This report provides guidance and recommendations for those caring for young people experiencing street involvement, to help care providers foster more constructive relationships built on mutual trust and respect.

Key recommendations and findings:

While youth participants were diverse, many expressed similar desires for their futures. They told us they longed to move into stable housing that was safe, comfortable, and clean. They spoke about securing a reliable and adequate source of income, preferably via employment. They wanted meaningful ways to fill their days, such as spending time with friends, family and romantic partners, pursuing hobbies and leisure activities, working on school, and advancing a career.

Though some youth critiqued the phrase, many spoke about these goals and aspirations as longing for aspects of a “normal life,” and recalled hopes that substance use and mental health treatment might be a way to achieve this. However, in the absence of desirable housing and adequate income, youth were often left with the crushing sense that, despite their efforts, treatment would not ultimately help them to “get somewhere better.”