

” Nothing improves roaming. “

Homelessness will create problems of great instability, severe anxiety, depression. [Elle] will lead to self-medication, mental health problems, even greater difficulty in accessing care, through a lack of trust in institutionslists Ms. Arbaud. It takes a lot of work to rebuild trust.

The more difficulty you have, the harder it is to go back to school, the harder it is to find a job, the more you are thrown between different accommodations with uncertainty at every opportunity. […] It cut out all the projects in life that could have existed.