Understanding housing needs of youth exiting foster care

In 2019, we commissioned research examining the diverse needs of youth exiting foster care in order to inform NHS programs. The review focused on Canada, but researchers extended the search to international sources where relevant.

This review covers the following key elements:

• identified housing needs and the extent to which these needs are met/unmet
  • housing features
  • home supports
  • locational features
  • other needs specific to each group
• challenges and barriers in accessing suitable housing
• Intersectionality with other identities (e.g., race, gender, age, family status, indigeneity, health, location
• the potential and proven solutions for meeting housing needs

Key findings:

• Youth exiting foster care have a shorter transition to adulthood/independence compared to other young adults. Social workers expect youth transitioning out of care to become independent immediately. Most often, without the family support provided to their age peers.
• They have challenges to find affordable housing in larger cities with low vacancy rates. Youth lack references or credit histories and may also require co-signers, deposits, and guarantors, which parents provide in traditional households.
• Youth with additional challenges such as development disabilities, mental health issue, etc. require additional support.
• They prefer housing that is close to transportation, employment, and grocery stores, among other amenities, as well as social support.
• Indigenous youth make up the majority of youth exiting care and face the twin challenges of both age-based and racial discrimination.

Author:

CMHC

Document Type:

PDF

Date Published:

May 13, 2021