Running Head: HOMELESS ADOLESCENTS IN THE UNITED STATES 1

Scholarly Paper: Homeless Adolescents in the United States

Mallory Sanders

Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing

April 4, 2016
HOMELESS ADOLESCENTS IN THE UNITED STATES 2

Introduction

According to Healthy People 2020, the main focus for adolescent health is to improve the

healthy development, health, safety, and well-being of adolescents and young adults (Adolescent

Health, 2014). Homelessness is a major issue in the United States. Among the homeless, one of

the fastest growing subpopulations is that of homeless youth (Fielding & Forchuk, 2013).

Unfortunately, this population is being considered as a vulnerable population due to the fact the

adolescents in the situation have limited resources and are at higher risk for morbidity and

premature mortality (Anderson & McFarlane, 2015). This topic and the growing concern for

homeless youth need to be a focus because individuals who make up the US homeless population

are among the most marginalized and vulnerable to disabilities and disease (Anderson &

McFarlane, 2015).

Social Determinants of Health

Among this vulnerable population, there are social determinants that affect the health of

the adolescents. The term social determinants of health refers to those economic and social

conditions that shape the health of individuals, communities and jurisdictions as a whole

(Forchuk, Dickens, & Corring, 2016). Aspects such as education, gender, access to food and

healthcare, alone or in combination, have been shown to have a stronger association with ill

health than the effects of an individual's behavior related to diet, smoking, physical activity or

alcohol consumption (Forchuk, Dickens, & Corring, 2016). Many children living in homeless

situations in the U.S. have temporary stays in foster care, and both populations suffer

disproportionately higher rates of physical, psychological and social difficulties compared to

other children (Zlotnick, Tam, & Zerger, 2012). Rates of school dropout, unemployment, drug
HOMELESS ADOLESCENTS IN THE UNITED STATES 3

abuse, pregnancy, mental illness, and arrests are all higher for homeless youths aged 16–24,

compared to their housed counterparts (Fielding & Forchuk, 2013). These social determinants for

this population can cause poor outcomes in these adolescents’ lives. In order to address the social

determinants of health, particularly as they are manifested in people with mental illness and

addiction issues, it is important to foster partnerships that cross all sectors of social care and

healthcare (Forchuk, Dickens, & Corring, 2016). Interventions are the next step to improving

homelessness among these adolescents and providing them with opportunities and positivity

while promoting a healthy life.

Evidence-based Interventions addressing Health Needs

An important and vital next step is to establish an effective evidence-based intervention

that reduces the impact of trauma on both U.S. populations of children living in transition

(Zlotnick, Tam, & Zerger, 2012). The second emerging issue is the increased focus on the use of

positive youth development interventions for preventing adolescent health risk behaviors

(Adolescent Health, 2014). Youth development interventions can be briefly defined as the

intentional process of providing all youth with the support, relationships, experiences, resources,

and opportunities needed to become successful and competent adults (Adolescent Health, 2014).

There is growing empirical evidence that well-designed youth development interventions can

lead to positive outcomes (Adolescent Health, 2014). Ongoing, rigorous evaluation will

determine what works, why it works, and how successful interventions can be applied

(Adolescent Health, 2014). With this vulnerable population there are a couple of Millennium

Developmental Goals that can be addressed to improve health outcomes. In order to improve

health outcomes, eradicating extreme poverty and hunger is a big goal. This population has

limited resources and poverty and hunger can be reduced with the increased access to food and
HOMELESS ADOLESCENTS IN THE UNITED STATES 4

jobs for these adolescents and young adults. A second goal that needs to be address is education.

Rates of school dropouts increase in homeless adolescents. Given the strong correlation between

education and health, there is a need to strengthen programs to ensure that all children have

access to quality educational programs (Anderson & McFarlane, 2015). All the goals will help

increase and improve quality of life for these adolescents.

Global Approach in Addressing “Health for All”

Global health plays an increasingly crucial role in both global security and the security of

the U.S. population (Global Health, 2014). As the world and its economies become increasingly

globalized, including extensive international travel and commerce, it is necessary to think about

health in a global context (Global Health, 2014). One approach is to ensure environmental

sustainability throughout the world, such as reducing the percentage of people without access to

clean water (Anderson & McFarlane, 2015). Basic sanitation around the world will increase

health and eradicate barriers to health globally. A second approach is to develop a global

partnership for development. Globally this approach has started and grown but the availability is

still limited. This approach involves an increase in technology and communication among

countries. In order to eliminate any barriers globally everyone has to work together. The first

step in making a contribution to global health equity involves developing a global perspective

and awareness of important global health issues, and then finding ways to make a personal

contribution to address these issues (Anderson & McFarlane, 2015).

Conclusion

Overall, addressing the needs of this vulnerable community and also the global approach

to eradicating barriers to health will improve health locally and globally. Locally, focusing on
HOMELESS ADOLESCENTS IN THE UNITED STATES 5

promoting positive lifestyle changes and good health to adolescents who are struggling will

improve the homeless population in the U.S. Globally, all of these issues will require enhanced

U.S. collaboration with other countries to protect and promote better health for all (Global

Health, 2014).
HOMELESS ADOLESCENTS IN THE UNITED STATES 6

References

Adolescent Health. (2014). Retrieved from https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-

objectives/topic/Adolescent-Health

Anderson, E.T. & McFarlane, J. (2015). Community as partner: Theory and practice in Nursing

(7th ed). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Fielding, K., & Forchuk, C. (2013). Exploring the factors associated with youth homelessness

and arrests. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing, 26(4), 225-233.

doi: 10.1111/jcap.12056

Forchuk, C., Dickens, K., & Corring, D.J. (2016). Social determinants of health: housing and

income. Healthcare Quarterly, 18, 27-31. doi:10.12927/hcq.2016.24479

Global Health. (2014). Retrieved from https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-

objectives/topic/global-health

Zlotnick, C., Tam, T., & Zerger, S. (2012). Common needs but divergent interventions for U.S.

homeless and foster care children: results from a systematic review. Health and Social

Care in the Community, 20(5), 449-476. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2524.2011.0105.x