Life-course predictors of homelessness from adolescence into adulthood: A population-based cohort study

Abstract

In first world countries, the prevalence of young adult homelessness is concerning. In the United States (USA), 8.4% of the 567,000 persons who were homeless in 2019 were aged 18–24 years (Statista, 2020).
Estimates from Canada suggest 20% of all homeless persons are aged 13–25 years (Gaetz, Bill, Kidd, & Schwan, 2016).
Homelessness among Australian young adults is on the rise, increasing by 26% in the last decade (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2016).
Estimates from Australia suggest 290,400 persons experienced homelessness in 2019, of these 14.2% were between the ages of 18–24 years (Australian Institute of Health & Welfare, 2020).

Few studies on life-course predictors of young adult homelessness exist.

•Findings point to the vulnerability of early adolescents to family conflict.

•This vulnerability heightens risk for young adult homelessness.

•Primary prevention programs should build healthy relationships between family members from early in adolescence.

•Investment in homelessness prevention at key developmental periods is warranted.