Who are the runaway and homeless youth in Los Angeles?

A computer-assisted survey of 396 homeless or at-risk for being homeless young people (ages 12-24) was conducted through a coalition of agencies and researchers in the Hollywood area of California. Using both agency-based and street-based sampling, youth at drop-in centers, emergency shelters, transitional living programs, and street venues were asked about places they had stayed, childhood history, utilization of services, mental health, substance use, sexual history, and violence. Respondents self-identified as 64% male, 33% female, and 7% transgender, and primarily heterosexual (61%). Race/ethnicity was reported as 44% Black or African American, 33% Caucasian or other, and 23% Latino. Twenty one percent reported having either a part-time or full-time job. Youth self-reports on “ever” being diagnosed with a mental health disorder included bipolar disorder (17%), schizophrenia (6%), and conduct disorder (7%). Use of a standardized self-report instrument determined that 46% of youth met the criteria for clinical depression at the time of the survey. Data also indicated that homeless youth in Hollywood have a history of involvement with key public systems, specifically the criminal justice system (70%) and child protective service system (40% had been removed from their home at one time). Lessons on effective partnering between agencies and researchers to conduct research, interpret findings, and use data to contribute to timely policy and service decisions will be discussed.