NCJ Number
84259
Date Published
1981
Length
74 pages
Annotation
This examination focuses on the links between crime and homelessness, effective remedies, and suggested recommendations.
Abstract
Researchers collected information from youth projects and agencies and from the literature. Despite lack of concrete data, existing information points strongly to higher reconviction rates for homeless offenders than for those who live at home. Principal factors precipitating homelessness are conflict with parents and eviction from insecure temporary accommodations. For many young offenders, a chronic pattern of homelessness, delinquency, prison, and further homelessness occurs, particularly among youth aged 16-20. Present policies tend to avoid responsibility, deny rights for offenders, and rely on voluntary organizations; in addition, resources are scarce and services fragmented. Policies for homeless young offenders should be part of local and national strategies for preventing homelessness among young people in general and should consider providing appropriate permanent housing for them. Social services and probation departments should procure housing during the aftercare stage of contact, while the Housing Corporation should invest in housing associations to serve the young as it does for the elderly. Chapter references and a bibliography of 25 works are included; definitions and guidelines are appended.