A first-of-its-kind study in Canada is drawing a link between youth homelessness levels and a foster care system that researchers say could be playing a more active role in keeping young people off the streets. The report urges the federal government to focus on preventing youth homelessness — particularly among Indigenous youth — and provinces and territories to focus on "after care" by providing support as needed until age 25. Aged 13 to 24, homeless youth make up about one-fifth of Canada's homeless population. The problem is particularly acute for Indigenous youth, who in 2011 made up nearly half of the children in care nationally. "So when you speak about Indigenous young people or young people who identify as LGBTQ2S, or new immigrant young people, each of them does require a targeted response underneath a specific strategy."

Source: CBC News August 09, 2017 14:48 UTC