Youth Homelessness in Context

Abstract

Homelessness has long shocked the public and concerned the authorities in many countries. That citizens should beg and live on the streets of states with welfare systems is a puzzle. That families and others should live for years in hostels or temporary accommodation contradicts the expectations and promises of western industrial economies. The homelessness of young people is, however, particularly shocking. Sleeping on the streets is the very opposite of what one expects to see provided for children and young people.