Out of sight out of mind : homeless youth living in shelters

Abstract

Homeless youth are generally those young people who have been abandoned/ rejected by their families and have no fixed address. In Malta we do not normally see people sleeping in the streets, however there are a number of youth who live in shelters. This study aims at identifying the principal causes of homelessness in the Maltese youth. It also views the shelter network in our country and examines the level of service available to these youth. This study is of a qualitative nature and it will analyse the information gathered through in-depth interviews with young people experiencing homelessness at first hand, as well as with some of the shelters' co-ordinators. The sample consists of four male and two female youth aged between 16 and 25, residing in homeless shelters, as well as their co-ordinators. The resultant data is analysed in a qualitative manner. The results hi-light the effect the family environment has on these youth. Family conflict is the most important contributor to homelessness. The family is a principal socialising agent to youth. When this social network fails, young people suffer 'social isolation' often dropping out from school and the community. The adverse effects of troubled childhood can cause emotional, behavioural, personal and social trauma to these young people, leading them to the path of homelessness. The incidence of homelessness among youth is increasing in many European countries, causing much concern. In Malta, although homeless youth are often not visible, this problem may possibly escalate in the future. This problem might increase even more due to high-rise of property prices. This study recommends the implementation of comprehensive social intervention to help these unfortunate young people.