A Common Misconception Of The Homeless Youth - 1798 Words

A common misconception that still lingers within society today is the belief that a child is a vulnerable innocent in need of protection and nurturing rather than being an active social agent. According to Halsall, â€Å"childhood and youth are not timeless; they are subject to the same historical shifts and institutional factors that shape human experience.† Several complex forces shape children and youth which are uniquely constructed in different societies at different times. Amidst the millions of children in America today, the National Center of Family Homelessness reported that approximately a staggering 2.5 million children in America are homeless each year. In addition, amongst this vast population, it is generally recognized that†¦show more content†¦Poverty can be caused by an abundant number of possibilities that drive families to be homeless. Economic instability has formed uncertainty for countless Americans in the United States (Hallett 3). Numerous fami lies have lost their homes due to the decrease in the production of affordable housing and jobs or have lost their homes from natural disasters or accidents. Other families have slowly lost their homes due to health situations that inevitably take a toll on their career and financial stability. These financial difficulties can tear families apart and have forced families to sell their homes and belongings to live in cars, motels, other people’s homes, or on the streets. Other reasons for children leaving their homes include family environment as a major theme, causing children to run away or be thrown away from their households (Mallett 4). Amongst the homeless youth, many children come from different types of unpleasant family environments. These children encounter neglect, sexual, physical, or emotional abuse by family members; while others encounter family conflict such as different beliefs between the child and guardian (5). Those who experience neglect, sexual, physical, or emotional abuse by family members, for example a child who frequently gets beaten by an alcoholic guardian, tend to runaway from their homes to escape their family situation. However, those who encounter family conflict, for example aShow MoreRelatedHomelessness And The Homeless Youth1442 Words   |  6 Pagesincredibly vulnerable group is the homeless youth due to their young age and lack of education. According to Edidin, Ganim, Hunter, Karnik (2012) on any particular ni ght in the United States there are ~2 million homeless youth living on the streets, in shelters, or in other temporary accommodation. 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