Essay On Homeless Youth

The warmth and comfort in one’s home is something that is close to many people’s hearts. In the United States, especially in small suburban households, families come together to bond. In a small cozy home, children run and play joyously, and are nurtured with love from their parents. Parents provide for their children by giving them a roof over their heads, keeping food on the table, providing clothes to wear, and giving them a safe place to sleep. The children who are able to do this are part of a small, privileged class in the United States. There is a small population in the United States where youth live in the streets, and have to provide for themselves. In the United States, homeless youth is often disregarded, because many people believe that a parent would not abandon their child to survive on his or herself.
Youth are homeless not necessarily because they choose to be, but because of the factors in their lives that lead up to homelessness. Few factors could
Youth do not know how to control themselves when it comes to these addictions. They often abuse their power. They do not know when to stop or when to seek help when needed. These addictions of drugs and alcohol can start from the influences of friends and family. Once they are hooked onto these substances, they have a hard time letting go, like a leech feeding on the blood of their host. Most children have easy access to drugs or alcohol because their parents use these substances at home and leave them around the house. Youth will do anything in their power to find a way to get these substances in their hands. The American Journal of Public Health reports 80% of homeless youth use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate for dealing with the traumatic experiences and abuse they have in their lives (Greene, Ennett, Ringwalt 231). Due to the many traumatic experiences in their lives, it is difficult to stop the cycle of