This Article Full Text (PDF) References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Unger, J. B. Articles by Albomoz, M. Search for Related Content Social Bookmarking                         What's this?

Early Adolescent Street Youth

An Overlooked Population with Unique Problems and Service Needs

Children's Hospital of Los Angeles

Thomas R. Simon

Children's Hospital of Los Angeles

Traci L. Newman

Children's Hospital of Los Angeles

Susanne B. Montgomery

Children's Hospital of Los Angeles

Michele D. Kipke

Children's Hospital of Los Angeles

Michael Albomoz

Children's Hospital of Los Angeles

Despite the increasing knowledge about homeless and street youth in the United States, little is known about the youngest segments of those populations, early adolescents (12 through 15 years of age). Investigated in this study were the demographic and lifestyle characteristics of 245 street youth in California. Measures included demographic characteristics (e.g., gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation), peer group identification, history of homelessness, sources of shelter and money, and perceived health status. Results revealed high rates of problem behaviors and health risks: 34% reported affiliation with gangs, and 40% reported involvement in illegal activities such as prostitution, drug dealing, mugging, or stealing. Early adolescent street youth differed from older street youth on several demographic and lifestyle measures. These data indicated that early adolescents are especially at risk for negative psychological and physical consequences of life on the streets. Further research is needed to understand the unique needs of this understudied population.

The Journal of Early Adolescence, Vol. 18, No. 4, 325-348 (1998)
DOI: 10.1177/0272431698018004001


CiteULike    Complore    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    Twitter    What's this?

This article has been cited by other articles:

				S. B. Chama Brief Note: The problem of African orphans and street children affected by HIV/AIDS: Making choices between community-based and institutional care practices International Social Work, May 1, 2008; 51(3): 410 - 415. [PDF]

				K. E. Walker Exploitation of Children and Young People through Prostitution J Child Health Care, September 1, 2002; 6(3): 182 - 188. [Abstract] [PDF]