Hidden in Our Midst: Homeless Newcomer Youth in Toronto – Uncovering the Supports to Prevent and Reduce Homelessness

Final Report July 2014

Prepared by: The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in collaboration with the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto

Submitted to: Employment and Social Development Canada

Index

Acknowledgements ...... i Executive Summary ...... ii

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Context ...... 1 1.2 Purpose ...... 1 1.3 Objectives ...... 2 1.4 Definitions ...... 2 1.5 Literature Review ...... 2

2.0 Methodology 2.1 Peer Researcher Team Composition ...... 3 2.2 Community Advisory Committee Composition ...... 4 2.3 Development and Administration of Research Tools ...... 4 2.4 Youth Focus Groups and Interviews ...... 4 2.5 Service Provider Survey ...... 5 2.6 Transcription and Analysis ...... 5

3.0 Results- Pathways into Homelessness among Newcomer Youth

3.1 Characteristics of the youth participants ...... 6 Table 1. Top four geographic regions of origin reported by participants ...... 6 Figure 1. Sexual orientation of newcomer youth participants ...... 6 Table 2. Statuses held by newcomer youth participants ...... 8 Table 3. History of abuse, physical and mental health among newcomer youth participants ...... 8 Figure 2. Highest level of education achieved ...... 10 Table 4. Top five sources of income reported by newcomer youth participants ...... 11 Table 5. Top five sources of informal income reported by newcomer youth participants ...... 11 Table 6. Top four reasons for why newcomer youth participants entered homelessness ...... 12

3.2 Newcomer Youth Engaging with Service Systems: Identifying Needs and Service Gaps ...... 13 Table 7. Most often relied on sources of support among newcomer youth participants ...... 13 Table 8. System services that newcomer youth participants would feel comfortable accessing ...... 14

4.0 Results - Agencies Serving Homeless Newcomer Youth

4.1 Characteristics of the sample ...... 17 4.2 Summary of services provided ...... 18 Table 9. Housing services offered by the agencies surveyed ...... 18 Table 10. Health services offered by the agencies surveyed ...... 20

5.0 Results – Promising Practices to Prevent and Reduce Homelessness among Newcomer Youth: Youth and Service Provider Perspectives

5.1 Preventing Newcomer Youth from Becoming Homeless in the First Place ...... 20 5.2 Assisting Youth who are Currently Homeless on a Pathway to becoming Stably Housed ...... 23 Figure 3. Summary of facilitators identified by youth participants and service providers to prevent and reduce homelessness among newcomer youth ...... 25

6.0 Discussion ...... 25 Figure 4. Key findings from the youth data ...... 29

7.0 Priority Areas of Focus ...... 29 Table 10. Key levels of action and change ...... 32 8.0 Conclusion ...... 33 8.0 References ...... 34 9.0 Appendices Appendix A: Literature Review ...... 38 Appendix B. Recruitment Flyer for Youth Participants ...... 52 Appendix C. Consent Form for Youth Participants ...... 53 Appendix D. Youth Demographic Questionnaire ...... 56 Appendix E. Focus Group/Interview Guide ...... 66 Appendix F. Resource List for Youth Participants ...... 67 Appendix G. Consent Form for Service Providers ...... 69 Appendix H. Service Provider Survey ...... 71 Appendix I. Hidden in Our Midst NCEH 2013 Presentation ...... 80 Appendix J. Hidden in Our Midst Consultation Meeting Presentation, April 2014 ...... 99 Appendix K. Hidden in Our Midst Refugee Conference Poster, June 2013 ...... 141

Acknowledgements

Funded by the Government of Canada’s Advisory Committee Members Homelessness Partnering Strategy Colour of Poverty Covenant House Eva’s Initiatives Griffin Centre Homeless Hub, York University Disclaimer Jessie’s Centre The opinions and interpretations in this publication Justice for Children and Youth are those of the author and do not necessarily Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants reflect those of the Government of Canada Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth Research Team Members Pathways to Education Dr. Kwame McKenzie, Centre for Addiction and Raising the Roof Mental Health (CAMH) Sojourn House Dr. Deborah Goodman, Child Welfare Institute, Supporting Our Youth Children's Aid Society of Toronto (CAST) YouthLink Ann Fitzpatrick, CAST Dr. Sean Kidd, CAMH Practicum Students and Research Volunteers Said Dirie, CAST Beth Campbell Dr. Susan Eckerle Curwood, St. Michael’s Hospital Mehek Chaudhry Sasha Pivarnyik, CAST Shannon Elliot Helen Thang, CAMH Kamalpreet Mann Reena Sirohi, CAMH Anika Maraj Nick Kerman, CAMH Shevaungh Thomas

Peer Researchers Peer Researcher Training Walid Awelker Dr. Yogendra B. Shakya, Access Alliance Community Venica Carline Casimir Health Centre Ana Ferreira Sheila Htoo, Access Alliance Community Health Fisseha Getachew Centre Euan Hwang Megan Spasevski, Access Alliance Community Health Marie Kessie Centre Cheyanne Ratnam Dr. Manuela Ferrari, CAMH Diandra Samuels Gorlee Thomas

i Hidden in Our Midst: Homeless Newcomer Youth in Toronto

Executive Summary

Newcomer youth who arrive to Canada are newcomer youth faced not only with the challenges of transitioning from adolescence to adulthood, 4) Identify service gaps and possible but are forced to deal with the difficulties that promising practices among both come along with ‘starting over’ in a new traditional service agencies and ethno- country. Some of these challenges include; cultural agencies that currently or could learning a new language, joining family after a in future address those gaps long separation, adapting to a new culture and value system, and securing meaningful Study Design employment that recognizes and builds upon This study employed a multi-method, their existing skills and experience. It is the qualitative and quantitative approach to data combination and interplay of these barriers that collection and analysis, including the use of situate newcomers among the most vulnerable Participatory Action Research (PAR). Newcomer of the homeless youth population. youth with lived experience of homelessness Hidden in Our Midst: Homeless Newcomer were recruited as Peer Researchers, functioning Youth in Toronto was developed in partnership both as consultants and research team between the Centre for Addiction and Mental members on the project. Peer Researchers’ Health and the Children’s Aid Society of roles in the study included facilitating the focus Toronto, with the aim of providing an initial groups and interviews, contributing to research attempt to assess the needs of the newcomer tool design, and interpretation of findings. youth population within the context of The project Advisory Committee involved homelessness prevention and reduction in participation from diverse agencies both within Canada. Using the City of Toronto as a case and external to the homeless youth and study, knowledge gained through this research settlement sectors. Advisory Committee was intended to fill an existing gap in the members contributed to the study in a variety literature and inform future action, including of ways, including recruiting Peer Researchers the expansion of pilot and evaluation initiatives and research participants and hosting focus to enhance service system capacities in other groups. Canadian cities with significant newcomer populations. Measures This study involved the development and Purpose administration of three research tools: The key objectives of this study were to: 1. Youth demographic questionnaire 1) Explore the experiences of and 2. Focus group/interview guide pathways into homelessness among a 3. Service provider online survey sample of newcomer youth in Toronto 2) Identify service needs and investigate Data collection for the focus groups, interviews, what newcomer youth believe to be and youth demographic questionnaire took critical components of interventions place during the months of June and July 2013. aimed at reducing and preventing Nine focus groups were conducted in total at homelessness social service agencies and youth shelters 3) Assess current service system capacities across the City of Toronto. Seventy-four (n=74) for responding to homelessness among youth participated in this phase of the data

ii Hidden in Our Midst: Homeless Newcomer Youth in Toronto

collection. The service provider survey was Priority Areas of Focus address strategies for designed to evaluate the extent to which the preventing homelessness, early emergency services currently delivered by agencies meet intervention, and stabilizing newcomer youth the needs identified by newcomer youth on a pathway out of homelessness. participants. Data collection took place over the months of January and February 2014 and 1. Building on youth's strengths, thirty-nine service provider staff (n=39) resilience, and future opportunities completed the survey. à Capitalizing on the skills that newcomer youth arrived to Canada with Results à Developing individually-tailored strategies centred around employment, income security, finances, the Key Findings advancement of education, and housing

1. Nearly 2/3 of newcomer youth 2. Expanding knowledge and developing reported to have origins in Africa best practices among formal and or the Caribbean informal services for newcomer youth 2. Over 1/3 of newcomer youth à City-wide committee & cross-sectoral networks that address newcomer youth identified as LGBTTIQ homelessness 3. Over 25% of newcomer youth à Building on existing resources among identified as being a parent agencies that serve homeless 4. Over 50% of newcomer youth newcomer youth report some level of religious or à Wider availability of multi-service faith identity agencies & drop-ins 5. Family conflict was cited by 2/3 à Increasing peer support at agencies

of newcomer youth as the main à Creating an online resource portal for

reason for entering homeless newcomer youth homelessness à Wider availability of anonymous 6. Over 2/3 of newcomer youth helplines indicated that they would feel 3. Coordinated housing and poverty most comfortable seeking help reduction strategies that encompass from their family doctor or walk- the needs of homeless newcomer in clinic youth à Strategies that are national, provincial, and municipal in scope Priority Areas of Focus for Preventing and à Ensuring that strategies have Reducing Homelessness among Newcomer measurable outcomes Youth à National Housing Strategy that also Homeless newcomer youth are a highly diverse engages with municipalities, group and face multi-layered challenges in stakeholders, newcomer youth and accessing appropriate services. Findings from their families to meet local needs this study suggest a mismatch between the needs of homeless newcomer youth and à Specialized programs to address currently available services. The following emerging needs (e.g LGBTTIQ youth

iii Hidden in Our Midst: Homeless Newcomer Youth in Toronto

shelters/transitional housing) à Promotion of positive parenting options à Rent supplements or vouchers and family support in working with specifically for newcomer youth youth à Services that promote family à Rent-geared-to-income, subsidized, or acceptance and support of LGBTTIQ co-op housing designated for youth across all newcomer and diverse newcomer youth cultural and religious communities 4. Improving equity and reducing stigma à Supporting buy-in from parents for for newcomer youth service users services and programs (e.g. diverse à Provision of anti-oppression and anti- cultural understandings of what racism (AOAR) training that focuses on constitutes child, youth, and family social justice, diversity, and cultural well-being and mental health) competence à Identifying AOAR promising practices à Improved systems of identifying and how they can be utilized and families that are undergoing benefit agencies reunification challenges to enable à Audits or evaluation of services to linkages to early assistance and support ensure that services correspond to AOAR principles 6. Key Levels of Change & Action à Explicitly addressing racism and à Funded Agencies that Serve Homeless homophobia as major points for Newcomer Youth systemic intervention and service (e.g. Homeless youth services, youth support against discrimination for settlement services) homeless newcomer youth à Mainstream Social & Health Services à Hiring staff who are representative of (e.g. family doctors, social workers, Toronto’s diversity community health centres) à Hiring of agency staff and recruiting à volunteers who are youth peers with Groups Outside of the Settlement and lived experience of homelessness Homeless Sectors and/or being a newcomer to Canada (e.g. LGBTTIQ youth services, religious à Legal clinics providing additional groups) support to newcomer youth and à Municipal Level tenants who face discrimination and (e.g. City of Toronto, Local Immigration other barriers to housing access Partnerships) à à Increasing availability of multi-lingual Provincial & Federal level (e.g. Government of Canada services or English language support at employment programs, Citizenship and front-line agencies Immigration Canada) 5. Family-based intervention à Identify promising models of early intervention that involve family members à Refining reunification supports to prevent family breakdown à Services specifically for newcomer youth who are young parents

iv Hidden in Our Midst: Homeless Newcomer Youth in Toronto

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Context

Youth homelessness is an escalating concern nationwide, with young people under 24 years of age representing the fastest growing segment of Canada’s homeless population (Koeller, 2008). It is estimated that youth represent one-third of Canada’s homeless, approximately 65,000 individuals (Stewart et al., 2010). In a recent survey of 244 homeless youth in Toronto, nearly one quarter indicated that they had been born outside of Canada (Gaetz et al., 2010). In addition to the population of people who are homeless, there is another group who represent the ‘hidden homeless’. These are individuals who have limited housing options and are left with little choice other than to stay with friends or family (Preston et al., 2011). They are hidden because they do not have stable accommodation, but are not on the streets, and are often not counted in homelessness statistics. Racialized, immigrant, newcomer youth are over-represented within the hidden homeless population (Fiedler, Schuurman, & Hyndman, 2006; Greenberg & Matinez-Reyes, 2010; Preston et al. 2011). Despite the increasing rate of homelessness in immigrant and newcomer populations, we have surprisingly little information on the pathways into homelessness for newcomer youth, and how these experiences may differ from those of the overall homeless youth population in Canada. Furthermore, there is limited information on the hidden homeless population in Canada. Understanding how individuals enter into a situation of homelessness, and having more information on the hidden homeless population is fundamental in being able to adequately respond to their needs. To date, there has been a dearth of research that specifically explores the cross-section of youth homelessness and newcomer status. It is understood that age, gender, race, and sexual orientation are among the multitude of factors that shape a young person’s experience of and pathway into homelessness. For newcomer youth however, it is the juncture of these factors, in addition to the presence of language and cultural barriers, lack of status, personal ties and history in Canada that uniquely situate them amongst the most vulnerable of homeless youth. The lack of research on newcomer youth homelessness, in addition to the lack of data on the hidden homeless, is why we consider this population to be hidden in our midst.

1.2 Purpose

This study was developed in partnership between the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto, representing an initial attempt to assess the needs of the newcomer youth population within the context of homelessness prevention and reduction in Canada. Using the City of Toronto as a case study, knowledge gained through this research was intended to begin to fill an existing gap in the literature on this issue, as well as inform future research and action, including the expansion of pilot and evaluation initiatives to enhance service system capacities in other Canadian cities with significant newcomer populations.

1 Hidden in Our Midst: Homeless Newcomer Youth in Toronto

1.3 Objectives

The key objectives of this study were to: 1) Explore the experiences of and pathways into homelessness among a sample of newcomer youth in Toronto 2) Identify service needs and investigate what newcomer youth believe to be critical components of interventions aimed at reducing and preventing homelessness 3) Assess current service system capacities for responding to homelessness among newcomer youth 4) Identify service gaps and possible promising practices among both traditional service agencies and ethno-cultural agencies that currently or could in future address those gaps

1.4 Defining homeless newcomer youth

Newcomer For this study, the term ‘newcomer’ included youth who were born in a low-income country within the Global South1, and have immigrated to Canada. The duration of time in which newcomers have spent in Canada ranged from a few months to upwards of a decade. This broad definition of newcomer status was intended to capture the impact of access to services among youth who have recently arrived to Canada, as well as those who have been in Canada for a number of years. The broad definition of ‘newcomer’ in this study also allows for a comparison between groups that qualify for newcomer and settlement services versus those that no longer qualify, and how this may impact their housing security.

Youth In this study, ‘youth’ were considered those between the ages of 16-242, a range based on definitions identified within the academic, grey, and government literature. This age cohort was also selected on the basis of highlighting individuals’ transition from the youth to adult service system.

Homelessness ‘Homelessness’ and ‘risk of homelessness’ is broadly defined in this study as having no permanent, safe, affordable, and adequate home. This may include staying outside, staying in a shelter or transitional housing, having no fixed address, ‘couch-surfing’ or staying temporarily at a friend or family’s home, or accessing services for homeless youth. ‘Risk of homelessness’ also involves paying more than half of one’s gross income on rent. ‘Hidden homelessness’ involves a situation of unstable housing, but is generally unseen by both the public and service systems due to the fact that individuals are not necessarily staying on the street or accessing shelter services.

1.5 Literature Review

A literature review of academic and grey literature was completed to identify best practices in reducing and preventing youth homelessness as well as benchmarks by which to measure promising practices in service provision for similar programs in Toronto. The review produced for this study is a scoping review of available literature to date. [Appendix A: Literature Review] The literature review

1 The term ‘Global South’ comprises both low and middle-income developing countries 2 All interview and focus group participants met the age criteria for this study, although one of the Peer Researchers reported to be 25 years of age 2 Hidden in Our Midst: Homeless Newcomer Youth in Toronto

highlights some of the following issues that affect newcomer youth including; the identification of common pathways into homelessness; variation in experiences of homelessness; and (dis)engagement with service systems. Due to the lack of literature specifically on newcomer youth homelessness in Canada, relevant sources were identified through searches of the peer-reviewed and grey literature on service provision and access for homeless youth and newcomers.

2.0 METHODOLOGY

This study employed a multi-method, qualitative and quantitative approach to data collection and analysis, including the use of Participatory Action Research (PAR), whereby newcomer youth with lived experience of homelessness were recruited as Peer Researchers, functioning both as consultants as well as research team members on the project. Participatory Action Research (PAR) methods have been found to be promising in encouraging youth participation, defining appropriate research questions, creating appropriate data collection tools, and interpreting and applying research in ways that are relevant to youth (Soleimanpour et al., 2008).

2.1 Peer Researcher Team Composition

The inclusion criteria for participation as a Peer Researcher was that individuals be between the ages of 16-24, were born in the Global South, and that they possess some lived experience of being homeless or at-risk of homelessness in Canada. The final team of 9 Peer Researchers is a highly diverse group of youth based on age, gender, and languages spoken. The Peer Researcher team members have origins in countries such as; Ghana, Ethiopia, Somalia, El Salvador, Korea, and Sri Lanka. The Peer Researcher team is made up of 6 women and 3 men, and one team member openly identifies as being a member of the LGBTTIQ community. Peer Researchers participated in five half-day training sessions in quantitative and qualitative reseach methods facilitated by Access Alliance Community Health Centre in Toronto, as well as a half-day training session on Knowledge Translation and Dissemination facilitated by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Peer Researchers were also provided support in completing the Government of Canada’s Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (TCPS 2 CORE) online tutorial. Peer Researchers received honouraria for their participation at all meetings and research related activities, as well as public transit tokens to cover their travel cost. Three of the Reer Researchers are young mothers and they received on-site child-minding for their children during all training sessions, research meetings, and focus groups. Peer Researchers’ roles in the study included: facilitating the focus groups and interviews; contributing to research tool design; data analysis; attending project meetings; and co-presenting findings at conferences and attending meetings. One Peer Researcher was supported in applying for a Lived Experience Scholarship from the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness, and co-presented on the study at the 2013 National Conference to End Homelessness in Ottawa, Ontario [Appendix I. Hidden in Our Midst NCEH 2013 Presentation]. Two Peer Researchers co-presented findings and preliminary recommendations to Advisory Committee members and community agencies at a consultation meeting which took place in April 2014 [Appendix J. Hidden in Our Midst Consultation Meeting Presentation, April 2014].

3 Hidden in Our Midst: Homeless Newcomer Youth in Toronto

2.2 Advisory Committee Composition

The Project Advisory Committee involved participation from diverse organizations including: youth services; child and youth advocacy; refugee, newcomer and settlement services; youth shelters and homelessness services; child welfare; youth legal services; services to young parents; mental health services; and youth LGBTTIQ3 services. These organizations operate in Toronto, and at the provincial or federal levels of government. Advisory Committee members were invited to contribute to the study in a variety of ways, including; advising the investigators on planning issues; recruiting Peer Researchers and research participants; hosting focus groups; identifying other agencies that serve homeless newcomer youth; participating in meetings with the Research Team and Peer Researchers. Advisory Committee members were also called upon to provide input on the development of data collection tools, as well as provide feedback on study findings and recommendations.

2.3 Development and Administration of Research Tools

This study triangulated data through the use of three research tools: 1. Youth demographic questionnaire 2. Focus group/interview guide 3. Service provider online survey

The demographic questionnaire [Appendix D. Youth Demographic Questionnaire] was informed by themes drawn from the literature review, as well as through input from research partners, Peer Researchers, and Advisory Committee members. The focus group guide [Appendix E. Focus Group/Interview Guide] was based around a semi-structured interview format to enable open-ended responses to some of the categories highlighted in the demographic questionnaire. The demographic questionnaire was administered to individuals prior to their participation in a focus group or interview.

2.4 Youth Focus Groups and Interviews

Focus group and interview data collection took place during the months of June and July 2013. Nine focus groups were conducted at social service agencies and youth shelters across Metropolitan Toronto in Etobicoke, North York, Scarborough and downtown Toronto. Focus groups were held primarily at the agencies of the Advisory Committee members. Three focus groups were women-only, one focus group was men-only, one focus group was conducted Spanish, and three individual interviews were conducted4. This study was informed by guidelines set forth by Khanlou and Peter (2005) for ensuring that Youth Participatory Action Research projects conform to ethical standards, including confidentiality, privacy, anonymity, informed consent, and favourable risk-benefit ratio. Any individuals who did not feel comfortable participating in a focus group were invited to participate in an individual interview instead, facilitated by one of the Peer Researchers. Informed consent was obtained from each individual prior to their participation in a focus group or interview [Appendix C. Consent Form for Youth Participants]. Focus groups and interviews were approximately 45-60 minutes in duration, and attended by 2-13 participants. Participants were compensated with honouraria as well as public transit tokens for their

3 LGBTTIQ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer 4 A LGBTTIQ-only focus group was originally scheduled, but cancelled due to a low response rate from potential participants. However, the LGBTTIQ voice was strongly represented during one particular focus group, as well as one individual interview.

4 Hidden in Our Midst: Homeless Newcomer Youth in Toronto

time. On-site counseling services, child minding, language interpretation support, and access to a list of counseling, settlement, and housing resources were made available to participants [Appendix F. Resource List for Youth Participants].

2.5 Service Provider Survey

In January and February 2014, a survey was distributed online to two groups of agencies in the City of Toronto: a) those serving homeless youth, and b) those serving newcomer communities [Appendix H. Service Provider Survey]. The service provider survey was designed after the youth interviews and focus groups had taken place, to ensure that the survey would address agencies’ capacity to provide those services that the youth believed to be most important in reducing and preventing homelessness. The surveys included both quantitative and qualitative measures, and was developed through input from Research Partners, Peer Researchers, and Advisory Committee members. The service provider survey was designed to collect data on two research objectives; 1) to identify and evaluate the extent to which the services currently delivered by agencies meet the needs identified by newcomer youth participants in this study and; 2) identify service gaps and promising practices among agencies that currently or could in future address those gaps. The survey was administered online using KeySurvey©; a secure, web- based surveying platform hosted on Canadian servers. To be eligible to participate in the survey, respondents must have had experience working as a service provider in an agency that serves either homeless youth or newcomer communities. A purposeful sampling strategy was used to access survey respondents across the City of Toronto. Participants were recruited primarily through the professional networks of research partners and Advisory Committee members. Over 130 contacts were sent a recruitment email containing information on the project, as well as a link to view the consent form and survey [Appendix G. Consent Form for Service Providers]. Participation in the survey was voluntary, and respondents were given the option of completing the survey, but remaining anonymous. Participants did not receive compensation for completing the survey, but if they provided their name, they were entered into a draw to win a gift card. Participants were given three weeks to complete the survey and data collection took place between the months of January and February 2014.

2.6 Transcription and Analysis

All focus groups and interviews with homeless newcomer youth were conducted in-person and were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Each transcript was reviewed for accuracy in relation to field notes taken during the focus groups and interviews by research team members. Analysis of the focus group and interview data was informed by classical content analysis (Joffe & Yardley, 2004), where categorical themes were identified and organized according to the focus group questions. The qualitative analysis was also based in elements of grounded theory (Kvale & Brinkmann, 2009; Saldana, 2013), whereby qualitative data were coded line-by-line to highlight key themes and concepts. One research team member was primarily responsible for coding the qualitative data, with code structures, summaries, and transcript excerpts reviewed by a second research team member. Code summaries were reviewed at different stages of the analysis by Research Team members and Peer Researchers, which allowed for a process of contextualization, refining of conceptual themes, member checking, and validation of the data. Data from the youth survey were entered into IBM SPSS 20.0 statistical analysis software, with descriptive frequencies generated.

5 Hidden in Our Midst: Homeless Newcomer Youth in Toronto

3.0 RESULTS

Pathways into Homelessness among Newcomer Youth

3.1 Characteristics of the youth participants

Although newcomer youth are a sub-cohort of homeless youth and may have similar experiences to homeless youth in general (Springer et al., 2006), they have distinct needs and display noticeably different pathways and patterns of homelessness (Yonge Street Mission, 2009). The route that newcomers take when entering Canada affects their ability to become economically integrated within their host society (Green & Martinez-Reyes, 2010), as well as their ability to access services. Aside from the difficulties of being in a situation of homelessness or looking for stable housing, the experiences of newcomer youth can be compounded by adjustments to a new culture, language, educational system, racism, social isolation or exclusion, family separation, as well as challenges related to reunification (Springer et al., 2006).

Gender and Ethnicity

Seventy-four participants were recruited into the study, of which 45% were young women and 55% were young men. The percentage of women in this sample was slightly higher than numbers previously reported in the general homeless youth population, where females have typically represented one-third of homeless youth (Gaetz et al., 2010). Zero participants openly identified as being transsexual, transgender, or intersex, a finding that has been observed in other research (Gaetz et al., 2010).

Geographic Region of Origin

Nearly two-thirds of newcomer youth participants reported to have origins in Africa or the Caribbean

Geographic region Share of participants (n=74) Caribbean (36%) Africa (27%) Middle East (10%) South America (9%) Table 1. Top four geographic regions of origin reported by participants

The significant percentage of individuals with origins in Africa or the Caribbean aligns with existing studies on youth homelessness which has shown an overrepresentation of individuals from these regions (Gaetz & O’Grady, 2002). In a Street Needs Assessment conducted by the City of Toronto (2014), 26% of youth surveyed had lived in Toronto for less than one year. Of this group, 37% identified that they came from a country outside of Canada (City of Toronto, 2014).

6 Hidden in Our Midst: Homeless Newcomer Youth in Toronto

Sexual Orientation

Over one-third of newcomer youth participants identified as LGBTTIQ

When asked to list any and all sexual orientations they identify with, nearly 20% of participants identified as being gay or bisexual, with an additional 17% indicating that they were either questioning, not knowing, or preferring to not disclose their sexual orientation. Zero participants openly identified as being lesbian. The finding that over one-third of homeless newcomer youth identified as LGBTTIQ or preferred to not disclose their sexual orientation is higher than findings from a recent Toronto study which found that one-in-five homeless youth surveyed identified as LGBTTIQ (City of Toronto, 2013). Other literature has reported that among Canadian-born homeless youth, 25-40% identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or transsexual (Gaetz et al., 2013a).

Figure 1. Sexual orientation of newcomer youth participants

Immigrating to Canada

Family reunification was the main reason for why newcomer youth participants came to Canada

When asked to specify their main purpose for coming to Canada, family reunification5 was the most commonly selected reason, reported by over one-fifth of participants. Other reasons specified by participants included; coming to Canada attend school, for better employment opportunities, fleeing their country of origin due to personal risk, through adoption, and parental relocation for work. Nearly 40% of participants arrived to Canada with their parents, while one-in-three participants arrived alone. Separation from parents due to immigration is a unique factor in this group of homeless youth that distinguishes them from the overall homeless youth population.

5 Family reunification often involves a process in which parents or caregivers immigrate initially and are later joined by their children months or years later. These children typically remain in their home country, but under the care of another relative or kin.

7 Hidden in Our Midst: Homeless Newcomer Youth in Toronto

Status in Canada Over one-quarter of participants have held Refugee Claimant status

Statuses Held in Canada Share of participants (n=74) Permanent Resident 52.1% Canadian Citizen 36.6% Refugee Claimant/ Government assisted refugee 26.8 Government Visa/Study Visa 7.0% Table 2. Immigration status of newcomer youth participants in this study6

Precarious immigration status negatively impacts the lives of newcomer youth as it affects access to services, education, jobs, and housing (Meagher et al., 2012; OCASI, 2012).

Age The average age in which newcomer youth participants first experienced homelessness was 17

All participants in this study were between the ages of 16 to 24. The average current age of participants was 21. Nearly one-in-three participants arrived to Canada between the ages of 16 to 20, and the average age at which participants first experienced homelessness in Canada was at the age of 17. The average length of homelessness was 2.5 years among those who indicated that they were still in a situation of unsafe housing. Similarly, studies elsewhere have found that nearly 50% of the overall homeless youth population in Canada report to have been unstably housed for 1-3 years on average (Raising the Roof, 2009).

History of physical and mental health One-in-four newcomer youth participants reported to have experienced some form of trauma

When asked to select all that apply from a list of options related to their physical and mental health history, participants reported to have experienced the following:

History of physical and mental health Share of participants (n=74) Stress 57.4% Addiction to cigarettes 48.6% Anxiety 38.7% Depression 32.3% Attempted suicide 26.7% Chronic health issue 24.2% Mental health needs 22.0% History of Abuse Physical abuse 45.0% Sexual abuse 33.3% Trauma 25.9% Table 3. History of abuse, physical and mental health among newcomer youth participants

6 When asked to select “all that apply” from a list of options, these were the four statuses most commonly held by participants.

8 Hidden in Our Midst: Homeless Newcomer Youth in Toronto

Over one-quarter of participants in this study reported that they have experienced some form of trauma. One unique factor that differentiates newcomer homeless youth from the overall homeless youth population is that the trauma they have experienced may be the result of escaping civil war or other political unrest in their country of origin. Findings from this study indicate that physical and sexual abuse (78.3% combined) among homeless newcomer youth is higher than estimates of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse reported in the general youth homelessness literature (Gaetz et al., 2013b; Raising the Roof, 2009). Studies elsewhere have found that 60-70% of youth leave households where they have experienced physical, sexual, and/or emotional abuse (Gaetz et al., 2013b).

Status as a young parent

One-in-four newcomer youth participants identified that they are a parent

In this study, just over a quarter of participants reported that to have given birth to or fathered a child, and among these young parents, 45% report to have either one or two children in their primary care. A recent Toronto based study found that immigrant and lone-mother-headed families are over- represented within poor housing and that immigrants who have had a longer settlement period are much more likely than newcomers to live in poor housing conditions, and to be at risk of eviction (Paradis, Wilson, Logan, 2014). The City of Toronto Street Needs Assessment (2014) reported that 30% of individuals in the family shelter system have recently arrived from a country outside of Canada.

Highest level of education achieved

Over fifty percent of homeless newcomer youth participants have completed grade 12 or some post- secondary education

During the focus groups and interviews, participants placed high value on pursuing post-secondary education in Canada, and 15.5% of participants specified that their main reason for coming to Canada was to pursue educational opportunities. Some of these youth already have identified some strong capacity in terms of their levels of academic achievement attained from their country of origin.

Figure 2. Highest level of education achieved

9 Hidden in Our Midst: Homeless Newcomer Youth in Toronto

Over fifty percent of participants in this study reported to have completed grade 12 or some college or university education either in Canada or in their country of origin, a figure that is noticeably greater than the overall homeless youth population, of which only one-third report to have graduated from high school (Gaetz, 2013). Regarding their current education system status, four out of ten participants reported that they are not in school, one-in-three indicated that they are in secondary school, and nearly one-in-five are currently enrolled in some form of post-secondary education. One theme that arose during the focus groups and interviews was participants’ sense of “shattered expectations” in reconciling the positive perceptions they previously held of Canada as a place of opportunity and acceptance, with the challenges they have encountered in securing appropriate employment and housing. Some newcomer youth, especially those who have immigrated in their early to mid-twenties, may have already attained a level of education status and professional employment, resulting in a good standard of living in their home country. For these youth, the comparison between their lifestyle back home and their current situation in Canada can contribute to feelings of disappointment during the settlement process.

“When I was back home, I was having my own job, I was having my monthly payment, I was having my own car, home … I was working, got good pay, and [now] I go down to high school…my experience, I’m starting from like zero…It’s hard to be in a shelter, because, first of all, you’re coming from a different country…you was living with your own family, you was living in your own bedroom, so when you come here and start living in the shelter, you’re feeling like you’re losing a lot, like your family being around you and stuff like that. “ [Youth focus group participant]

Sources of income

Newcomer youth participants in this study reported accessing a number of formal and informal sources of income, and relied predominantly on their social or cultural community networks to access employment opportunities. Youth participants were asked to select all that apply from a list of formal sources of income accessed. Table 4 outlines their top five reported sources of income.

Source of income Share of participants Ontario Works 46.9% Income through paid employment 32.8% Personal Needs Allowance 26.6% Money from parents 20.3% Student loans 10.9% Table 4. Top five sources of income reported by newcomer youth participants

These findings align with data from a recent Street Needs Assessment conducted by the City of Toronto (2014) which found that the main source of income for those living in youth shelters was Ontario Works (45%) and through full or part-time employment (35%). The Street Needs Assessment also highlighted that more than any other group, youth shelter respondents are likely to be engaged in some form of full-time (11%) or part-time employment (24%), but are still unable to secure housing (City of Toronto, 2014).

10 Hidden in Our Midst: Homeless Newcomer Youth in Toronto

Homeless newcomer youth participants were also asked to select all that apply from a list of informal sources that they accessed. The top five reported sources are outlined in Table 5.

Informal source of income Share of participants Research and focus groups 22.7% Selling drugs 16% Bottle collecting 13% Theft 12.8% Selling stolen property 9.5% Table 5. Top five sources of informal income reported by newcomer youth participants

Homeless newcomer youth often become involved in the informal economy due to lack of education and legal documentation (Gaetz & O’Grady, 2002; Karabanow et al., 2010). Three of the top five sources of informal income reported by participants are illegal activities. Additional sources of income listed by participants included: asking friends for money, earning income through general labour, prostitution, and shelter allowances.

Reasons for having entered a situation of homelessness

Family conflict was cited by two-thirds of newcomer youth participants as the main reason for having entered a situation of homelessness

When asked to select all that apply from a list of options, the main reasons for why youth participants entered a situation of homelessness were:

Reason for entering homelessness Share of participants Conflict with family (59%) Low income (38%) Difficulty obtaining employment (24%) Abuse from family (21%) Table 6. Top four reasons for why newcomer youth participants entered homelessness

In this study, family conflict and income insecurity were the main factors for why newcomer youth first entered a situation of homelessness. Collectively, ‘family conflict’ and ‘abuse from family’ were reported by 8 in 10 participants as their main pathway into homelessness. Existing research has documented that physical, emotional and sexual abuse are common predictors of youth homelessness (Karabanow, 2008; Kelly & Caputo, 2007; Kulik et al., 2011; Moore, 2007; Raising the Roof, 2009; Springer, Roswell, & Lum, 2006; Youth Shelter Interagency Network, 2007). Existing literature highlights that 60-70% of youth leave households where they have experienced physical, sexual and/or emotional abuse (Gaetz et al., 2013b). Family breakdown and instability such as separation, blended families, and changing cities are also significant contributors to youth homelessness (Calgary Homeless Foundation, 2011; Karabanow, 2008; Kidd, 2003; Springer et al., 2006). Some examples of family conflict mentioned by youth participants in this study which may be unique to newcomer youth specifically included: resistance to arranged marriage; challenges living with a host family in Canada; and family conflict stemming from differences

11 Hidden in Our Midst: Homeless Newcomer Youth in Toronto

in parent and child expectations regarding the practice of religious and cultural values in Canada. Participants also called attention the existence of diverse cultural perceptions and understandings of what constitutes as physical abuse or acceptable forms of child discipline. Despite challenges at home, some participants expressed a reluctance to leave home in the first place or be seen accessing certain services in-person, because they were concerned about the idea of potentially “shaming” their parents. They indicated that leaving the home would be viewed as a public declaration that something is wrong within the family. This finding can be linked to existing research which has shown that newcomers tend to access informal networks before formal housing supports due to varying degrees of close community affiliation and shame at potentially “being a burden on the system” (Greenberg & Martinez-Reyes, 2010; Springer et al., 2006). Within the context of family conflict, low income and poverty among working newcomer families was also mentioned as a pathway into homelessness for newcomer youth in this study.

3.2 Newcomer Youth Engaging with Service Systems: Identifying Needs and Service Gaps

Newcomer youth displayed a sophisticated level of resourcefulness in their ability to navigate multiple sources of information across agencies. Youth participants obtained information about services through many avenues including; cultural social networks, drop-in centres, phone lines, and through the internet. The anonymity provided by obtaining assistance over the phone or through the internet was viewed favourably by some participants. However, others noted that many newcomer youth do not have regular access to the internet, phone, or a mailing address, which underlines a need for services to be offered at multiple agencies on a drop-in basis. Participants expressed a strong desire to meet their personal, social, education, and career goals, as well as build the necessary skills to sustain independent living, housing, employment, a nutritious diet, and prevent involvement or recidivism within the justice system. Youth participants demonstrated high degrees of resilience and coping skills in overcoming past challenges, and articulated a striking sense of responsibility to improve their situation. Participants viewed access to information as a way for them to build the skills to support themselves, and to break out of a “cycle of dependency” that they felt many existing structures work to perpetuate for youth service users.

Sources of Support Accessed

Over fifty percent of newcomer youth participants report some level of religious or faith identity

Using a five-point Likert scale where 1 represented “often” and 5 represented “not applicable”, participants were asked to indicate to what extent they relied on various sources of support when they are facing problems. When asked to select all that apply from a list of options, the following sources were the most frequently reported by participants:

Sources of support currently accessed Share of participants who relied on this source often Religion or God 44.9% Friends 28.3% Romantic partners 24.4%

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Case worker/social worker/guidance counselor 22.0% Parents 13.7% Teachers 9.8% Faith community 9.1% Community organizations 7.7% Table 7. Most often relied on sources of support among newcomer youth participants

Literature review findings suggest that newcomers may be inclined to access informal networks before formal housing supports due to varying degrees of close community affiliation, shame at “being a burden on the system”, and the inaccessibility of housing supports (Greenberg & Martinez-Reyes, 2010; Springer et al., 2006).

Two-thirds of homeless newcomer youth participants indicated that they would feel most comfortable seeking support from their family doctors or walk-in clinic

When asked to specify among a list of options who they would feel comfortable going to if they needed help, participants selected the following:

Potential sources of support Share of participants who said YES they would feel comfortable seeking help Family doctor or walk-in clinic 66.1% Youth agency 50.0% Homelessness prevention agency 44.4% Toronto police 37.0% Mental health agency 33.3% Newcomer or settlement agency 25.6% Child protection services/Children’s Aid Society 25.0% (CAS) Table 8. System services that newcomer youth participants would feel comfortable accessing7

Literature on the service usage of newcomer youth reveals that unaccompanied newcomer youth tend to be reluctant to come into contact with service providers and government bodies, due to their precarious immigration status (Meagher et al., 2012) or that some newcomer youth and their families may not be aware of available services (Bonnell & Zizys, 2005). The finding that two-thirds of newcomer youth in this study indicated that they would most prefer to seek support from their family doctor or a walk-in clinic is significant, given that this has not been noted in the homeless youth literature reviewed to date. In an Ottawa-based study, homeless youth survey respondents were less likely to have had contact with general practitioners or family physicians, dentists, and orthodontists but were more likely to have had contact with other specialist doctors, nurses, psychologists or counselors, and social workers or outreach workers (Aubry et al., 2003). The City of Toronto Street Needs Assessment (2014) noted that 69% of all respondents, including youth, indicated they had accessed health and emergency

7 In the Demographic Questionnaire, ‘Family doctor or walk-in clinic’ was listed as one option. Because hospital emergency health services are frequently accessed by individuals who are homeless, a differentiation between ‘family doctor’, ‘walk-in clinic’, and ‘emergency department’ would be useful in future research on newcomer youth homelessness.

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health services, more than any other type of service during and six months prior to participating in the survey.

Contact with the Justice System Since arriving in Canada, participants reported that their main contact with the police was being asked for identification (38.6%), for loitering (36.8%), and having been arrested (28.6%). Under one-third of participants in this study reported that they have been arrested, which is less than the overall youth homeless population, of which more than half have been reported to have been in jail or a youth detention centre (PHAC, 2006). Some youth participants described negative experiences of receiving unfair treatment or feeling racially profiled by members of the police, particularly young males of African or Caribbean descent. However, some participants also spoke to the potential value of the police working to build positive relationships with community leaders in the targeted neighbourhoods that they serve.

Contact with the Child Welfare System

One-in-four homeless newcomer youth participants have had contact with the child welfare system

Nearly one-quarter of participants expressed having some interaction with the Children’s Aid Society (CAS), with 9% having been in the direct care of CAS since arriving in Canada. This finding is significantly lower than other research, which has found that 43% of homeless youth reported prior involvement with Child Protection Services (Raising the Roof, 2009). For those participants who had previously been in the care of the CAS, one-fifth reported that they moved to the shelter once they transitioned out of the care system. Newcomer youth often become involved with child welfare in cases of failed reunification, arriving in Canada under 16 years of age unaccompanied by a parent or guardian, or separation from family following immigration (Springer et al., 2006). Data that involves self-reporting of child welfare involvement may undercount some youth who are involved with a CAS, but do not want to disclose that information for reasons of stigma or privacy.

Systemic Discrimination in Services Accessed by Youth

A significant theme expressed by youth in this study was feeling stigmatized by service providers

Newcomer youth possess multiple identities, and these various identities embody what one Peer Researcher referred to as “interlocking sites of discrimination and oppression”. Youth participants spoke to perceived experiences of inequitable treatment within the service system based on characteristics including but not limited to; age, gender, race, sexual orientation, mental health needs, status as a newcomer, status in Canada, and being a young parent. Newcomer youth describe experiencing perceived discriminatory treatment from four main pillars: 1) Housing (e.g. landlords); 2) Employment (e.g. potential and current employers); 3) Justice system (e.g. police); and 4) Service providers (e.g. front-line and case management staff). A number of focus group participants also articulated a perception that a hierarchy currently exists within the service system, whereby “newer” newcomer youth who have recently arrived to Canada receive priority access in receiving services and housing, in comparison to other newcomer youth who may have been in Canada for a few years, but are not yet settled. Access to programs can be shaped by funding parameters and mandates, such as Citizenship and Immigration Canada funded programs that are limited to immigrants who have been in Canada for under three years.

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Contact with the Housing Support System

Sources of housing accessed Most participants in this study were access through youth homeless shelters across Toronto. When asked to describe their first experience of living in unsafe or unstable housing in Toronto, ‘the shelter’ was selected by nearly one-third of participants. ‘Staying in the shelter’ was also identified as the housing situation in which youth participants have spent the most amount of time (34.4%), followed by ‘living on the street’ (24.6%), and ‘staying temporarily with a friend, romantic partner, or relative’ (18%). At the time of the focus groups and interviews with youth, 45.7% reported that they are currently in an unsafe or unstable housing situation. Most participants in this study were accessed through youth homeless shelters.

Barriers to Housing Participants addressed a number of barriers that they have encountered in attempting to access housing since their arrival in Canada. The most frequently mentioned barrier was the experience of perceived unfair treatment from current and potential landlords, as well as housing service workers. Criteria noted by participants as barriers included: not having a previous rental history in Canada; no credit history; not having a fixed address; disclosing the fact that they are currently living in a shelter; being unemployed; being an Ontario Works recipient; not having a stable source of income; and not possessing the English language capacity to adequately express their needs to landlords and service workers.

“…if you can’t speak English or you’re just new to the country-it’s a language barrier for you to get a place. You know, for people that can speak English better than others are more likely to get it because they can just talk to them you know…” [Youth focus group participant]

During multiple focus groups, the challenges faced specifically by young newcomer mothers in accessing both shelter accommodations and market rental housing was noted by participants. Participants also described feeling pressure from housing staff to transition out of the shelter, but not having yet secured a safe place to live or the skills to maintain independent living. Additional barriers noted by participants included not having sufficient funds to pay rent, cover the cost of public transit, and food. While many of these barriers are faced by other young people who are homeless, newcomer youth encounter additional challenges if they do not speak English and do not have supports to help them access appropriate housing. The City of Toronto reported that the percentage of youth on subsidized housing waiting lists has risen from 28% in 2006 to 39% in 2013 (City of Toronto, 2014). Nearly three-quarters of respondents to the City of Toronto’s 2013 Street Needs Assessment said they needed help finding housing, Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program income support, subsidies, or housing allowances to secure stable housing (City of Toronto, 2014).

Contact with the Education System

Barriers to education Participants identified a number of education needs that have been noted in other studies including; challenges fulfilling school requirements when one is unstably housed; competing priorities of earning income versus attending school (Kulik et al., 2011), and accommodations to attend service system

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appointments during regular school hours. Participants saw a particular need for schools and employment programs to provide accommodation to newcomer and refugee students for missed sessions due attending their immigration hearings.

“Do not trust anybody, because even if …they’re [a] refugee or whatever, most of them are on the old system. So they have, leeway time. They have like two years of not even getting a hearing date. The new system, I swear to you - you apply, you get a hearing date automatically, 60 days. You have no time to waste…” [Youth focus group participant]

Other needs identified by participants included; supports to transfer academic credentials obtained from their country of origin; supports to obtain an Ontario High School Equivalency Certificate; and English as a Second Language (ESL) support services. Other studies have noted the impact of linguistic and cultural barriers, discrimination (OCASI, 2012), and lack of support from teachers and other educators (Khanlou, Shakya & Muntaner, 2009) as barriers to school success for newcomer youth. Some participants expressed feeling that their English language skills were being unfairly perceived and assessed by their teachers as an indicator of limited learning capabilities, which has led to poor academic performance in the Canadian school system. Participants also pointed to a gap in social assistance, grants, scholarships, or bursaries available to homeless newcomer youth to pursue post- secondary education. While nearly one out of five participants reported being enrolled in post- secondary education, only 10% of these individuals were accessing some income from student loans.

Employment Access

Barriers to employment For newcomer youth who may have arrived to Canada with a history of professional experience achieved in their home country, the inability to gain meaningful employment that value and builds upon their existing skill set presents a fundamental obstacle in their settlement process. The challenges described by newcomer youth participants in accessing employment include: limitations obtaining employment due to lack of education; difficulties securing as well as maintaining employment when one is unstably housed; lack of work-appropriate clothing; access to employment for those with mental health needs; the high cost of public transit to regularly attend one’s place of employment; and not having a fixed address to provide on a resumé. These employment support needs have been noted in other literature (City of Toronto, 2014). In addition to these barriers, many homeless newcomer youth are faced with the burden of being at risk of discriminatory treatment from potential and current employers based on their newcomer status, English language competency, lacking legal status in Canada, limited professional employment history in Canada, as well as unrecognized education or professional credentials achieved abroad. Compared to Canadian-born or raised homeless youth, newcomer youth may also be at a greater disadvantage of not having mentors or networks in Canada who can coach them on relevant employment processes and systems in Canada.

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4.0 Results

Agencies Serving Homeless Newcomer Youth

4.1 Characteristics of the sample

A total of thirty-nine individuals (n=39) filled out the online survey, representing a diverse cross- section of agencies including; newcomer settlement services; newcomer housing services; youth shelters; child welfare services; newcomer LGBTTIQ services; and mental health services among others. Homeless youth legal services, English as a Second Language (ESL) program delivery, services for young mothers, and multi-service agency were identified as additional primary sectors of service by one third of respondents. Nearly all respondents (97%) indicated that their agency provides services to youth between the ages of 16-24, while over half of the respondents specified that children under 16 years of age comprise some portion of their agency’s client base. Nearly two-thirds of respondents reported that a formalized protocol exists at their agency to connect youth to appropriate services elsewhere once they have “aged out” of their agency’s service mandate, although details on the various protocols were not provided by respondents. Over fifty percent of respondents reported that there is a designated program or staff at their agency who are responsible for delivering front-line services to newcomer youth clients.

4.2 Summary of services provided Programming for specific groups The agencies surveyed reported to offer many of the supports geared towards reaching the most highly represented groups identified from the youth demographic questionnaire. Nearly two-thirds of the agencies surveyed deliver programs with a specific focus on the needs of African populations; 45% for Caribbean populations; 45% for Middle Eastern populations; and 42% for Latin American populations respectively. Language access When asked how their agency delivers services to clients who cannot communicate in English, the majority of respondents (84%) selected ‘access to multilingual staff’ as the principal method for engaging non-English speaking clients; followed by ‘access to language interpreters’ (70%); and ‘availability of multilingual peer support’ (46%). “Collaborate services with other partners” was listed as an additional method used. Fifty percent of respondents stated that French language services are currently available at their agency. Housing services Agencies report providing many of the housing services that focus group participants considered to be important in helping to reduce homelessness among newcomer youth. These services are outlined in the table below:

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Housing service needs Share of agencies that offer this service (n=39) Assisting youth in locating housing 86% Educating youth about their tenant rights 83% Accompanying clients to attend housing 69% appointments Facilitating access to social assistance for housing or 66% income for tenant insurance Following up with landlords regarding tenant 59% applications submitted from newcomer youth Access to a database of available rent-geared-to- 38% income housing Providing resources to landlords regarding specific 34% needs and considerations for newcomer youth tenants Table 9. Housing services offered by the agencies surveyed

Education services Among the agencies surveyed, education supports appeared to be a priority area of service, with respondents reporting to address many of the education needs highlighted by youth participants. Sixty eight percent of agencies stated that they delivered services to support clients in obtaining an Ontario Secondary School Diploma; an Ontario High School Equivalency Certificate (57%); support in applying for college or university (75%); as well as English as a Second Language support (64%). Additional education services mentioned by agencies included; resources on the right to education; legal services to assist non-status newcomer youth excluded from the education system; supports to complete study permit applications for refugee claimants/convention refugees; scholarship applications; section 23 education facilities for pre-natal and post-natal women; as well as access to Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) Programs.

Employment services Regarding access to employment support, numerous agencies reported providing generic services on resumé writing (82%) and interview preparation (64%), yet gaps appeared to exist in gearing services more directly to newcomer youth. For instance, only 18% of respondents reported that their agency provides access to a database of employment opportunities for newcomers; a database of volunteer opportunities for newcomers (50%); and access to employment bridging or professional accreditation resources for newcomers (32%). Many respondents however, expressed their agency’s commitment to offering professional training resources for newcomer youth such as; employment mentoring and placement programs; access to internship opportunities; collaboration with employment programs to provide on-site outreach to youth clients; and apprenticeship fairs to inform agency staff of available resources for newcomer youth. The

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provision of legal information on employment rights was also listed as an additional service currently offered by some agencies. Health services Specific health considerations for newcomers and refugees, such as lived experience of trauma, conflict, war, and post-traumatic stress disorder, were seen as requiring early intervention across community health centres and other health institutions to ensure that youth receive appropriate assessment and treatment upon arrival to Canada, and for psychiatric and medical documentation purposes related to immigration reporting. Compared to the overall youth homeless population, the nature and scope of the trauma, as well as the cultural and language needs of newcomer youth may require unique supports. The establishment of partnerships with the Canadian Mental Health Association and ethno specific mental health agencies was also noted as a means of enabling the delivery of specialized training and resources for agency staff.

Health services identified by newcomer youth Share of agencies that offer this service Nutrition and healthy eating 65% Mental health wellness 57% Coping with stress and anxiety 78% Coping with depression 65% Physical abuse 57% Sexual abuse 48% Table 10. Health services offered by the agencies surveyed

Other service supports Agencies reported providing services to obtain the vital pieces of government issued documentation relevant to newcomer youth including; a Social Insurance Number; Work Permit; Study Permit; Birth Certificate; Health Card; Passport; Permanent Residence status; and Interim Federal Health (IFH) extension. Over three-quarters of agencies reported to provide one-on-one counseling; case coordination; availability of recreational programs; and free internet access. These services were also noted as being accessible on a drop-in basis. Other needs identified by youth, but offered to a lesser extent by the agencies surveyed were; access to social network building through faith based or cultural community groups (offered by 57% of agencies); language interpretation services (47%); and ‘host’ programs for newcomers (27%).

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5.0 Promising Practices to Prevent and Reduce Homelessness among Newcomer Youth: Youth and Service Provider Perspectives

5.1 Preventing Newcomer Youth from Becoming Homeless in the First Place

Newcomer youth want an “insider’s perspective” on life in Canada Youth participants expressed the significance of developing relationships with other young people who share a similar cultural background or newcomer experience. Relationship building was viewed not only for the purpose of socializing, but also for mentorship and gaining a greater understanding of system services in Canada. Participants placed high value on being able to connect with other newcomer youth who may be more settled in Canada, and to obtain information and hear stories on what “real- life” scenarios they can expect when immigrating. Specifically, participants wanted insight on Canadian social and cultural practices, as well as common challenges that newcomer youth encounter.

“It’s like being new at a job. You don’t know anything. If that person doesn’t train you, how are you going to carry out your job? So being new to Canada, if you don’t have the proper resources, how are you going to find housing when you do get kicked out? It’s like glitz and glamour that’s portrayed, when they give you your refugee package… I think you have to go through a lot of bad before you can be like, “I made it, I am comfortable”. [Youth focus group participant]

Youth participants described a need for support in reviewing information received from Citizenship and Immigration Canada and other Government of Canada institutions, as well as guidance on how to navigate legal services upon their arrival, needs that have been noted in other studies on newcomer health access (Access Alliance, 2003). While youth participants spoke more broadly on the idea of accessing these services through their case managers and other front-line staff, this service gap also points to the role of mentorship, peer, and host programs in supporting newcomer youth settlement.

Wider availability of newcomer youth peer support networks Service providers also spoke strongly to the value of peer learning, and considered the education system as an ideal site for developing social networks and for introducing and promoting system services to newcomers. One service provider viewed the formation of peer-support groups as a way to “…meet and greet newcomer youth to their school and assist with orientation and settlement navigation… providing a built-in social network of encouraging them to stay in school”. Fostering mentorship opportunities between newcomer youth who are employed or on a successful educational track alongside more vulnerable youth was also held as a promising practice, particularly within shelter and transitional housing settings.

Newcomer youth see agency staff as an advocate for their housing needs

Newcomer youth participants viewed agency staff as a central resource in accessing appropriate housing, an ally in advocating for their needs, and as a liaison to facilitate communication with landlords.

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Youth participants expressed wanting to receive guided support in preparing tenant applications and attending housing appointments, information on how to avoid becoming evicted, and locating appropriate roommates. Youth participants repeatedly mentioned their preference for working alongside staff who have lived experience of being homeless or a newcomer to Canada, as well as workers with whom they share a similar cultural background. Youth also wanted services that they could access anonymously online such as legal support on their tenant rights and responsibilities and rights regarding eviction.

Intensive case management and follow-up when youth first arrive to Canada

Service providers reiterated the view expressed by youth participants regarding the vital role played by front-line staff as a newcomer youth’s guide in securing appropriate housing. Regular case management check-ins, as well as financial and legal support upon arrival and during their first few years in Canada were considered crucial steps toward preventing homelessness, particularly among refugee youth. Service providers spoke to the need for newcomer youth, especially those who are in Canada by themselves, to have access to individualized guidance, support and mentorship, throughout their settlement process and for several years after their arrival.

Building the profile of homeless newcomer youth as a priority service population

Participants called for more targeted services and programs that are tailored for newcomer youth, as well as the availability of workers who specialize in serving newcomer youth.

“I went to a center that doesn’t deal with refugees and they helped me apply. That doesn’t make sense to me…that’s not their area, but they are helping me…all the centers…that’s their area, they’re too busy…staff is changing over, roles- a lot of people are coming…if I’m a newcomer and the place that’s supporting newcomer has no room for me, where do I go? And then I get lost in the system, and then I go to my hearing and I have nothing to show…then like, I’m back home being abused again”. [Youth focus group participant]

Youth participants also underlined the value of agencies directly engaging employers and landlords, to provide information on unique considerations for newcomer youth tenants and employees, such as; accommodations for employment training, and employment attendance flexibility in order to attend immigration hearings. In addition, they called for agencies to directly engage private landlords, and social and supportive housing to enable access to housing, address challenges, and mediate communication between landlords and youth tenants. Other activities undertaken by service providers in advocating for newcomer youth needs include involvement in committees and outreach to organizations such as; Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Canada Border Services; Community Care Access Centres, Toronto District School Board, Toronto Public Health, and some Children’s Aid Society initiatives in the Greater Toronto Area.

Opportunities for “self-care”

In addition to dealing with the challenges of transitioning into adulthood, developing a sense of identity, and defining education and career goals, newcomer youth have the added pressures of

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adapting to a new country, climate, language, culture, value system, and institutionalized systems and structures. Participants in this study viewed the presence of meaningful relationships, friendships, and social networks as fundamental in dealing with these challenges, as well as to prevent feelings of isolation, particularly for those who may have arrived to Canada on their own. Participants spoke positively of their experiences engaging with system services in Canada that encourage and foster opportunities for recreation such as; movie nights, beauty makeovers, music lessons, athletic activities, and other recreational day-programs that can be accessed on a drop-in basis. For those newcomer youth who have recently arrived to Canada and find themselves placed in a shelter setting, access to a ‘welcome package’ that would include cold-weather or winter clothing was also mentioned as a desirable service.

Targeted service areas

Education access facilitators Youth participants described wanting to access education services that would support them on a tangible career path or assist them in developing practical employment skills. Some participants highlighted the value in increasing access to apprenticeship or trades programs for newcomer youth, especially among those who have mental health needs or a history of involvement with the justice system. Participants also highlighted the value of programs directed towards preventing and reducing school drop-out rates, particularly among newcomer youth at the intermediate or junior high school level.

Employment access facilitators One fundamental need facing newcomer youth is obtaining identification such as a Social Insurance Number and Work Permit. This is a requirement to access any ‘legal’ job in Canada. While some youth may have to earn wages in the informal economy, this type of employment is outside of legal protections and leaves youth extremely vulnerable to exploitation. Participants also called attention to a current service gap, the need for a database of employment or volunteer opportunities that newcomer youth would be eligible for without a Work Permit. Participants considered volunteering as a promising step towards gaining employment skills and work experience in Canada. Participants also saw the potential in agencies partnering directly with employers to recruit and train newcomer youth candidates. Overall, participants expressed a strong sentiment of wanting to support and sustain themselves through paid employment, and not having to rely on government assistance.

Intergenerational family services Intergenerational family support was identified as a central intervention area by both youth participants and service providers, particularly in assisting reunification for families who may have been separated for long periods of time. This was a potential prevention support to strengthen relationships between parents or caregivers and newcomer youth, and possibly prevent homelessness among youth due to family breakdown and conflict. Developing programs to reach both parents and children, especially those under the age of 18, was noted as a step towards addressing challenges related to settlement, acculturation stress, and generation gaps in adapting to a new culture and value system in Canada. Family counseling services for both parents and youth who have experienced trauma was identified as an early intervention strategy, to determine the level of support required in the home. Service providers also emphasized the necessity of generating additional income supports for young

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newcomer families, as well as increasing family-style or intergenerational transition housing, shelters, and affordable housing options. These supports could be developed in coordination with service providers, ethno-specific services and some supports in the faith sector. Families could also be supported to learn more about the impact of family separation and reunification. Information on parenting could be shared in newcomer communities regarding laws in Canada such as positive discipline options and supports, and stages of development for children and youth.

System Enhancements and Funding Funding considerations identified by agency respondents included; expanding affordable housing options through permanent housing and rent subsidies for newcomers; basic needs allowances at shelters for youth who do not qualify for Ontario Works due to their lack of status in Canada; and eliminating or reducing fees related to Permanent Resident status applications. Funding areas identified by youth participants included; enabling access to the National Child Tax Benefit for newcomers; post- secondary scholarships for newcomer youth or homeless youth; and access to Ontario Works for youth under the age of 18.

5.2 Assisting Youth who are Currently Homeless on a Pathway to Stability Expanding outreach efforts to connect with “hidden” homeless newcomer youth

Youth participants suggested that more programs and services be physically located in the neighbourhoods of communities that they are intended to serve, and to build connections and relationships with residents and community leaders. Youth participants spoke to the value of targeting resources to different cultures through various avenues outside of the traditional social service system, such as; faith groups; well-respected and influential cultural and religious community leaders, community centres; neighbourhood social activities; and cultural events. Additionally, service providers called for more year-round, drop-in programs, anonymous telephone helplines, and multi-service, “one-stop shops”. Peer-led information sessions and workshops hosted at agencies across the city could be used to provide information on how to navigate housing, welfare, immigration, and legal systems, employment services, food banks, and other programs. The creation of a ‘newcomer youth homeless hub’ website or online network where youth can learn about available system services, as well as common experiences or challenges faced by other newcomer youth was also noted as an intervention strategy. Outreach staff were viewed as playing a crucial role in offering what one service provider referred to as the “storefront programs” that build direct ties with homeless youth.

Coordinating existing emergency services to better meet the needs of newcomer youth Many service providers viewed the integration and expansion of emergency shelters with other supports as a vital response to reducing newcomer youth homelessness. Two Toronto-area agencies, Eva's Phoenix and Woodgreen were noted as successful models that have been able to link employment skills training within housing support services. Service providers also recommended that select shelters in the city should continue to build the cultural and linguistic capacity to specialize in hosting newcomer homeless youth. Service providers underlined the need for enabling greater access to Toronto Community Housing, co-operative housing, and housing subsidies for newcomer youth. At the same

23 Hidden in Our Midst: Homeless Newcomer Youth in Toronto

time, it was acknowledged that entry into the social housing system is often a very lengthy process, and that renting privately owned housing at fair market value is a viable option for securing housing faster for youth. However, for newcomers who are unemployed or possess no previous history of leasing or renting in Canada, obtaining private market housing is challenging in the absence of rent insurance or a guarantor. A common theme expressed by service providers was the promotion of resource and information sharing between agencies, evaluation of existing programs and partnerships, and streamlining services across newcomer and youth serving agencies to more efficiently and effectively serve clients. “In our role as frontline staff, there may be times we are restricted in physically support[ing] these youth to venture out, (e.g attending external appointments with youth). The population we serve and community we work in is extremely ethno racially diverse with an incredibly significant amount of youth and families who are newcomers. Unfortunately, efforts have not been put in place to formally dedicate time to gather information and raise awareness as an agency about the needs of these youth. Workers within my organization are engaging in an extensive amount of work with this population, unfortunately that is not being effectively captured or addressed in a formal way by the agency”. [Service provider respondent] One-in -three respondents indicated that their agency provides services to assist external agencies and organizations in better understanding the needs of newcomer youth, through initiatives such as; consultation and research; partnering with agencies to develop grant proposals for new programs or services; increasing the number and quality of referrals between agencies; and delivering public education workshops. Engaging private, public, and community sector partners in creating an innovation lab to strengthen the provision of emergency and transition shelter and to generate community economic development opportunities for newcomer youth was noted as a promising strategy.

24 Hidden in Our Midst: Homeless Newcomer Youth in Toronto

Newcomer Youth BOTH Newcomer Youth & Service Providers want: Service Providers want: want:

• Consistent, guided • Greater outreach to • Better coordinated support to access youth at schools services and resources services • More drop-ins & multi- for youth service centres • Agencies advocating for • Development of a city- their housing and • Homeless newcomer wide, cross sectoral employment needs youth online resource committee on • Cultural and religious portal newcomer youth leaders providing • Anonymous helplines support to families homelessness • Family conflict resolution services • More service staff with

lived experience of homelessness • Peer support networks • Refining services to meet individualized needs

Figure 3. Summary of solutions identified by youth participants and service providers

6.0 Discussion

Findings from this study suggest a mismatch between the needs of homeless newcomer youth and currently available services

Homeless newcomer youth are a diverse group that includes youth of different cultures, religions, ages, and personal histories. They comprise those who are recent newcomers, and those who have been in Canada for a number of years, but are still at-risk of short and longer-term bouts of homelessness. Newcomer youth may have experienced hardships or challenges prior to or during their migration experience, including; moving to Canada to reunify with family after a long separation, fleeing abuse, and fleeing their home country due to civil strife. Significant percentages of youth in this study identified as LGBTTIQ, have ethnic origins in Africa or the Caribbean, and have given birth to or fathered a child. Taking into account the multitude of identities newcomer youth associate with, it is not surprising that many struggle with having to decide which of these identities takes precedence when they are attempting to seek help. Newcomer youth participants demonstrated remarkable resilience in their migration and settlement experiences. They came to Canada with skills, strengths, and with dreams of a better future. However, in the absence of relevant, appropriate, and flexible supports that are able to address their individual needs at the right point in time, they are at-risk of homelessness, as well as poorer health and social outcomes. Findings from this study highlight a current mismatch between the services that agencies reported to offer, and the needs that youth identified as service gaps.

25 Hidden in Our Midst: Homeless Newcomer Youth in Toronto

Homeless newcomer youth appear to be engaging with a social safety net that is made up of institutions that are either currently operating in siloes or functioning in ways that may even prevent them from a path towards a successful future. Systemic changes are needed both within and across the service system to develop holistic, coordinated, youth-centred services that respond to their unique strengths, needs, and goals. Newcomer youth participants in this study identified challenges around having to “fill a seat” in mandatory programs that they felt did not meet their needs. Similarly, in the City of Toronto Street Needs Assessment (2013), there was a reported sense of mismatch or lack of engagement between the stated needs of homeless individuals and the services delivered. Various sectors and groups in the community can play a vital role in moving towards providing a continuum of supports to these youth. Family doctors, faith leaders, culturally-specific services, child and family services, and community health centres were some of the key figures identified by youth and service providers in this study as promising avenues for addressing root pathways into homelessness among newcomer youth. Further collaboration between these sectors was noted as a step towards further resource and information sharing, as well as defining clear roles among all agencies involved, findings that has been echoed in recent literature regarding newcomer health (OCASI, 2014) and youth homelessness (Gaetz, 2014).

Homeless newcomer youth are a highly diverse group and face multi-layered challenges in accessing appropriate services

Newcomer youth are an underserved group and are extremely vulnerable to encountering discrimination and being at-risk of homelessness. There is a need to ensure that services do not further marginalize, discriminate, or create access barriers for these youth. Despite ongoing discourse and action on implementing effective anti-oppression and anti-racism (AOAR) service at front-line agencies, a major barrier identified by newcomer youth participants was the experience of perceived unfair treatment through their interactions with service system staff, landlords, and potential employers. The prevalence of systemic discrimination as experienced by newcomer youth, underscores a system disconnect of services that may be inaccessible, inequitable, or ineffective in meeting their needs.

The unique role of family in preventing homelessness among newcomer youth

Many mainstream homeless youth services operate on the assumption that young people need to be protected from their families, as opposed to the family being a resource that youth can draw upon (Gaetz, 2014). For many newcomer youth however, family can play a significant role in their settlement process, one that requires attentiveness and cultural sensitivity when identifying appropriate forms of intervention. Family conflict was identified by two-thirds of participants in this study as the main reason for having entered homelessness. This finding highlights a unique opportunity for refining services geared towards families and youth who are dealing with reunification challenges, and to prevent youth from fleeing their homes or becoming homeless in the first place. The significant percentage of LGBTTIQ newcomer youth in this study calls attention to an additional opportunity in working directly with families, ethno-cultural communities, settlement agencies, and faith groups to provide awareness on the risks faced by LGBTTIQ newcomer youth. Lack of parental and community acceptance, risk of suicide, and further victimization, are among some of the risks faced by LGBTTIQ newcomer youth. Collaboration between family and LGBTTIQ service agencies can provide a means of developing guidelines that work to support these youth and achieve more positive and safe outcomes.

26 Hidden in Our Midst: Homeless Newcomer Youth in Toronto

Limitations of the study

Locating both Peer Researchers and youth participants who met the eligibility criteria for the study presented a major challenge, reaffirming this study’s premise regarding homeless newcomer youth as a ‘hidden’ population. Recruitment for the study was originally envisioned as an anonymous process by which individuals would indicate their interest to participate by responding to the recruitment flyer that was distributed among agencies serving homeless or newcomer youth [Appendix I. Focus Group Recruitment Flyer]. However, this process did not yield many responses, and ultimately, the majority of participants were recruited by front-line staff at the Advisory Committee member agencies as well as other agencies serving homeless or newcomer youth. The barriers faced in recruiting both Peer Researchers and youth participants who met the eligibility criteria, calls attention to the need for further outreach in connecting with this hidden youth population, particularly those who lack immigration status. The fact that most participants in this study held some form of immigration status in Canada and were connected in some way to services highlights that we may have met with youth that are not as isolated and perhaps “less hidden” among the homeless newcomer youth population. The health and social well-being of homeless newcomer youth who lack legal immigration status may be further compromised due to the possibility of them not accessing services at all in Canada. The most well attended focus groups in study were hosted at homeless youth shelters where youth resided and youth drop-in centres frequented by newcomer youth. A disadvantage of this recruitment method was that youth were more likely to have existing relationships with one another, which could potentially present challenges around ensuring anonymity among participants. The focus group format also made it difficult to provide one-on-one support in completing the demographic questionnaire or ensure that every participant’s voice was heard during the session. For future research with the homeless newcomer youth population, it is suggested that focus groups be limited to 3-6 participants per session or that researchers rely on the use of individual interviews as the principal method of data collection. The use of individual interviews or smaller focus groups would also facilitate the linking of demographic data to qualitative findings.

Identifying further areas for promising programs and interventions

Findings from this study suggest that homeless newcomer youth are hidden in the sense that their needs are not fully understood or addressed by mainstream and ethno-specific service agencies. In addition, there was a lack of information in the Canadian youth homelessness literature on concrete programs and interventions. Furthermore, there is a subset of newcomer youth who lack legal status, are indeed ‘hidden’, and very difficult to reach. Within the context of youth homelessness in Canada, homeless newcomer youth do not appear to have been explicitly identified as a priority population for municipal, provincial, or federal planning at both the program or policy levels. These factors contribute to a lack of available evidence regarding specific program interventions designed to address their unique needs. This study sought to provide a first attempt at identifying service needs, gaps, and promising practices in preventing and reducing homelessness among newcomer youth in Canada. A limitation of the study is that the Priority Areas of Focus (see below Section 7.0) do not draw directly from concrete, evidence- based examples of pilot projects. Delineating practical program benchmarks between mainstream and ethno-cultural agencies was a deliverable that could not be addressed with the data collected in this study and the stage of service delivery in the community. The identification of these benchmarks was

27 Hidden in Our Midst: Homeless Newcomer Youth in Toronto

not readily apparent in the review of available literature and through the results of the service provider survey that was developed for this study. This study aimed to distinguish between services offered by ethno-specific agencies and mainstream services for homeless youth, in order to understand the differences in service delivery and to identify promising practices. Extensive outreach was required to identify ethno-specific agencies and mainstream services who would be well suited to completing the online survey. The methodology used in the service provider survey design limited the ability to collect data that differentiates promising practices reported by mainstream versus ethno-cultural agencies. Survey respondents were asked to indicate their agency’s primary area of service, but were able to select all that apply from a list of available options. Because many agencies reported to provide both mainstream as well as services for specific ethno-cultural groups, it was challenging to differentiate which agencies would fall under the category of ‘mainstream’ or ‘ethno-cultural specific’. Furthermore, it was voluntary for survey respondents to disclose their name and organizational affiliation, which posed an additional challenge in making this distinction between the agencies surveyed. Ultimately, this data was analyzed in aggregate. The limitations described above speak to learnings from the research process from which future studies can seek to improve and build upon. However, the value and uniqueness of the research presented is the use of data and input received from homeless newcomer youth participants, newcomer youth Peer Researchers, service provider survey respondents, and through consultation with agencies that serve newcomer or homeless youth to outline Priority Areas of Focus. These Priority Areas of Focus provide some direction on potential service improvements, areas for further research, pilot projects, and action.

28 Hidden in Our Midst: Homeless Newcomer Youth in Toronto

Key Findings from the Youth Data

1. Nearly 2/3 of newcomer youth reported to have origins in Africa or the Caribbean 2. Over 1/3 of newcomer youth identified as LGBTTIQ 3. Over 25% of newcomer youth identified as being a parent 4. Over 50% of newcomer youth report some level of religious or faith identity 5. Family conflict was cited by 2/3 of newcomer youth as the main reason for entering homelessness 6. Over 2/3 of newcomer youth indicated that they

would feel most comfortable seeking help from

their family doctor or walk-in clinic

Figure 4. Key findings from the youth data

7.0 Priority Areas of Focus

Findings from this study were consolidated to inform the following Priority Areas of Focus for policy and practice, as well as future research on reducing and preventing homelessness among newcomer youth. These recommendations were validated through member checks with the Peer Researchers, Advisory Committee members, as well as through community consultation with agencies that serve homeless newcomer youth.

1. Building on youth's strengths, resilience, and future opportunities

Homeless newcomer youth participants in this study articulated many examples of their problem solving and coping skills to access resources and overcome adversity. They demonstrated a strong sense of purpose and responsibility to achieve their education and career goals, despite negative circumstances they may have encountered during their migration and settlement in Canada. Available literature suggests that challenges within the school system, including linguistic and cultural barriers, discrimination, and lack of support from teachers and other educators can have a profound impact on newcomer youth (Khanlou, Shakya & Muntaner, 2009; OCASI, 2012). Homeless newcomer youth often become involved in the informal economy due to lack of education and legal documentation (Gaetz & O’Grady, 2002; Karabanow et al., 2010). Additionally, precarious immigration status negatively impacts access to employment,

29 Hidden in Our Midst: Homeless Newcomer Youth in Toronto

education, housing, and other services (OCASI, 2012). In supporting homeless newcomer youth on a pathway to stability and success, front-line services should prioritize:

à Capitalizing on the skills that newcomer youth arrived to Canada with à Developing individually-tailored strategies centred on employment, income security, maintaining finances, advancement of education, and housing

2. Expanding knowledge and developing promising practices among mainstream and ethno-cultural services for newcomer youth

Directly engaging the sectors and staff that homeless newcomer youth identified as sources of support, and increasing the number of advocates for youth within relevant agencies is needed to develop practices that better meet the needs of this population. Peer support was a major service need identified by both newcomer youth participants and service provider respondents in this study. Coordinated resource sharing and further collaboration among relevant system services, including shelters, drop-ins, and settlement agencies (Access Alliance, 2003) was also viewed by service providers as a fundamental step towards providing more comprehensive services for homeless newcomer youth. Expanding knowledge and developing promising practices among mainstream and ethno-cultural services for newcomer youth can be achieved through:

à City-wide committee & cross-sectoral networks that address newcomer youth homelessness à Building on existing resources among agencies that serve homeless newcomer youth à Integrating legal, medical, social work and other services within multi-service agencies à Wider availability of multi-service agencies & drop-ins à Generating leadership and mentorship opportunities for homeless newcomer youth à Increasing peer support at agencies à Creating an online resource portal for homeless newcomer youth à Wider availability of anonymous helplines

3. Coordinated housing and poverty reduction strategies that encompass the needs of homeless newcomer youth

Service providers have reported that newcomer, immigrant, and refugee clients live in unaffordable, overcrowded, poorly maintained and unhealthy housing (Preston et al., 2011). This may be a result of poverty, cuts to social programs, unrecognized employment and education credentials and delays in work permits (Access Alliance, 2003), and differential access to services based on immigration status (Hulchanski, Campsie, Chau, Hwang, & Paradis, 2009). In building the profile of homeless newcomer youth as a priority service population, literature review findings point to opportunities for situating newcomer youth homelessness within existing discourse and action on poverty reduction in Canada. This could be achieved through devising:

à Housing and poverty reduction strategies that are national, provincial, and municipal in scope à Ensuring that strategies have measurable outcomes

30 Hidden in Our Midst: Homeless Newcomer Youth in Toronto

à National Housing Strategy that also engages with municipalities, stakeholders, newcomer youth and families to meet local needs à Specialized programs to address emerging needs (e.g LGBTTIQ youth shelters/transitional housing) à Rent supplements or vouchers specifically for newcomer youth à Rent-geared-to-income, subsidized, or co-op housing designated for newcomer youth

4. Improving equity and reducing stigma for newcomer youth service users

Reducing stigma and discrimination was a service need repeatedly emphasized by homeless newcomer youth participants in this study. Newcomer youth participants reported to have encountered unfair, discriminatory treatment from landlords, employers, and front-line service staff, among others. Similar to the experience of Canadian-born homeless youth, newcomer youth participants valued not being judged for their homeless status and having someone who empathizes and can relate with their struggles (Karabanow, 2008; Yonge Street Mission, 2009; Stewart et al., 2010; Karabanow et al., n.d.) as crucial factors in effective service delivery. Taking into account the large percentage of LGBTTIQ newcomer youth in this study, interventions to improve equity for this group is a service gap that requires specific attention. Many newcomer LGBTTIQ individuals face challenges adapting to Canadian culture and experience similar homophobia and heterosexism within their cultural or ethnic community (Travers et al., 2011). As a result, many lack support systems such as their immigrant communities, family members, and friends who may otherwise have provided shelter and help (Williams, 2011). For LGBTTIQ newcomer homeless youth, the lack of specialized services has made it challenging for youth to find support and have their needs met (Abramovich, 2008). In improving equity and reducing stigma for newcomer youth service users, Priority Areas of Focus include:

à Provision of anti-oppression and anti-racism (AOAR) training that focuses on social justice, diversity, and cultural competence à Identifying AOAR promising practices and how they can be utilized and benefit agencies à Audits or evaluation of services to ensure that services correspond to AOAR principles, are equitable, accessible, and accountable to newcomer youth à Explicitly addressing racism and homophobia as major points of systemic intervention and service support against discrimination for homeless newcomer youth à Hiring staff who are representative of Toronto’s diversity à Hiring of staff and recruiting volunteers in all service organizations who are youth peers with lived experience of homelessness and/or being a newcomer to Canada à Legal clinics providing additional support to newcomer youth and tenants who face discrimination and other barriers to housing access à Increasing availability of multi-lingual services or English language support at front-line agencies

5. Family-based intervention

Parents who immigrate to Canada and then sponsor their children to come to Canada, is a

31 Hidden in Our Midst: Homeless Newcomer Youth in Toronto

common type of family reunification. When family reunification occurs after years of separation, there is often stress associated with living together after having grown apart (Refugee Council of Australia, 2009). Those who suffer family breakdown may become estranged from their caregivers, and may face a lack of resources and social networks (Meagher et al., 2012). Newcomer youth participants in this study reported that family reunification was the main reason for why they immigrated to Canada, and that family conflict was the main reason for why they first entered a situation of homelessness. A particular emphasis on family-based intervention was articulated by the youth Peer Researchers, newcomer youth participants, and service providers who contributed to this project. Therefore, family-based intervention for homeless newcomer youth should seek to:

à Identify promising models of early intervention that involve family members à Refining reunification supports to prevent family breakdown à Services specifically for newcomer youth who are young parents à Promotion of positive parenting options and family support in working with youth à Identify models of prevention of child abuse and neglect for newcomer youth à Right to child support income for homeless newcomer youth à Services that promote family acceptance and support of LGBTTIQ youth across all newcomer and diverse cultural and religious communities à Supporting buy-in from parents for services and programs (e.g. diverse cultural understandings of what constitutes child, youth and family well-being and mental health) à Improved systems of identifying families that are undergoing reunification challenges to enable linkages to early assistance and support

6. Key Levels of Change & Action Coordination is needed across many levels of government and sectors to improve services and outcomes for newcomer homeless youth. However, every level has some responsibilities that can help drive solutions. These levels of change and action include:

à Funded Agencies that Serve Homeless Newcomer Youth (e.g. Homeless youth services, youth settlement services) à Mainstream Social & Health Services (e.g. family doctors, social workers, community health centres) à Groups Outside of the Settlement and Homeless Sectors (e.g. LGBTTIQ youth services, religious groups) à Municipal Level (e.g. City of Toronto, Local Immigration Partnerships) à Provincial & Federal level (e.g. Government of Canada employment programs, Citizenship and Immigration Canada)

32 Hidden in Our Midst: Homeless Newcomer Youth in Toronto

Funded Agencies Mainstream Social Groups Outside of the Municipal Level Provincial Serving Homeless & Health Services Settlement & Homeless & Federal Level Newcomer Youth Sectors

*Homeless youth *Family doctors *LGBTTIQ youth services *City of Toronto *Citizenship and services *Walk-in clinics *African & Caribbean *Local Immigration Immigration Canada *Youth immigration *Community health ethno-cultural agencies Partnerships *Provincial and federal & settlement centres *Faith & religious *Toronto District employment programs services *Hospitals groups School Board *Ministry of Education *Mental health *Spiritual centres *Ontario Human Rights services *School guidance Commission *Primary care nurses counselors *Donors and funders of *Social workers *Police child, youth, & family *Child welfare services *Employment services *Apprenticeship & internship programs *Colleges & universities

Table 10. Key Levels of Change and Action

8.0 Conclusion

At present, there is insufficient knowledge regarding the diversity and magnitude of youth homelessness among immigrants, refugees, and newcomers without immigration status in Canada’s urban centres. The profile of homeless newcomer youth in Canada has not yet been clearly defined, and uncovering this information is a vital step towards shaping relevant, equitable, and accessible policies and programs. This study aimed to provide a starting point for further research, evaluation, and piloting of services to yield an improved understanding of Toronto’s service sector capacity to address the unique needs of this population. In this study, family conflict and challenges related to acculturation between parents and children were major elements in newcomer youth’s pathway into homelessness. Extended periods of separation present a substantial barrier to family reunification and youth settlement in Canada. On average, participants in this study reported to have first entered homelessness at the age of 17, suggesting that their pathway into homelessness may have started much earlier. This finding underlines a continued need for interventions that target youth between the ages of 12-15 or younger. Child and youth specific services and the child welfare system should seek to work with reunified adolescents and unaccompanied minors to prevent child abuse, and in some instances, seeking kinship options where possible if a youth is need of protection. Additional areas for further investigation include; delineating gaps in service access for newcomer youth who have recently arrived, versus those who have been living in Canada for a number of years; identifying services that newcomer youth relied on prior to entering a situation of homelessness; and identifying service needs of homeless newcomer youth who lack status. Applying lessons learned from other sectors such as Aboriginal Legal Services can be used to identify models and best practices that can be applied to youth who do not have status in Canada. Cost-benefit analyses can also be used to

33 Hidden in Our Midst: Homeless Newcomer Youth in Toronto

project the potential economic savings and benefits in prevention and early intervention strategies, and reduced reliance on emergency health and shelter systems.

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Springer, J., & Roswell, T., & Lum, J. (2006). Pathways to Homelessness Among Caribbean Youth Aged 15-25 in Toronto. Retrieved from http://www.homelesshub.ca/Library/Pathways-to- Homelessness-Among-Caribbean Youth-Aged-15-25-in-Toronto-37413.aspx

Stewart, M., Reutter, L., Letourneau, N., Makwarimba, E., & Hungler, K. (2010). Supporting homeless

36 Hidden in Our Midst: Homeless Newcomer Youth in Toronto

youth: Perspectives and preferences. Journal of Poverty, 14(2), 145-165.

Travers, R., Munro, L. & St. John, A. (2011,). Telling the TRUTH: Social exclusion and HIV vulnerability among newcomer gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth. Poster presentation at the Society for Community Research and Action Biennial Conference. Chicago, Illinois.

Williams, S. (2011). LGBT immigrant youth face increased risk of homelessness. Retrieved from http://www.care2.com/causes/lgbt-immigrant-youthvulnerable- homelessness.html

Yonge Street Mission (2009). Changing Patterns for Street Involved Youth. Retrieved from http://www.ysm.ca/index.html

Youth Shelter Interagency Network (2007). System in crisis: An action plan for the future of Toronto’s homeless youth. Retrieved from http://www.evasinitiatives.com/PDF/YSIN_position_paper.pdf

37 Hidden in Our Midst: Homeless Newcomer Youth in Toronto

38 Hidden in Our Midst: Homeless Newcomer Youth in Toronto

Appendix A. Literature Review

‘Hidden homelessness’ among newcomer youth is an emerging phenomenon in Canada particularly within the Greater Toronto Area and other large urban centres. Despite its pervasiveness, the problem of homelessness among newcomer youth has received limited public and policy attention, resulting in not only a lack of services available to this population, but also a gap within the academic literature on this topic. As such, this literature review reflects current and available discourse specific to youth homelessness among newcomer groups, such as immigrants and refugees. There are variations in the definition of “newcomer” as the term is defined by funding parameters for some organizations. For those federally funded, “newcomer” refers to persons having been in Canada three years or less while for provincial funding defines “newcomer” as an individual being in Canada for under five years (Planned Parenthood, 2005). For the purpose of this research, newcomer youth is conceptualized as any youth between the ages of 16-24 born outside of Canada. According to Statistics Canada (2009), approximately 206,500 people migrate to Canada each year, of whom approximately 72,700 are youth under the age of 24. The route through which newcomer youth arrive to Canada varies; they may come with family as immigrants or refugees, unaccompanied refugees, or sponsored immigrants. The route that newcomers take when entering Canada affects their ability to become economically integrated within their host society (Greenberg & Martinez-Reyes, 2010). Further, youth under 24 years of age represent the fastest growing segment of Canada’s homeless population (Koeller, 2008; Kulik, Gaetz, Crowe & Ford-Jones, 2011). It is estimated that youth represent one-third of Canada’s homeless population, approximately 65,000 individuals (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, 2004; Stewart, Reutter, Letourneau, Makwarimba, & Hungler, 2010). In 2003, it was estimated that 20,000 young people used the shelter services in Toronto (Toronto Youth Council, 2005).

Common Pathways to Youth Homelessness Youth become homeless for a variety of reasons. Research shows that physical, emotional and sexual abuse are common predictors of youth homelessness (Karabanow, 2008; Kelly & Caputo, 2007; Kulik et al., 2011; Moore, 2007; Springer, Roswell, & Lum, 2006; Raising the Roof, 2009; Youth Shelter Interagency Network, 2007). This violation of person extends to domestic violence that the youth may witness (Buckner & Bassuk, 1997). Other contributing factors include parental addictions, psychiatric disorders and criminality (Gaetz, 2004; Karabanow, 2008; Kelly & Caputo, 2007; Raising the Roof, 2009). The experience of substance abuse among parents and care- givers can predispose youth to becoming future users (Myers, Rohsenow, Monti, Dey, 1995). Moreover, family breakdown and family instability are significant contributors to youth homelessness (Karabanow, 2008; Springer et al., 2006; Calgary Homeless Foundation, 2011; Systems in Crisis, 2007). Other examples of family instability include periods of transition such as divorce, separation, blended families, moving residencies, changing cities, and shifting living arrangements (Karabanow, 2008; Kidd, 2003). These families may be experienced as chaotic, disruptive, and inconsistent, and may even represent a lack of love, care, interest, and support from caregivers (Karabanow, 2008). Other factors that predispose youth to homelessness are mental health issues, poverty, sexual identity or preference (Springer et al., 2006), and a history of involvement with

38

Appendix A. Literature Review

child welfare (Courtney, Terao, & Bost, 2004; Kelly & Caputo, 2007; Kulik et al., 2011; Serge, Eberle, Goldberg, Sullivan, & Dudding, 2002). Although newcomer youth may have similar experiences to homeless youth in general (Springer et al., 2006), they have distinct needs and display noticeably different patterns of homelessness (Yonge Street Mission, 2009). The experiences of newcomer youth can be compounded by adjustments to a new culture, language, educational system, racism, negative self-image, social isolation or exclusion, family separation, as well as challenges related to reunification or the “blending” of families, (Springer et al., 2006). Newcomer youth are also over-represented within what has been termed the ‘hidden homeless’ population (Preston, Murdie, D’Addario, Sibanda, Murnaghan, Logan & Ahn, 2011; Greenberg & Matinez-Reyes, n.d.). Hidden homelessness occurs when individuals have no other housing alternatives and are forced to stay with friends or family (Preston et al., 2011). Newcomers may have a strong network and community supports, which they may be more likely to access instead of formalized shelters or supports (Greenberg & Matinez-Reyes, n.d.). A Vancouver study confirmed that there is an over- representation of immigrants, especially newcomers, who experience hidden homelessness (Fiedler, Schuurman, & Hyndman, 2006; Preston et al., 2011). This may be attributed to barriers such as unaffordable housing, low vacancy rates, and low income (Fiedler, 2011).

Differences in Homelessness Experiences Based on Gender It has been noted that youth homelessness is experienced differently based on gender, race or ethnicity, sexual identity and immigration status. Studies consistently find that two-thirds of street youth are male, and one-third are female (Gaetz as cited in Kulik et al., 201; Gaetz et al., 2010; Kilbride & Anisef, 2001). Network for Youth (2003), reported that males are more likely to be kicked out of their home as a result of deviant behaviour, whereas females are more predisposed to becoming homeless as a result of sexual abuse. It has also been found that young females on the street report higher rates of victimization, with 85.9% reporting being victims of crime, compared to 71.8% of males (Gaetz, O’Grady & Buccieri, 2010). Moreover, women have also been more closely related to ‘hidden homelessness,’ as they are more often seek alternative accommodations instead of the street, and are not as often as visible as males on the street or in shelters (Gaetz et al., 2010).

Differences in Homelessness Experiences Based on Race There is an overrepresentation of youth with African and Caribbean origins in the homeless population (Gaetz & O’Grady, 2002). The effects of the intersectionality of institutional and individual racism and youth homelessness are common among Canadian-born black youth, Caribbean and African-born youth (Springer et al., 2006). Studies have shown that homeless Caribbean youth are predominantly male, between ages 17 and 24 (Springer et al., 2006). This suggests that the absence of affordable housing may be compounded by issues of racism (Greenberg & Martinez-Reyes 2010). Despite the international research evidence that homeless populations are made up of a diversity of people, there is still a lack of Canadian research in the analyses of racial differences in rates of homelessness (Gaetz & O’Grady 2002).

39 Appendix A. Literature Review

Differences in Homelessness Experiences Based on Gender, Gender Identity, and Sexual Preference Current literature highlights that LGBTQ youth are overrepresented in the homeless youth population (Abramovich, 2012). It is estimated that approximately 25- 40% of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ, in comparison to approximately 5-10% of the general population which identifies as LGBTQ (Abramovich, 2012; Josephson & Wright, 2000; Gaetz et al., 2010). However, it is unknown whether there are higher proportions of immigrant youth within the LGBTQ homeless youth population (Abramovich, 2008). LGBTQ homeless youth are a particularly vulnerable group as they are susceptible to being victimized, ridiculed, and beaten up on the streets and in the shelter system because of their gender and/or sexual identity (Abramovich, 2012). They tend to have a higher rate of suicide, depression, and substance abuse than their heterosexual counterparts (Abramovich, 2012). Notwithstanding the vulnerabilities of LGBTQ youth and the prevalence of homelessness amongst this group (Kelly & Caputo, 2007), agencies have identified challenges in providing support to this population (Yonge Street Mission, 2009). This becomes more complicated for newcomer homeless youth as the lack of specialized services makes it increasingly challenging for youth to find support and have their needs met (Abramovich, 2008). For some newcomer youth who identify as LGBTQ, migrating to Canada offers an escape from homophobic violence and religious persecution (Abramovich, 2008; Travers, Munro, & St. John, 2011). However, upon arriving in Canada, newcomer LGBTQ individuals face challenges adapting to Canadian culture (Travers et al., 2011) and many experience similar homophobia and heterosexism within their cultural or ethnic community (Crichlow as cited in Travers et al., 2011). Moreover, for some newcomer LGBTQ youth “coming out” can have devastating consequences as it can be regarded as a public shame (Travers et al., 2011). As a result, many lack support systems such as their immigrant communities, family members, and friends who may otherwise have provided shelter and help (Williams, 2011). Therefore, for many LGBTQ newcomer youth, the lack of family and social support compromise their physical and mental health (Douglas- Scott, Pringle & Lumsdaine, 2004). In a study by Travers et al. (2011), LGBTQ newcomer youth reported experiencing discrimination in the immigration system, particularly for those who were seeking refugee claims based on homophobic persecution in their countries of origin. Some indicated that the process was complicated by having to ‘prove that they were gay’ to immigration authorities in order to qualify for refugee status, otherwise they could be denied status and deported to their countries of origin (Travers et al., 2011). In the study, a service provider who works with migrant newcomer LGBT youth confirmed that youth are told to ‘look gay’ when they attend their refugee claimant hearings (Travers et al., 2011).

Homelessness and Health Considerable research identifies that homeless youth experience a variety of health and mental health illnesses including post-traumatic stress disorder, psychiatric disorders and mood disorders (Kidd, 2003; Kilbride & Anisef, 2001; Raising the Roof,

40 Appendix A. Literature Review

2009). This was more common among youth who were sleeping on the street (50%) or couch-surfing (43.3%) than youth staying in shelters (35.8%) (Yonge Street Mission, 2009). Homeless youth have higher incidences of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), pregnancy, substance abuse, mortality, poor nutrition (Hwang as cited in Kulik et al., 2011), and increased future risk of diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and musculoskeletal disorders (Frankish, Hwang, Quantz , 2005). The inability to maintain personal hygiene can result in lice, scabies, fungal infections, foot blisters, and sores (Gaetz & O’Grady, 2002). Springer et al. (2006) indicated that Caribbean homeless youth have higher levels of alcohol, drug abuse and mental health problems than their Canadian counterparts. Further research suggests that newcomer youth are at a greater risk for alcohol and drug addiction (Beiser, as cited in Kilbride & Anisef, 2001). In a study of homeless youth, 50% of respondents stated that they abuse drugs and/or alcohol, as a way of coping with homelessness (Raising the Roof, 2009). Structural barriers including language barriers, absence of culturally appropriate services, and discrimination may prevent many newcomers from accessing mental health services (Greenberg & Martinez-Reyes, 2010). Others may be underserved because they lack government documentation such as a health card and/or the financial means to cover medical expenses incurred (Kulik et al., 2011; Kelly & Caputo, 2007).

Homelessness and the Education System Challenges within the school system, including linguistic and cultural barriers, discrimination (Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI), 2012), and lack of support from teachers and other educators, can have a profound impact on newcomer youth (Khanlou, Shakya & Muntaner, 2009). This is evident in low academic performance (Joint Centre of Excellence, n.d; OCASI, 2012), and behavioural problems (Joint Centre of Excellence, n.d.). This corresponds to the general street youth population, many of whom drop out of school at an early age, leading to high rates of learning disabilities, illiteracy, poor academic achievement and alienation from school systems (Kulik et al., 2011). In a survey of homeless youth in St. John’s, Calgary and Toronto, 62% of respondents had dropped out of school (Raising the Roof, 2009). Further, the same factors that lead to homelessness may also inhibit a youth’s ability to succeed in school (Gaetz et al., 2010). Transient living situations and consequent disruptions in schooling are barriers to school success (Kulik et al., 2011). Moreover, there is a lack of emphasis placed on education within the supports for homeless youth (Gaetz et al., 2010). This limited education leads to a deficiency of skills and training, with minimal credentials, making sustainable employment difficult or impossible to achieve (Kelly & Caputo, 2007; Kulik et al., 2011). Further, it has been noted that dropping out of school is never an isolated event, but rather is a process of disengagement (Anisef, as cited in Kilbride & Anisef, 2001). There is interconnectivity between dropping out of school and other issues simultaneously occurring in the life of a newcomer youth (Anisef, as cited in Kilbride & Anisef, 2001).

Homelessness and Employment The challenge of sustainable employment is exacerbated by the enactment of the Safe Streets Act which criminalizes homelessness by making panhandling and squeegeeing illegal (Gaetz, 2004). Many individuals become involved in activities such

41 Appendix A. Literature Review

as selling drugs, sex work, sale of stolen goods, and theft (Karabanow, Hughes, Ticknor, Kidd, & Patterson, 2010; Noble, 2012). These youth tend to have more encounters with the police and the criminal justice system (Gaetz, 2004). Homeless newcomer youth often become involved in the informal economy due to lack of education and legal documentation (Gaetz & O’Grady, 2002; Karabanow et al., 2010). Additionally, young, homeless women may also become involved in sex work, commonly referred to as “survival sex” as a means to earn income or in exchange for shelter, food or other needs (Gaetz et al., 2010).

Homelessness and Immigration Status Immigration status plays a significant role in newcomer youth’s susceptibility to precarious housing. Refugees and unaccompanied migrant youth often spend lengthy periods with irregularized status and are often seen as a risk and the potential drain on Canada’s resources rather than as persons in need of protection and asylum as per immigration authorities (Meagher et al., 2012). Precarious immigration status negatively impacts the lives of newcomer youth as it affects access to services, education, jobs, and housing (OCASI, 2012). Service providers have reported that newcomer, immigrant and refugee clients live in unaffordable, overcrowded, poorly maintained and unhealthy housing (Preston et al., 2011). This may be a result of poverty, cuts to social programs, unrecognized employment and education credentials, and delays in work permits (Access Alliance, 2003) and differential access to services based on immigration status (Hulchanski, Campsie, Chau, Hwang, & Paradis , 2009).

Homelessness and the Child Welfare System There is a relationship between youth who have had previous involvement in child welfare and who face the risk of homelessness (Kelly & Caputo, 2007; Serge et al. 2002), in cases when they could not be reunited with parents due to inadequate housing (Hulchanski et al., 2009) and when they lose access to services and support as they ‘age out’ of the system (Hulchanski et al., 2009; Kulik et al., 2011; Tweddle, 2005). This extends to problematic child welfare placements which have most often been described as uncaring, exploitative, and unstable (Karabanow, 2008). According to a recent study of homeless youth, 43% of youth respondents identified that they had prior involvement with Child Protection Services (Raising the Roof, 2009). Youth aging out of care often leave the system lacking a family support network, financial support, life skills, and adequate education (Tweddle, 2005). This puts them at risk for homelessness, substance abuse, reliance on social assistance and contact with the criminal justice system (Tweddle, 2005). Depending on the province, youth over the age of 16 but younger than 18, who are not parented by the child welfare system, do not have access to services and support provided by the system; they may also be ineligible for adult social welfare (Kelly & Caputo, 2007). This is especially detrimental for newcomer youth, particularly if they are undocumented as it limits access to services and supports. Newcomer youth become involved with child welfare (Springer et al., 2006) in cases of failed reunification, arriving in Canada under 16 years of age unaccompanied by a parent or guardian, or separation from family following immigration to Canada. Parents who immigrate to Canada and then sponsor their children to Canada is one type of ‘reunification’. When this occurs after years of separation, there is often stress of trying

42 Appendix A. Literature Review

to live together after having grown apart (Refugee Council of Australia, 2009). Some families’ ties do not survive (Khanlou, Shakya, & Muntaner, 2009). In a study by Bernhard, Goldring & Landolt (2008), Latino women living in Toronto reported that after extended periods of infrequent long distance contact with children, estrangement occurred and became evident when reunification eventually happened. In some cases, the child presented many challenges that parents resorted to sending them back to the home country. Those who suffer family breakdown may become estranged from their caregivers, may face a lack of resources and social networks, and may face barriers related to immigration (Meagher et al., 2012). Those who are unaccompanied tend to have precarious status as some arrive with a student visa, which, upon expiration, leaves them without status, while others arrive and apply for asylum. Others are cut off from potential guardians by borders or regulations. Some are left behind as their parent or guardian leave Canada without them. Some may also experience sponsorship by an inappropriate guardian and become separated from the sponsoring relative after coming into conflict, abuse or neglect with the guardian (Meagher et al., 2012) which ultimately results in child welfare involvement. Additionally, youth become separated from their parents for other reasons. In a study carried out by Paradis, Novac, Sarty, & Hulchanski (2010), the phenomenon of family homelessness was identified among status immigrant, non-status immigrant, and Canadian-born families. This study also illustrated that status immigrant women were less likely to be separated from their children than Canadian-born or non-status migrant mothers. Some women with older children did not have their children with them at the shelter sometimes because the shelter rules excluded older children, or because their children chose to leave (Paradis et al., 2010).

Newcomer Youth Engaging Services Unaccompanied migrant youth tend to be reluctant to come into contact with service providers and government bodies, because of their precarious immigration status (Meagher et al., 2012). Those who do come into contact with service providers and government bodies may be hesitant to disclose their status if they are undocumented (Meagher et al., 2012; Yonge Street Mission, 2009). Many avoid shelters and other service providers, and those who live on the street often avoid researchers whom they may mistake for representatives of the police or social services (Taylor, Lydon, Bougie, & Johannsen as cited in Moore, 2007). Immigrants and refugees may face barriers accessing housing and services due to discriminatory practices among landlords, shelter and drop-in staff. Some newcomer youth and their families do not know what services are available for them (Bonnell & Zizys, 2005). Newcomer youth also report finding it difficult to access resources, due to feeling overwhelmed in a new setting (Kilbride, Kenise Murphy; Anisef, Paul; Baichman-Anisef, Etta; Khattar, Randa, n.d.)Also, newcomers tend to access informal networks before formal housing supports due to varying degrees of close community affiliation, shame at “being a burden on the system” and the inaccessibility of housing supports (Greenberg & Martinez-Reyes, 2010; Springer et al., 2006). There are shelters and drop-ins which are geographically and linguistically inaccessible for immigrants and refugees (Access Alliance, 2003). There is also a lack of effective

43 Appendix A. Literature Review

coordination of services among shelters and drop-ins and settlement organizations, community legal clinics and community health centres (Access Alliance, 2003).

Strategies for Reduction/ Prevention of Homelessness Given that homeless, newcomer youth are generally hidden, it is difficult to capture their voices on what they think would be the most important services to alleviate homelessness. Nonetheless, research shows that youth regard not being judged for their homeless status and having someone who empathizes with their struggles (Karabanow, 2008; Yonge Street Mission, 2009; Stewart et al., 2010; Karabanow et al., n.d.) as crucial factors in effective service delivery. This extends to service providers who offer support in seeking employment possibilities, housing options, and educational opportunities within an environment of care, safety, and learning (Karabanow, 2008). Agencies are quite different in terms of their philosophy, structure, and setting which is seen as important, mirroring the diverse needs of street youth (Karabanow, n.d.). Resource allocation to frontline support such as shelters, drop-ins, health clinics, and outreach services are important for immediate responses to youth’s basic needs (Karabanow, 2008). Youth also require social opportunities to be with friends and in locations where there is positive social interaction (Yonge Street Mission, 2009). Finally, young people appreciate services that are “responsive to their needs; respectful, knowledgeable and considerate of their situations; non-judgmental and accepting of differences; participatory and democratic; supportive throughout the long-term; non-bureaucratic and action- oriented” (Karabanow, n.d.).

Stakeholders’ Views on Addressing Newcomer Youth Homelessness Service providers and policy makers perceived systemic discrimination in policy and practice as a major challenge to employment and educational opportunities (Simich, Beiser, Stewart, & Mwakarimba, 2005). They propose that some newcomers lack awareness of services as a result of language and economic limitations, social isolation, inadequate information from government or agencies, and a tendency to stay within their own social or ethnic groups for support (Simich et al., 2005). They may distrust agencies, or face cultural barriers, privacy issues, stigma, and experience family dynamics (Simich et al., 2005). These factors are barriers to help-seeking behaviours. Due to the fear and risk involved in their status, services for migrant youth require a careful approach, particularly around building trust (Meagher et al., 2012). There is insufficient knowledge and information about the magnitude of hidden homelessness of immigrants and refugees in Toronto. This knowledge gap hinders the development of broad policy and program initiatives that address homelessness among immigrants and refugees in a systemic manner (Access Alliance, 2003). Though there are many settlement agencies and other groups working to support newcomers and immigrants on settlement issues, only a limited number have explicitly supported people affected by family separation and reunification (Tate, 2011). Most service providers indicated that they do not have intake or screening for unaccompanied migrant youth (Meagher et al., 2012). A practical service change and improvement that service providers and policy makers can implement is collaboration among shelters and drop-ins and other community-based agencies to increase the capacity of their respective organizations to

44 Appendix A. Literature Review

plan. Another suggestion is to deliver training on diversity, immigration and refugee policy, and completing refugee claimant forms (Access Alliance, 2003). A further suggestion for improvement would be to increase funding for drop-in centres, counsellors, shelters, and street-based outreach workers who can locate these youth and provide them with necessary services (Tyler & Morgan, as cited in Kidd, 2003). Workers and agencies should have a well-developed network of community resources such as medical, legal, and recreational services (Cauce et al., as cited in Kidd, 2003). Increased funding for educational and job training programs that emphasize skills such as constructing resumes, interviewing skills, and job searching techniques would help to improve the chances that youth are able to acquire and maintain stable employment, reducing the likelihood of future victimization (Kidd, 2003). Improve access to health care for homeless youth by providing services at times and locations that are accessible to them, and in ways that are socially and culturally relevant (Meagher et al., 2012). Migrant youth would benefit from settlement supports that are slightly different from those currently available to adult newcomers and refugees. They need services that are both youth‐friendly and take into account their isolation from caring, responsible adults (Meagher et al., 2012).

45 Appendix A. Literature Review

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Abramovich, I. A. (2012). No safe place to go lgtbq youth homelessness in Canada: Reviewing the literature. Canadian Journal of Family and Youth, 4(1), 29-51.

Access Alliance Multicultural Community Health Centre (2003). Best practices for working with homeless immigrants and refugees. A community-based action- research project Phase I: Research. Retrieved from http://www.settlement.org/downloads/BP_Executive_Summary.pdf.

Bernhard, J. K., Landolt, P., & Goldring, L. (2008). Transnationalizing families: Canadian immigration policy and the spatial fragmentation of care-giving among Latin American newcomers. Early Childhood Education Publications and Research. Retrieved from http://digitalcommons.ryerson.ca/ece/8

Bonnell, J. & Zizys, T. (2005). Best practices for youth programs. Retrieved from http://www.unitedwaytoronto.com/downloads/whatWeDo/reports/YouthBestPractic es-FinalPublicReport.pdf

Buckner, J. C., & Bassuk, E. L. (1997). Mental disorders and service utilization among youths from homeless and low-income household families. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 36, 890-900.

Calgary Homeless Foundation (2011). Plan to end youth homelessness in Calgary. Retrieved from http://calgaryhomeless.com/assets/research/Youth-PlanFinalweb.pdf

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (2004). The fifth estate: No way home, who are Homeless youth? Retrieved from http://www.cbc.ca/fifth/main_nowayhome_who.html.

Courtney, M., Terao, S., & Bost, N. (2004). Midwest evaluation of the adult functioning of foster youth: Conditions of youth preparing to leave state care. Chapin Hall. 2-12.

Douglas-Scott, S., Pringle, A., & Lumsdaine, C. (2004). Sexual exclusion-homophobia and health inequalities: A review. Retrieved from http://www.glhv.org.au/files/gmhn_report.pdf

Fiedler, R., Schuurman, N., & Hyndman, J. (2006). Hidden homelessness: An indicator- based approach for examining the geographies of recent immigrants at-risk of homelessness in greater Vancouver. Cities, 23(3), 205-216. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2006.03.004

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Frankish, C. J., Hwang, S. W., & Quantz, D. (2005). Homelessness and health in Canada: Research lessons and priorities. Canadian Journal of Public Health, 96, S23-9. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/231995267?accountid=14771

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Gaetz, S., & O'Grady, B. (2002). Making money: Exploring the economy of young homeless workers. Work, Employment and Society, 16(3), 433-456. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0950017002016003 Gattis, 2009

Gaetz, S., O’Grady, B. & Buccieri, K. (2010). Surviving crime & violence: Street youth and victimization in Toronto. Retrieved from http://www.jfcy.org/PDFs/SYLS_Surviving_the_Streets_2010.pdf

Greenberg, T., & Martinez-Reyes, E. (2010). Hidden: Newcomer experiences of homelessness at Fred Victor and the learning enrichment foundation. Retrieved from http://www.lefca.org/documents/Hidden- Newcomer_Experiences_of_Homelessness.pdf

Hulchanski, D.J., Campsie, P., Chau, S.B.Y, Hwang, S.W., & Paradis, E. (2009). Introduction. Homelessness: What’s in a word. In Hulchanski, D.J., Campsie , P., & Chau S.B.Y., et al. (Eds), Finding Home: Policy Options for Addressing Homelessness in Canada (pp. 1 16) Toronto, ON: Cities Centre Press, University of Toronto.

Joint Centre of Excellence (n.d). The needs of newcomer youth and emerging best practices to meet those needs. Retrieved from http://atwork.settlement.org/downloads/Newcomer_Youth_Best_Practices.pdf

Josephson, G., & Wright, A. (2000). Ottawa GLBT wellness project: Literature review and survey instruments. Retrieved from http://www.pinktriangle.org/wellness/main.html

Karabanow, J. (2008). Getting off the street. exploring the processes of young people's street exits. American Behavioral Scientist, 51(6), 772-788. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0002764207311987

Karabanow, J, Clement, P., Carson, A., Crane K. & Community Action on Homelessness Research Committee Advisory Group (n.d.), Getting off the street: Exploring strategies used by Canadian youth to exit street life. Retrieved from http://www.halifax.ca/qol/documents/GettingofftheStreet.pdf

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Karabanow, J., Hughes, J., Ticknor, J., Kidd, S., & Patterson, D. (2010). The economics of being young and poor: How homeless youth survive in neo-liberal times. Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare, 37(4), 39-63. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/852897854?accountid=14771

Kelly, K., & Caputo, T. (2007). Health and street/homeless youth. Journal of Health Psychology, 12(5), 726-736.doi: 10.1177/1359105307080594

Khanlou, N., Shakya, Y., & Muntaner, C. (2009). Mental health services for newcomer youth: Exploring needs and enhancing access. Retrieved from http://www.excellenceforchildandyouth.ca/sites/default/files/gai_attach/RG122_F inal_Outcomes_Report.pdf .

Kidd, S. (2003). Street youth: Coping and interventions. Child and Adolescent Social WorkJournal, 20(4), 235-261. Retrieved from: http://search.proquest.com/docview/57081370?accountid=14771

Kilbride, K. M., Anisef, P., Baichman-Anisef, E., Khattar, R. (n.d.). Between two worlds: The experiences and concerns of immigrant youth in Ontario. Retrieved from http://www.settlement.org/downloads/between_two_worlds.pdf

Kilbride, K. M. & Anisef, P. (2001). To build on hope: Overcoming the challenges facing newcomer youth at risk in Ontario. Retrieved from: http://www.settlement.org/downloads/Build_On_Hope_Final_Report.pdf

Koeller, R. (2008). Background report: Homeless and street-involved youth in HRM: Summary of local research findings. Retrieved from http://homeless.samhsa.gov/(S(ohxmnf55yg1onie4pky0gl45))/ResourceFiles/wm 2nn1pa pdf.

Kulik, D.M., Gaetz, S., Crowe, C., & Ford-Jones, E.L. (2011). Homeless youth’s overwhelming health burden: A review of the literature. Paediatric Child Health, 16(1), e43-e47.

Meagher, S., Lee, A., & Drydyk, J. (2012). Migrant Youth Alone. Retrieved from http://www.publicinterest.ca/tools-and-resources

Moore, J. (2007). Unaccompanied and homeless youth: Review of literature (1995-2005). Retrieved from: http://www.homelesshub.ca/(S(zgno0zrnhafseq45iy0cqt45))/Library/Unaccompanied and-Homeless-Youth-Review-of-Literature-1995-2005-19139.aspx

Myers, M. G., Rohsenow, D. J., Monti, P. M., & Dey, A. (1995). Patterns of cocaine use among individuals in substance abuse treatment. The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 21(2), 223-231. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/00952999509002690

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National Network for Youth. (2003). How many young people run away from home each year? Retrieved from http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/fysb/YP runaway.htm.

Noble, A. (2012). It’s everybody’s business: Engaging the private sector in solutions to youth homelessness. Retrieved from http://raisingtheroof.org/RaisingTheRoof/media/RaisingTheRoofMedia/Documents/ RtR_PS_FullReport_EN_web.pdf

Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (2012). Written Submission to the Committee on the Rights of the Child. Retrieved from http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/crc/docs/ngos/Canada_Ontario_Council_A genc es_Servng_Immigrants_CRC61.pdf

Paradis, E., Novac, S., Sarty, M., & Hulchanski, J. D. (2010). Better off in a shelter? A year of homelessness and housing among status immigrant, non-status migrant, and Canadian born families in Toronto. Retrieved from http://canada.metropolis.net/pdfs/hulchanski_e.pdf

Planned Parenthood of Toronto (2005). Improving access for newcomer youth to sexual health resources and services. Retrieved from http://www.ppt.on.ca/pdf/reports/NewcomerReport.pdf

Preston, V., Murdie, R., D’Addario, S., Sibanda, P., Murnaghan, A.M., Logan, J., & Ahn, M.H. (2011). Precarious housing and hidden homelessness among refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants in the Toronto metropolitan area. Retrieved from http://mbc.metropolis.net/assets/uploads/files/Precarious_Housing_Toronto_study .pdf

Raising the Roof Foundation (2009). Youth Homelessness in Canada: the Road to Solutions. Retrieved from http://www.raisingtheroof.org/RaisingTheRoof/media/RaisingTheRoofMedia/Docu ments/RoadtoSolutions_fullrept_english.pdf.

Refugee Council of Australia. (2009). Family reunion and Australia’s refugee and humanitarian program: A discussion paper. Retrieved from http://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/r/rpt/2009-Reunion.pdf Seat, R. (2000). Factors affecting the settlement and adaptation process of Canadian adolescent newcomer 16-19 years of age. Retrieved from http://atwork.settlement.org/downloads/Adolescent_Newcomers_16_19.pdf

Serge, L., Eberle, M., Goldberg, M., Sullivan, S., & Dudding, O. (2002). Pilot study: The child welfare system and homelessness among Canadian youth. Retrieved from: http://cwrp.ca/sites/default/files/publications/en/HomelessnessAndCW.pdf

49 Appendix A. Literature Review

Simich, L., Beiser, M., Stewart, S., & Mwakarimba, E. (2005). Providing social support for immigrants and refugees in Canada: Challenges and directions. Journal of immigrant health, 7, 259-268.

Springer, J., & Roswell, T., & Lum, J. (2006). Pathways to Homelessness Among Caribbean Youth Aged 15-25 in Toronto. Retrieved from http://www.homelesshub.ca/Library/Pathways-to-Homelessness-Among- Caribbean Youth-Aged-15-25-in-Toronto-37413.aspx

Statistics Canada (2009). Immigration in Canada: A portrait of the foreign-born population, 2006 Census: Findings. Retrieved from http://www12.statcan.ca/census recensement/2006/as-sa/97-557/index eng.cfm

Stewart, M., Reutter, L., Letourneau, N., Makwarimba, E., & Hungler, K. (2010). Supporting homeless youth: Perspectives and preferences. Journal of Poverty, 14(2), 145-165. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/756299541?accountid=14771

Toronto Youth Council (2005). Catch us before we fall. Retrieved from http://tdrc.net/resources/public/Report-05-03-TYC.pdf

Travers, R., Munro, L. & St. John, A. (2011,). Telling the TRUTH: Social exclusion and HIV vulnerability among newcomer gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth. Poster presentation at the Society for Community Research and Action Biennial Conference. Chicago, Illinois.

Travers, R., Munro, L. and St. John, A., 2011-06-15 "Telling the TRUTH: Contextualizing HIV risk for LGBTQ newcomer youth in Toronto" Paper presented at the annual meeting of the SCRA Biennial Meeting, Roosevelt University/Harold Washington Library, Chicago, IL . 2012- 12-02 from http://www.allacademic.com/meta/p503361_index.html

Tweddle, A. (2005). Youth leaving care -how do they fare? Briefing paper. Retrieved fromhttp://www.voices.mb.ca/assets/anne%20tweddle%20youth%20leaving%20c are%20report.pdf

Williams, S. (2011). LGBT immigrant youth face increased risk of homelessness. Retrieved from http://www.care2.com/causes/lgbt-immigrant-youth- vulnerable-homelessness.html

Yonge Street Mission (2009). Changing Patterns for Street Involved Youth. Retrieved from http://www.ysm.ca/index.html

Youth Shelter Interagency Network (2007). System in crisis: An action plan for the future

50 Appendix A. Literature Review

of Toronto’s homeless youth. Retrieved from http://www.evasinitiatives.com/PDF/YSIN_position_paper.pdf

51 Appendix B. Recruitment Flyer for Youth Participants 52 ` Are you 16-24? Were you born outside of Canada? Ever been in a difficult housing situation or an unsafe home?

If so, we want to hear from you! This is an oppor tunity to participate in a research study looking

at the u nstable or unsafe housing experiences of youth born outside of Canada, and the programs and s ervices available in Toronto. The goal of the study is to identify actions that will help stop homelessness.

Who can participate? Youth between the ages of 16-24 who were born outside of Canada (in a non-Western country) and have experienced difficulties with housing such as staying outside or in a shelter, being unable to afford rent, having to stay with friends, or leaving an unsafe home.

What is involved? Two hours of your time. You will be asked to participate in a group discussion* with other youth to talk about your experiences with housing and the services you have used in the Toronto area. You will also be asked to fill out a survey. Participation is completely anonymous and confidential.

What do we get for participating? Your thoughts and suggestions will contribute to recommendations to improve the programs and services in Toronto. You will also be provided with $30 (honorarium) and 2 TTC tokens (travel cost) for your time.

How do we participate? Email [email protected] or call Helen at 416-535-8501 ext. 2694 to RSVP your interest in ONE of the dates listed below.

In your RSVP, please let us know about any support or accommodations you may need to participate (such as child care, or a language interpreter if you are not comfortable participating in English)

Date Time (PM) Place Location Eligibility Requirements June 7 4:00-6:00 Eva’s Initiatives Spadina & Dundas Open to ALL June 11 4:00-6:00 Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Yonge & Eglinton Open to ALL Immigrants June 12 5:00-7:00 Sojourn House Queen & Parliament Open to ALL June 12 3:00-5:00 Griffin Centre Yonge & Cummer Open to ALL June 13 4:00-6:00 Second Base Eglinton & Kennedy Open to ALL June 14 4:00-6:00 Covenant House Yonge & Gerrard Open to ALL June 19 5:00-7:00 Jessie’s Centre Queen & Parliament FEMALE only June 20 5:00-7:00 Pathways to Education Gerrard & Parliament Open to ALL June 24 1:30-3:30 JFCY (Evergreen Centre for Street Youth) Yonge & College Open to ALL June 26 5:00-7:00 Provincial Advocate’s Office Queen & Bay LGBTQ only

*If you want to participate in this study, but are not comfortable sharing your experiences in a group setting and would rather a private interview, please let us know in your RSVP.

Appendix C. Consent Form for Youth Participants

INFORMATION LETTER AND CONSENT FORM FOR HIDDEN IN OUR MIDST: HOMELESS NEWCOMER YOUTH IN TORONTO

You are invited to participate in a research study to explore the experiences newcomer youth who have experienced homelessness or are at risk of becoming homeless. The following information explains the objective of the study, the demands, risks, and benefits of participation, and how any information you provide as a participant will be handled.

Title of the Study: Hidden in our midst: Homeless newcomer youth in Toronto

Researchers: Susan Eckerle Curwood, Reena Sirohi, Nick Kerman, Helen Thang – Centre for Addiction and Mental Health; Deborah Goodman, Ann Fitzpatrick, Said Dirie – Children’s Aid Society of Toronto.

WHAT IS THE STUDY ABOUT?

This study seeks to address the research and service gap around homelessness among newcomer youth. Ultimately, the study seeks to build the capacity of the services sector to prevent and reduce homelessness among newcomer youth. This study will be the first attempt to systematically assess the needs of the newcomer youth population with regards to homelessness reduction and prevention.

WHAT IS MY ROLE IN THIS STUDY?

In order to participate in this study, you must meet the following criteria: you are between 16 and 24 years of age, you are a newcomer to Canada (immigrant, refugee, un‐documented, etc.), and you have experienced homelessness or risk of homelessness.

For this portion of the study, we are asking you to participate in a focus group, along with approximately 8‐10 other newcomer youth. Focus groups will be facilitated by a peer researcher, that is, someone who also identifies as a newcomer and has experienced homelessness or risk of homelessness. The focus groups will cover topics such as experiences with homelessness, accessing resources, and suggestions you may have for improving services. If you are not comfortable sharing your experiences in a focus group format, you may request to participate in an individual interview instead.

If requested in advance, interpreters will be available to assist in focus groups and interviews where participants are not fluent in English. Focus groups and interviews will take approximately 60 minutes and will be audio‐recorded so that they can later be transcribed for the purpose of data analysis. We will also be collecting demographic information.

Compensation: You will be given $30.00 and 2 TTC tokens for your participation in a focus group or interview.

53

Appendix C. Consent Form for Youth Participants

WHY SHOULD I PARTICIPATE?

Your opinions are very important. Your participation will contribute to an understanding of the experiences of newcomer youth who have been homeless and will assist us in discovering how service providers can improve supports and resources for newcomer youth who are at risk of experiencing homelessness.

ARE THERE ANY RISKS TO MY PARTICIPATION?

Participating in this research involves few risks. There is a possibility that some questions may make you uncomfortable, but please remember that you may skip any questions that make you feel uncomfortable. Your answers will be kept private and confidential by the researchers. However, we cannot guarantee that other participants in the focus group will maintain confidentiality. It is possible that you may regret disclosing personal information during the focus group.

DO I HAVE TO PARTICIPATE?

No. You do not have to participate. Participating in this study is voluntary. You may refuse to answer any question. You may stop your participation in the focus group or interview at any time. If you choose not to participate or withdraw, there will be no negative consequences.

HOW WILL INFORMATION COLLECTED IN THE STUDY BE HANDLED?

All information collected from you will be kept CONFIDENTIAL to the extent permitted by law. All information will be kept in a secure location for up to seven years in a locked office at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto. Only members of the research team will have access to the data. As an additional precaution, consent forms will be stored separately from collected data. We will never use your name in reports written based on this evaluation.

As part of the Research Services Quality Assurance role, studies may be audited by the Manager of Quality Assurance. Your research records and CAMH records may be reviewed during which confidentiality will be maintained as per CAMH policies and to the extent permitted by law.

WHO DO I CONTACT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT MY RIGHTS AS A PARTICIPANT IN THIS STUDY?

If you have any questions at any time about the study, you may contact:

Susan Eckerle Curwood, Ph.D. Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

54

Appendix C. Consent Form for Youth Participants

862 Richmond St. W, 3rd Fl. Toronto, ON M6J 1C9 416‐535‐8501 x 3154, E‐mail: [email protected] If you wish to discuss your rights as a participant in this research, you may contact Dr. Padraig Darby, Chair of the Research Ethics Board at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health at 416‐435‐8501 x 6876.

Hidden in our midst: Homeless newcomer youth in Toronto

INFORMED CONSENT FOR CLIENTS

I have reviewed the INFORMED CONSENT STATEMENT.

I know that I can refuse to answer questions and may withdraw my consent at any time.

I have received a copy of this form for my own records.

I hereby consent to participate in this study.

Participant's signature______

Date ______

Printed name of participant______

Date ______

Researcher's signature______

Date ______

55

#______All answers are confidential, and you may skip any question you do not want to answer.

HIDDEN IN OUR MIDST

SURVEY

Thank you for helping us with this survey. Please answer all the questions as best you can. If any questions don’t make sense, please ask for help.

All of your answers will be confidential. If there are any questions you don’t want to answer, just leave them blank.

WE DO NOT NEED YOUR NAME – don’t write it on this paper. Your answers will only be seen by the researchers, and you WILL NOT be identified.

Appendix D. Youth Demographic Questionnaire 56 #______All answers are confidential, and you may skip any question you do not want to answer.

RACE, ETHNICITY, and LANGUAGE

What country were you born in? ______

Which of the following best describes your race or ethnicity? Check only one.

 Asian-East  Asian-South  Asian-South  Black-  Black-North  Black- (e.g. Chinese, (e.g. Indian, East (e.g. African (e.g. American (e.g. Caribbean Japanese, Pakistani, Sri Malaysian, Ghanian, Canadian, (e.g. Korean) Lankan) Filipino, Kenyan, American) Barbadian, Vietnamese) Somali) Jamaican)  First  Indian –  Latin  Middle  White –  White- Nations/Inuit/Mét Caribbean (e.g. American (e.g. Eastern (e.g. European North is or Indigenous Indian-Guyanese) Argentinean, Egyptian, (e.g. English, American Chilean, Iranian, Italian, (e.g. Salvadorean) Lebanese) Russian) Canadian)  Bi-racial/more  Other (please  Do not know  Prefer not  N/A Not than one. Please specify): to answer applicable specify: ______

What is/are the language(s) that you first learned as a child at home, and can still use?

 ASL  Dari  Hmong  Marathi  Serbian  Tigrinya  Akan  English  Hungarian  Nepali  Slovak  Turkish

 Amharic  Farsi  Italian  Patwa  Somali  Twi

 Arabic  French  Japanese  Persian  Spanish  Ukrainian  Bengali  Fula  Karen  Polish  Sudanese  Urdu

 Braille  German  Kirundi  Portuguese  Tagalog  Uyghur  Chinese  Greek  Korean  Punjabi  Tamil  Vietnamese (Cantonese)  Chinese  Gujurati  Kurdish  Romanian  Telugu  Yoruba (Mandarin)  Czech  Hindi  Malay/  Russian  Thai  Other (please Indonesian specify): ______ Do not  Prefer not  N/A Not know to answer applicable

Appendix D. Youth Demographic Questionnaire 57 #______All answers are confidential, and you may skip any question you do not want to answer.

How well can you communicate in English?

Read Speak Write Good (no trouble communicating)    Okay (some trouble communicating)    Poor (often trouble communicating)    Unable to communicate in English    Other (please specify) ______   Do not know    Prefer not to answer    N/A not applicable   

What language do you prefer to communicate in? ______

COMING TO CANADA

How old were you when you came to Canada? ______

What are the statuses you have held since coming to Canada? Check all that apply.

 Canadian  Permanent  Protected person  Refugee  Government citizen resident claimant assisted refugee  Work visa  Study visa  Non-status  Failed refugee  Other - please claimant specify: ______ Do not  Prefer not  N/A not applicable know to answer

What was your main reason for coming to Canada? Check only one.

 Fleeing my country  Fleeing my country due  For better work/job  To attend due to war/conflict to personal risk (e.g. opportunities school sexual orientation, political affiliation, etc.)  To be with family  Other - please specify:  Do not know  Prefer not to members ______answer  N/A not applicable

Who did you come to Canada with? Check all that apply.

 Alone/by  Parent(s) (including foster  Other  Friend(s)  Partner / myself parents/legal guardians) relative(s) boyfriend / girlfriend  Child/  Other (please specify):  Do not know  Prefer not  N/A not children ______to answer applicable

Appendix D. Youth Demographic Questionnaire 58 #______All answers are confidential, and you may skip any question you do not want to answer.

SCHOOL

If you are in school now, what grade are you in?

 Grade  Grade 9-  Post-secondary school (e.g.  I am not  Other (please 8 or less 12 college, university, technical in school specify): ______institute, etc.)  Do not  Prefer not  N/A not applicable know to answer

If you are not in school, what is the highest level of school you finished?

 Grade 8 or  Grade 9  Grade 10  Grade 11  Grade 12  G.E.D. (high lower school equivalency)  Some  College  Technical  University  Other (please  Do not know college or degree/ or vocational degree specify): university diploma diploma ______ Prefer not  N/A not to answer applicable

HEALTH and WELL-BEING

When you are facing problems of any kind, who do you turn to for help? Please choose an answer for every statement.

Often SometimesRarely Never N/A Parent(s) (including step-parent/foster parent/      legal guardian) Other family member(s)      Friend(s)      Partner/girlfriend/boyfriend(s)      Teacher(s)      Religion/God      Faith Community      Cultural group/community      Youth group/community      Other group(s) or community organization(s)      Caseworker/social worker/guidance      counselor(s) Other (please      Appendix D. Youth Demographic Questionnaire 59 #______All answers are confidential, and you may skip any question you do not want to answer.

specify):______

 Do not know  Prefer not to answer  N/A Not applicable

If you needed help, would you feel comfortable going to... ? Please choose an answer for every statement.

Yes No Somewhat N/A not applicable A family doctor or walk-in clinic     A mental health agency     A newcomer/settlement agency     A youth agency     A homelessness prevention or housing agency     The Children’s Aid Society/child protection services     The Toronto Police department/a police officer     Other (please specify):______   

 Do not know  Prefer not to answer  N/A Not applicable

How often do you experience the following? Please choose an answer for every statement.

Often Sometimes Rarely Never N/A Prefer not to answer Difficulties with relationships       Stress       Feeling very sad       Worrying/anxiety       Not getting enough food or poor       nutrition Hearing voices       Seeing things that aren’t there       Other (please specify)       ______

Have you ever experienced the following? Please choose an answer for every statement.

Yes No Prefer not to answer Chronic physical health issue (e.g. asthma, diabetes, etc.)    Sexual abuse/assault    Physical abuse/assault    Trauma    A mental health problem or illness    A suicide attempt/trying to kill yourself    Appendix D. Youth Demographic Questionnaire 60 #______All answers are confidential, and you may skip any question you do not want to answer.

Hurting/harming yourself on purpose    An eating disorder    An addiction to drugs    An addiction to alcohol    An addiction to cigarettes (regular smoker) Other (please specify) ______

SOCIAL SERVICES

Have you had any involvement with a Children’s Aid Society since you arrived in Canada?

 Yes  No  Do not know  Prefer not to answer

Have you ever been in the care of the Children’s Aid Society?

 Yes, Society  Yes, Crown  Yes, Voluntary   Do not  Prefer not to Ward Ward Agreement No know answer

If you turned 18 while in the care of a Children’s Aid Society, where did you move to? Check all that apply.

 Street/  Shelter/  Transitional  Hospital  Supportive outside Hostel housing housing  Feeling  Feeling  Feeling unsafe in  Poor quality  Housing without unsafe because unsafe because my family home / housing (e.g. bed needed supports of roommates or of neighbours/ because of bugs, lack of clean (e.g. mental health a living partner neighbourhood family/parents drinking water) supports)  Risk of/being  Staying in a  Staying  Staying with  Jail/ Prison/ unable to pay place illegally temporarily at a someone in Juvenile detention rent (squatting) friend/ partner/ exchange for sex centre relative’s place  Group home/  Do not know  Prefer not to  N/A (Not  Other (please supervised answer applicable) specify): residence ______

JUSTICE SYSTEM

Have you ever come into contact with the police since you came to Canada? Please choose an answer for every statement. Appendix D. Youth Demographic Questionnaire 61 #______All answers are confidential, and you may skip any question you do not want to answer.

Yes No Prefer not to answer …as a victim of a crime?    …as a witness to a crime?    …when they stopped to help you?    …because they asked you to “move on”/leave an area?    …because they asked you for identification?    …because you were being arrested?    ...when you were panhandling or squeegeeing?    …because they gave you a ticket?    …because they thought you were homeless?    Other (please specify): ______  

PLACES YOU STAY

How old were you the first time you ended up in unsafe or unstable housing, or homeless, in Canada?: _____

What was the unsafe/unstable housing position that you were first in? Check only one.

 Street/  Shelter/  Transitional  Hospital  Supportive outside Hostel housing housing  Feeling  Feeling  Feeling unsafe in  Poor quality  Housing without unsafe because unsafe because my family home / housing (e.g. bed needed supports of roommates or of neighbours/ because of bugs, lack of clean (e.g. mental health a living partner neighbourhood family/parents drinking water) supports)  Risk of/being  Staying in a  Staying  Staying with  Jail/ Prison/ unable to pay place illegally temporarily at a someone in Juvenile detention rent (squatting) friend/ partner/ exchange for sex centre relative’s place  Group home/  Do not know  Prefer not to  N/A (Not  Other (please supervised answer applicable) specify): residence ______

What was the main reason when you first ended up in unsafe or unstable housing, or homeless? Check all that apply.

 Conflict   Conflict with   Mental health  Sexual with family Abuse/viol a partner Abuse/violen orientation/LGBTQ Appendix D. Youth Demographic Questionnaire 62 #______All answers are confidential, and you may skip any question you do not want to answer.

ence from ce from a status family partner

 Low  Difficulty  Nowhere to  Involvement  Involvement with income/lack adapting to stay when first  Drug or with the the criminal justice of money culture/lan arriving to Alcohol use Children’s Aid system/illegal guage Canada Society activities

 Difficulty  Difficulty  Do not  Not  Prefer not to  Other (please obtaining a with know applicable answer specify): job/employm school/ left ______ent school

Have you experienced any other unsafe/unstable housing? Check all that apply.

 Street/  Shelter/  Transitional  Hospital  Supportive outside Hostel housing housing  Feeling  Feeling  Feeling unsafe in  Poor quality  Housing without unsafe because unsafe because my family home / housing (e.g. bed needed supports of roommates or of neighbours/ because of bugs, lack of clean (e.g. mental health a living partner neighbourhood family/parents drinking water) supports)  Risk of/being  Staying in a  Staying  Staying with  Jail/ Prison/ unable to pay place illegally temporarily at a someone in Juvenile detention rent (squatting) friend/ partner/ exchange for sex centre relative’s place  Group home/  Do not know  Prefer not to  N/A (Not  Other (please supervised answer applicable) specify): residence ______

Of these, where did you spend the most time overall? Check only one.

 Street/  Shelter/  Transitional  Hospital  Supportive outside Hostel housing housing  Feeling  Feeling  Feeling unsafe in  Poor quality  Housing without unsafe because unsafe because my family home / housing (e.g. bed needed supports of roommates or of neighbours/ because of bugs, lack of clean (e.g. mental health a living partner neighbourhood family/parents drinking water) supports)  Risk of/being  Staying in a  Staying  Staying with  Jail/ Prison/ unable to pay place illegally temporarily at a someone in Juvenile detention rent (squatting) friend/ partner/ exchange for sex centre relative’s place  Group home/  Do not know  Prefer not to  N/A (Not  Other (please supervised answer applicable) specify): residence ______Are you still in a situation where you do not have a safe, stable, or affordable home?

 Yes  No  Do not know  Prefer not to answer

Appendix D. Youth Demographic Questionnaire 63 #______All answers are confidential, and you may skip any question you do not want to answer.

EARNING MONEY

During the time you spent in unstable or unsafe places, how did you make money? Check all that apply.

 A job (wages  Student  Welfare /  Personal  Money from or salary from loans Ontario Works Needs parents/caregivers/friends part time/full (OW) Allowance time work) (PNA)  Ontario  Children’s  Worker’s  Employment  Private employer Disability Aid Society compensation Insurance (EI) insurance Support ECM benefit Program (ODSP)  Received no  Do not  Prefer not to  N/A (Not  Other (Please specify) income know answer applicable) ______

There are also other ways to make money. Have you done any of the following? Please choose an answer for every statement.

Never Rarely Sometimes Often N/A or Don’t know / prefer not to answer Squeegeeing      Bottle collecting      Research/focus groups      Babysitting      Panhandling      Theft      Selling stolen property      Selling drugs      Sex trade/street prostitution      Other (Please specify)      ______

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

How old are you?: _____

People often talk about ‘belonging to a cultural group’. Do you feel that you belong to any cultural groups? (e.g. Italian community, Sikh religious community, LGBTQ community etc.) Please list as many groups as you want:

______

Appendix D. Youth Demographic Questionnaire 64 #______All answers are confidential, and you may skip any question you do not want to answer.

What is your sex/gender identity? Check all that apply.

 Female  Male  Transexual  Transexual  (Female to Male) (Male to Female) Genderqueer  Intersex  Other (please describe):  Do not know  Prefer not to ______answer

What is your sexual orientation? Check all that apply.

 Lesbian  Gay  Bisexual   Heterosexual or Pansexual Straight  Queer  Not sure or  Other (Please specify):  Do not  Prefer not to questioning ______know answer

Have you ever given birth to a child, or fathered a child?

 Yes  No  Do not know  Prefer not to answer

If yes, how many children have you given birth to, or fathered?

 1  2  3  4  More than 4  Don’t know  Prefer not to answer  N/A

How many are under your custody or primary care?

 0  1  2  3  4  More than 4  Don’t know  Prefer not to answer  N/A

Appendix D. Youth Demographic Questionnaire 65 Appendix E. Focus Group/Interview Guide

Focus Group/Interview Questions

1. Based on your experience (including those you have witnessed), what are some things that lead youth to live in risky or unsafe housing situations?

2. How have these experiences affected other parts of your life, e.g. school, jobs, friends, etc.?

3. How has your culture, gender, personal history, first language, sexual orientation, or any other status you identify with, affected your experience with homelessness or risky/unsafe housing?

4. What do you think are the most important ways to stop or lower the rates of newcomer/immigrant/refugee youth homelessness?

5. What do you think are the most important services and supports to help lower the rates of newcomer/immigrant/refugee youth homelessness?

6. What is missing from the supports, services, or programs from organizations that you have connected with?

7. Are there supports and services that you think would be, or would have been, helpful to you that you are/were not able to access? Why weren’t you able to access them?

66

Appendix F. Resource List for Youth Participants

Focus Group Resources

Crisis and Support Lines

Toronto Distress Centre: (416) 408‐HELP (4357) Phone counseling service for individuals experiencing emotional distress or are in need of crisis intervention and suicide prevention (Available 24 hours, 7 days a week)

Kids Help Phone: 1 (800) 668‐6868 Anonymous and confidential phone counseling service for youth (Available 24 hours, 7 days a week)

Victim Services Program of Toronto: (416) 808‐7066 Phone counseling service for those in crisis after experiencing a crime or tragedy (Available 24 hours, 7 days a week)

Assaulted Women’s Helpline: (416) 863‐0511 Crisis counseling, emotional support, information and referrals via telephone to women (Available 24 hours, 7 days a week)

Toronto Rape Crisis Centre: (416) 597‐8808 Provides peer support to survivors of sexual violence through counseling, education, and activism (Available 24 hours, 7 days a week)

Scarborough Hospital Mobile Crisis Program: (416) 495‐2891 Provides Telephone Crisis Response and community crisis response to individuals over 16 years of age who are experiencing mental health challenges in Scarborough and East York (Available 24 hours, 7 days a week)

Gerstein Centre: (416) 929‐5200 Provides crisis intervention to adults living in the City of Toronto who experience mental health challenges

67

Appendix F. Resource List for Youth Participants

Housing Help Resources

East York Flemingdon Neighbourhood Services 10 Gateway Blvd., Suite 104, East York (@ Don Mills Road & Eglinton Ave East) (416) 424‐2900 http://www.fnservices.org/

Albion Neighbourhood Services 1530 Albion Rd., Suite 205, Etobicoke (@ Kipling St. & Albion Rd.) (416) 741‐1553 http://home.interhop.net/encic/encic.html

LAMP Community Health Centre LAMP Bldg., 185 Fifth St., Etobicoke (@ Islington Ave & Lakeshore) (416) 252‐6471 http://www.lampchc.org/

North York COSTI Sheridan Mall, 1700 Wilson Ave., Suite 114, North York (@ Jane St. & Wilson Avenue) (416) 244‐0480 http://www.costi.org/

Scarborough Housing Help Centre 2500 Lawrence Ave. E., Unit 204, Scarborough (@ Kennedy Rd. Lawrence Ave East) (416) 285‐8070 http://www.geocities.com/shhcentre/

Toronto Woodgreen Community Centre 835 Queen St. E., Toronto (@ Pape Ave.& Queen St. East) (416) 469‐5211, ext. 1175 http://www.woodgreen.org/

York Community Services 1651 Keele St., York (@ Keele St. & Rogers Rd.) (416) 653‐5400 http://www.ycservices.com/

68

Appendix G. Consent Form for Service Providers

INFORMED CONSENT FORM

Title of the Study: Hidden in Our Midst: Homeless Newcomer Youth in Toronto

Investigators: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto

Principal Investigator: Dr. Kwame McKenzie Senior Scientist, Clinical Research Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) [email protected] 416‐535‐8501 x 32616

Purpose of the Research:

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto are conducting a study that looks at how services might better address the needs of homeless newcomer youth. This study will be the first attempt to systematically assess the needs of the newcomer youth population with regards to homelessness reduction and prevention in Canada.

What You Will Be Asked to Do in the Research:

In order to participate in this study, you must meet the following criteria: you have experience working as a service provider in an agency that serves either homeless youth or newcomer communities.

For this portion of the study, we are asking you to participate in a brief online survey. The survey will focus on issues facing newcomer youth such as barriers and facilitators to finding housing, the capacity of the service system to meet youths’ needs, as well as your suggestions for service system improvements that will be effective in reducing and preventing homelessness among newcomer youth. The survey will take approximately 5‐10 minutes to complete.

Compensation: None. However, if you consent to participating, your name will be entered into a draw to win one of three $50 Indigo Chapters gift certificates.

Benefits of the Research and Benefits to You:

The goal of this study is to gain a better understanding of the resources that are available to prevent and reduce homelessness among newcomer youth. Participating in this online survey may prompt you to think about ways that your organization can increase policy impact. The findings from this study may benefit other organizations and jurisdictions working on developing services for homeless newcomer youth.

Risks and Discomforts: We do not foresee any risks or discomfort from your participation in the online survey.

69

Appendix G. Consent Form for Service Providers

Voluntary Participation:

Your participation in the study is completely voluntary and you may choose to not answer specific questions or withdraw from the survey at any point. Your decision not to volunteer will not influence the nature of your relationship with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health or the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto either now, or in the future.

Confidentiality:

All information collected from you will be kept CONFIDENTIAL to the highest extent permitted by law. The information you provide will not be tied to your agency or your name, but will be analyzed and reported along with other participants’ responses as a collective whole. All information will be kept in a secure location for up to seven years in a locked office at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto. Only members of the research team will have access to the data. As an additional precaution, consent forms will be stored separately from collected data. As part of the Research Services Quality Assurance role, studies may be audited by the Manager of Quality Assurance. Your research records and CAMH records may be reviewed during which confidentiality will be maintained as per CAMH policies and to the extent permitted by law.

Questions about the research? If you have any questions at any time about the study, you may contact: Helen Thang, Research Analyst at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, either by phone at: 416‐535‐8501 x 77619 or email: [email protected]

This research has been reviewed and approved by The Research Ethics Board (REB) at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and conforms to the standards of the Canadian Tri‐ Council Research Ethics guidelines. If you have any questions about this process, or about your rights as a participant in the study, please contact Dr. Padraig Darby, Chair of the Research Ethics Board at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health at 416‐535‐8501 ext. 6876.

Legal Rights and Signatures:

I consent to participate in the study, Hidden in Our Midst: Homeless Newcomer Youth in Toronto supervised by Dr. Kwame McKenzie. I have understood the nature of this project and wish to participate in the online survey. I am not waiving any of my legal rights by signing this form. By providing my name, I wish to be entered into the draw to win one of three Indigo Chapters gift cards valued at $50 each.

I consent to participating in the online survey, but wish to remain ANONYMOUS. I do not wish to be entered into the draw. I have retained a copy of the consent form for my records.

I DO NOT consent to participating in the online survey.

70

Appendix H. Service Provider Survey

A. DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

1. Which region of Metropolitan Toronto is your agency located? Please select one response from the list below.  Downtown Toronto  Etobicoke  North York  Scarborough  All of Toronto 

Other, please specify...

2. Please select the category that best describes your agency's primary sector of service. Please select one response from the list below.  Newcomer/settlement services  Newcomer housing services  Newcomer legal services  Newcomer LGBTTIQ services  Newcomer education services  Newcomer employment services  Homeless shelter  Supportive housing  Mental health services  Community health centre  Child welfare  Youth services  Youth shelter  Youth legal services  Youth LGBTTIQ services  Youth education services  Youth employment services 

67

Appendix H. Service Provider Survey

Other, please specify...

3. Which of the following age groups does your agency provide services to? Please select all that apply.  Under 16 years of age  16‐24  25‐35

4. When youth “age out” of your catchment, is there a protocol to link these clients to appropriate services at other agencies?  Yes  No  N/A

5. On average, how many youth does your agency service in one year? Please provide an estimate by selecting one of the options listed below.  0‐100  101‐200  201‐300  301‐400  401‐500  501‐600  601‐700  701‐800  801‐900  901‐1000  More than 1000

6. This study defines ‘newcomer youth’ as individuals between the ages of 16‐24 who were born outside of Canada, in a developing country within the Global South. What proportion of your agency’s client base would be considered ‘newcomer youth’? Please provide an estimate by selecting one of the options listed below.  0‐10%  11‐20%  21‐30%  31‐40%

68

Appendix H. Service Provider Survey

 41‐50%  51‐60%  61‐70%  71‐80%  81‐90%  91‐100%

A. DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

7. Is there a designated program or staff at your agency responsible for providing services to newcomer youth clients?  Yes  No  N/A

8. Does your agency deliver programming directed specifically to any of the following populations? Please select all that apply.  Asian‐East (e.g. Chinese, Japanese, Korean)  Asian‐South (e.g. Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan)  Asian‐South East (e.g. Malaysian, Filipino, Vietnamese)  Black‐African (e.g. Ghanian, Kenyan, Somali)  Black‐North American (e.g. Canadian, American)  Black‐Caribbean (e.g. Barbadian, Jamaican)  Indian – Caribbean (e.g. Indian‐Guyanese)  Latin American (e.g. Argentinean, Chilean, Salvadorean)  Middle Eastern (e.g. Egyptian, Iranian, Lebanese)  White – European (e.g. Polish, Italian, Russian) 

Other, please specify...

9. How does your agency primarily provide services to clients who cannot communicate in English? Please select all that apply.  Access to language interpreters  Access to multilingual staff  Access to multilingual peer support

69

Appendix H. Service Provider Survey

 Access to multilingual resource pamphlets 

Other, please specify...

10. Does your agency provide services in French?  Yes  No

B. HOUSING SERVICES

11. Does your agency provide any of the following housing services? Please select all that apply. If your agency DOES NOT provide housing services, please skip to QUESTION 13.  Access to youth shelter accommodation  Access to shelter accommodation for newcomers  Access to transitional housing  Access to designated housing for young women  Access to designated housing for LGBTTIQ youth  Access to designated housing for youth with mental health and addiction needs  Access to a database of available rent‐geared‐to‐income housing  Services to assist youth in looking for housing  Provision of public transit tokens for clients to attend housing appointments  Accompanying clients to attend housing appointments  Following up with landlords regarding housing/tenant applications submitted  Providing resources to landlords regarding needs of newcomer youth tenants  Educating youth about their tenant rights  Facilitating access to social assistance for housing (e.g. income for tenant insurance)  Other housing services If 'Other housing services' is selected, please specify

12. Which of the following housing services can be accessed on a drop‐in basis at your agency? Please select all that apply.  Access to youth shelter accommodation  Access to shelter accommodation for newcomers

70

Appendix H. Service Provider Survey

 Access to transitional housing  Access to designated housing for young women  Access to designated housing for LGBTTIQ youth  Access to designated housing for youth with mental health and addiction needs  Access to a database of available rent‐geared‐to‐income housing  Services to assist youth in looking for housing  Provision of public transit tokens for clients to attend housing appointments  Accompanying clients to attend housing appointments  Following up with landlords regarding housing/tenant applications submitted  Providing resources to landlords regarding needs of newcomer youth tenants  Educating youth about their tenant rights  Facilitating access to social assistance for housing (e.g. income for tenant insurance)  Other housing services

C. EDUCATION SERVICES

13. Does your agency provide any of the following education services? Please select all that apply. If your agency DOES NOT provide education services, please skip to QUESTION 15.  Supporting clients in obtaining Ontario Secondary School Diploma  Supporting clients in obtaining Ontario High School Equivalency Certificate  English as a Second Language support  Support in applying for college or university  Public transit tokens for clients to travel to school  Outreach to schools  Referral to specialized education classes (e.g. for youth who are living in group homes, youth who are previously incarcerated, young parents)  Other education services If 'Other education services' is selected, please specify

14. Which of the following education services can be accessed on a drop‐in basis at your agency? Please select all that apply.  Supporting clients in obtaining Ontario Secondary School Diploma  Supporting clients in obtaining Ontario High School Equivalency Certificate

71

Appendix H. Service Provider Survey

 English as a Second Language support  Support in applying for college or university  Public transit tokens for clients to travel to school  Outreach to schools  Referral to specialized education classes (e.g. for youth who are living in group homes, youth who are previously incarcerated, young parents)  Other education services

D. EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

15. Does your agency provide any of the following employment services? Please select all that apply. If your agency DOES NOT provide employment services, please skip to question 17.

 Access to a database of employment opportunities for youth  Access to a database of employment opportunities for newcomers (e.g. opportunities for individuals who do not have a Work Permit)  Access to a database of employment opportunities for individuals with mental health needs  Access to a database of employment opportunities for individuals who have a Criminal Record  Access to a database of volunteer opportunities for newcomers  Access to employment bridging or professional accreditation resources  Access to apprenticeship and trades programs  Public transit tokens for clients to travel to work or job interviews  Resume writing support  Interview preparation support  Other employment services If 'Other employment services' is selected, please specify

16. Which of the following employment services can be accessed on a drop‐in basis at your agency? Please select all that apply.  Access to a database of employment opportunities for youth  Access to a database of employment opportunities for newcomers (e.g. opportunities for individuals who do not have a Work Permit)

72

Appendix H. Service Provider Survey

 Access to a database of employment opportunities for individuals with mental health needs  Access to a database of employment opportunities for individuals who have a Criminal Record  Access to a database of volunteer opportunities for newcomers  Access to employment bridging or professional accreditation resources  Access to apprenticeship and trades programs  Public transit tokens for clients to travel to work or job interviews  Resume writing support  Interview preparation support  Other employment services

E. OTHER SOCIAL SERVICES

17. Does your agency provide clients with support in obtaining any of the following forms of documentation? Please select all that apply. If your agency does not provide support in obtaining documentation, please skip to question 15.  Social Insurance Number  Ontario Education Number for Students  Canadian Work Permit  Health Card  Canadian Citizenship 

Other, please specify...

18. Does your agency provide any of the following resources? Please select all that apply.  Counseling (e.g. individual, intergenerational, couples)  Case coordination for youth  Services for young families  Services for young mothers  Access to child care  Access to social network building (e.g. through faith‐based or cultural community groups)  Access to a host program for newcomers

73

Appendix H. Service Provider Survey

 Access to language interpretation services  Facilitating access to social assistance (e.g. OW and ODSP)  Services to support income tax form completion  Recreational programs  Free internet access  Public transit tokens

19. Which of the following resources can be accessed on a drop‐in basis at your agency? Please select all that apply.  Counseling (e.g. individual, intergenerational, couples)  Case coordination for youth  Services for young families  Services for young mothers  Access to child care  Access to social network building (e.g. through faith‐based or cultural community groups)  Access to a host program for newcomers  Access to language interpretation services  Facilitating access to social assistance (e.g. OW and ODSP)  Services to support income tax form completion  Recreational programs  Free internet access  Public transit tokens

F. HEALTH SERVICES

20. Does your agency provide services to address any of the following health and wellness areas? Please select all that apply. If your agency does not provide services related to health and wellness, please skip to question 17.

 Nutrition and healthy eating  Eating disorders  Smoking cessation  Mental health wellness  Coping with stress/anxiety

74

Appendix H. Service Provider Survey

 Coping with depression  Trauma and post‐traumatic stress disorder  Substance abuse and addiction  Suicide prevention  Physical abuse  Sexual abuse  Other health services If 'Other health services' is selected, please specify

G. RECOMMENDATIONS

21. Please identify 1‐2 solutions that you feel could prevent newcomer youth from becoming homeless in the first place

22. Please identify 1‐2 solutions that you feel could assist newcomer youth who are currently homeless in securing stable housing

H. PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

23. Does your agency provide services to assist external agencies and organizations in better understanding the needs of newcomer youth?  Yes  No

24. If yes, please briefly describe 1‐2 activities that your agency undertakes to raise awareness of the needs of newcomer youth

25. Does your agency offer clients an opportunity to participate in program planning and evaluation of services?  Yes  No  N/A

26. Additional comments

75

Hidden in Our Midst: Homeless Newcomer Youth in Toronto

Presented by: Helen Thang and Cheyanne Ratnam

Presentation Overview

 Research Objectives

 Methodology

 Data Collection Process

 Preliminary themes from the Data Analysis

+  Next Steps

+ Definitions used in this study:

 Homeless

 Newcomer

 Youth + Research Objectives

 Identify pathways to homelessness for newcomer youth in Toronto  Identify service and support needs

 Evaluate current services and supports

 Identify service gaps and possible promising practices + Methodology

 Informed by Participatory Action Research (PAR)

 Recruitment of a group of youth Peer Researchers who have lived experience of being a newcomer and homeless in Canada

 Recruitment of a Community Advisory Group made up of staff representatives from diverse social service organizations

Development and Administration of Research Tools

 Focus group/interview guide

 Demographic questionnaire

+ + Youth Focus Group & Interview Data Collection Process

 2 focus groups in West Toronto (Etobicoke)

 1 focus group in North York  1 focus group in Scarborough  5 focus groups in downtown Toronto  3 interviews in downtown Toronto

+ Focus Group Summary

 69 individuals participated in the focus groups

 3 individuals participated as interviewees

 9 focus groups were conducted in total

 3 focus groups were women‐only  1 focus group was men‐only  4 focus groups were attended by both women and men

 1 focus group was conducted in Spanish

+

Preliminary Themes from an Analysis of the Focus Group and Interview Data PERSPECTIVES – Disappointment that life in Canada is not as prosperous as they had pictured

 “When I was back home, I was having my own job, I was having my monthly payment, I was having my

own car, home… I was like, working, got good pay

…my experience, I’m starting from like zero.”

‐Focus group participant

+ + BARRIERS ‐ Housing Access ‐ Discrimination from landlords

 “Even if we give them money to pay right there and then, they’re still not renting to us. But they

try to scare you, cause you can’t say, “oh, I lived in

a shelter before”, or they’ll show you the door…

Yeah, being a single female, they don’t want you.

Being black on top of that, they don’t want you.”

–Focus group participant + BARRIERS- Employment Access

 “…as a newcomer, sometimes you can’t work yet, so the job postings are not relevant to you. Because you

don’t have your medical paper, you don’t have a work

permit…”

‐Focus group participant + BARRIERS –Service Access – Racial discrimination from social service workers

 “I feel bad, because supposedly I go to them to help me ‐ not to be discriminated and for them to not help

me.”

–Focus group participant GAPS in SERVICE –Limited number of organizations that cater directly to newcomer youth

 “I went to a center that doesn’t deal with refugees and they helped me apply. That doesn’t make sense to me…

that’s not their area, but they are helping me…all the

centers…that’s their area, they’re too busy…staff is

changing over… a lot of people are coming…if I’m a

newcomer and the place that’s supporting newcomers

has no room for me, where do I go?”

+ ‐Focus group participant + Next Steps

 Completion of Data Analysis

 Development of Service Provider Survey

 Development of Policy Recommendations

+ Acknowledgements

Peer Researcher Team  Ana  Carline

 Cheyanne

 Diandra

 Euan

 Fisseha

 Gorlee

 Marie

 Walid

+ Acknowledgements

CAMH‐CAST Research Team Members  Mr. Said Dirie  Ms. Anne Fitzpatrick

 Dr. Deborah Goodman

 Dr. Sean Kidd

 Dr. Kwame McKenzie

 Ms. Sasha Pivarnyik

 Ms. Helen Thang

Past Research Team Members  Dr. Susan Eckerle Curwood  Ms. Reena Sirohi

 Mr. Nick Kerman

Funded by:

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada – Homelessness Partnering Secretariat

+ +

Contact information

 Helen Thang, MES, Research Analyst

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health [email protected]

 Cheyanne Ratnam, MSW candidate

Peer Researcher, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

[email protected] Hidden in Our Midst: Homeless Newcomer Youth in Toronto 2 + Context

 Estimated that youth represent 1/3 of Canada’s homeless population (Stewart et al., 2010)  Lack of research that looks specifically at the intersection of youth homelessness and newcomer status  Current lack of knowledge on the prevalence of homelessness among newcomer youth in Canada  Toronto‐based case study 3 Presentation Overview

• Overview of research process • Key findings • Pathways into homelessness among newcomer youth • Newcomer youth engaging with service systems • Agencies serving homeless newcomer youth + • Promising practices to prevent and reduce homelessness among newcomer youth • Preliminary recommendations • Consultation questions 4

Overview of the Research Process

+ 5 + Research Objectives

 Identify pathways to homelessness for newcomer youth in Toronto

 Identify service and support needs

 Identify current service system capacities for responding to homelessness among newcomer youth

Identify service gaps and promising practices that could address those gaps 6 + Research Methods

• Qualitative and Quantitative study • Informed by Participatory Action Research (PAR) • Community Advisory Committee • Youth Peer Researcher Team

Research tools • Youth focus groups and interviews • Youth survey • Service provider survey 7

Focus Group Summary

• 9 focus groups conducted in total • Focus groups held in downtown Toronto, Etobicoke, North York & Scarborough • 3 focus groups were women‐only • 1 focus group was men‐only • 1 focus group was conducted in Spanish • 74 youth participated in total + 8

Key Findings – Pathways into Homelessness for Newcomer Youth + 9 + What we heard from youth in this study

 Participants demonstrated a high level of resilience and adaptability to overcome challenges and locate resources

 Homeless newcomer youth are an incredibly diverse group and require individualized support to address their unique needs

 Newcomer youth have high educational and professional goals

 Family reunification was the main reason for why newcomer youth participants came to Canada 10 + Geographic Region of Origin

 Nearly 2/3 of newcomer youth participants reported to have origins in Africa or the Caribbean

Geographic region Share of participants

Caribbean (36%)

Africa (27%)

Middle East (10%)

South America (9%)

Table 1. Top four geographic regions of origin reported by participants 11 + Sexual Orientation

Over 1/3 of newcomer youth participants identified as LGBTTIQ, questioning, or preferring to not disclose their sexual orientation

100

90

80

70 66.1 60 participants 50 of

40

30

Percentage 13.6 20 10.2 6.8 10 5.1

0 Heterosexual Bisexual Prefer not to Gay Do not know answer

Sexual orientation

Figure 1. Sexual orientation of newcomer youth participants 12 Status in Canada

• Over 1/4 of participants have held Refugee Claimant status

Statuses Held in Canada Share of participants

Permanent Resident 52.1%

Canadian Citizen 36.6%

Refugee Claimant/ Government assisted 26.8 refugee

Government Visa/Study Visa 7.0%

Table 2. Top 4 statuses held by newcomer youth participants 13 Age of Transition

 Average age at which newcomer youth participants first experienced homelessness was at 17

 Participants in this study were between the ages of 16‐24

 Average length of homelessness was 2.5 years

+  One‐in‐four homeless newcomer youth participants have had contact with the child welfare system 14 + Status as a Young Parent

 ¼of newcomer youth participants are young parents

 Among these young parents, 45% report to have either one or two children in their primary care 15 + Highest level of education achieved

• Over fifty percent of participants have completed grade 12 or some post-secondary education

100

90

80

70

60 participants 50 of 39.2 40 28.4 30

Percentage 17.6 20 8.1 10

0 Grades 9‐11 Grade 12 or GED Some college or Completed college university degree/diploma Level of education 16 + Shattered Expectations of Life in Canada

• Some newcomer youth may have attained a level of professional and education status, as well as high standard of living in their home country

• For these youth, the comparison between their lifestyle back home and their current situation in Canada can contribute to feelings of disappointment during the settlement process 17 +

When I was back home, I was having my own job, I was having my monthly payment, I was having my own car, home … I was working, got good pay, and [now] I go down to high school…my experience, I’m starting from like zero…It’s hard to be in a shelter, because, first of all, you’re coming from a different country…you was living with your own family, you was living in your own bedroom, so when you come here and start living in the shelter, you’re feeling like you’re losing a lot… [Youth focus group participant] 18 Reasons for becoming homeless

• Family conflict and income insecurity were the main factors that led newcomer youth into homelessness

Reason for entering homelessness Share of participants (n=74)

Conflict with family (59%)

Low income (38%)

Difficulty obtaining employment (24%) + Abuse from family (21%) 19 + Sources of Support

 When asked to “select all that apply” from a list of services, 2/3 of participants indicated that they would feel most comfortable seeking support from their family doctors

Potential sources of support Share of participants who said YES they would feel comfortable seeking help (n=74)

Family doctor and/or walk-in clinic 66.1% Youth agency 50.0% Homelessness prevention agency 44.4% Toronto police 37.0% Mental health agency 33.3% Newcomer or settlement agency 25.6% Child protection services/Children’s Aid 25.0% Society (CAS) 20 +

Newcomer youth engaging with Service Systems 21 + Resilience

 Youth participants demonstrated high degrees of resilience and coping mechanisms to overcome past challenges, and articulated a strong sense of responsibility to improve their situation.

 Participants viewed access to information as a way for them to build the skills to support themselves

 Participants described wanting to break out of a “cycle of dependency” that many existing system structures have worked to perpetuate 22 + Systemic Discrimination

Newcomer youth describe experiencing perceived discriminatory treatment from four main pillars:

1) Housing (e.g. landlords)

2) Employment (e.g. potential and current employers)

3) Justice system (e.g. police)

4) Service providers (e.g. front‐line and case management staff) 23 +

Some criteria noted as housing barriers included:

• Lack of affordable housing • Not having a previous rental history in Canada • Not having a fixed address • Disclosing the fact that they are currently living in a shelter • Not having a previous employment history in Canada • Being an Ontario Works recipient • Lacking the English language capacity to express their needs to landlords and service workers 24 +

 …if you can’t speak English or you’re just new to the country-it’s a language barrier for you to get a place. You know, for people that can speak English better than others are more likely to get it because they can just talk to them …

[Youth focus group participant] 25 +

Agencies Serving Newcomer Youth 26 Service Provider Survey

Distributed online to two groups of agencies in the City of Toronto:

1) Services for homeless youth

2) Services for newcomer communities

+ 27

Agencies Serving Homeless Newcomer Youth

 39 individuals completed the online survey

 Diverse cross-section of agencies including; newcomer settlement services; newcomer housing services; youth shelters; newcomer LGBTTIQ services

+  Respondents were recruited primarily through the networks of research partners and advisory committee members 28 + Services offered

 2/3 respondents reported that a protocol exists at their agency to link youth to services elsewhere once they have “aged out” of their agency’s catchment

 Over 50% of respondents reported that there is a designated program or staff at their agency who are responsible for delivering front-line services to newcomer youth clients

 18% of respondents reported that their agency provides access to a database of employment opportunities for newcomers 29 +

Promising Practices to Prevent and Reduce Homelessness among Newcomer Youth: Youth and Service Provider Perspectives 30 +

Service Providers BOTH Newcomer Youth & Newcomer Youth want: Service Providers want: want:

 Better coordinated  Greater outreach while  Consistent, guided services and resources at school support to access  Development of a city‐  More drop‐ins & multi‐ services wide, cross sectoral service centres  Agencies advocating for committee on  Homeless newcomer their housing and newcomer youth youth online resource employment needs homelessness portal  Cultural and religious  Anonymous helplines leaders providing  Family conflict support to families resolution services  More service staff with lived experience of homelessness  Peer support networks  Refining services to meet individualized needs 31 Newcomer youth want an “insider’s perspective” on life in Canada

 It’s like being new at a job. You don’t know anything. If that person doesn’t train you, how are you going to carry out your job? So being new to Canada, if you don’t have the proper resources, how are you going to find housing when you do get kicked out? It’s like glitz and glamour that’s portrayed, when they give you your refugee package… I think you have to go through a lot of bad before you can be like, “I made it, I am comfortable”.

 [Youth focus group participant] 32 Summary of Key Findings

+ 33 +

Preliminary Recommendations 34 + 1. Building on Youth's Strengths, Resilience, & Future Opportunities

 Enhancing services that capitalize on the skills that newcomer youth arrived to Canada with

 Focusing strategies around employment, income security, mentoring, training, and education 35 + 2. Expanding knowledge and developing best practices among formal & informal services for newcomer youth

. Peer support . Building on existing resources . Online portal . Wider availability of multi‐service agencies, drop‐ins . Anonymous helplines . City‐wide committee & cross‐sectoral networks 36 3. Coordinated housing and poverty reduction strategies that encompass the needs of newcomer youth

. National, provincial, and municipal in scope . National Housing Strategy that also engages to meet local needs + . Specialized programs to meet emerging needs (e.g. LGBTTIQ youth shelters/transitional housing) 37 + 4. Improving Equity

 Commitment to anti‐oppression and anti‐racism (AOAR) in service delivery

 Provision of AOAR training that focuses on social justice, diversity, and cultural competence

 Hiring staff who are representative of Toronto’s diversity

 Hiring of staff who are youth peers with lived experience of homelessness/being a newcomer

 Audits or evaluation of services to ensure that services correspond to AOAR principles, are equitable, and accessible to newcomer youth 38 + 5. Family‐based intervention

 Identifying models of early intervention that involve family members

 Reunification supports to prevent family breakdown

 Agencies collaborating with religious leaders to develop culturally appropriate interventions

 Services specifically for newcomer youth who are young parents

 Services that promote family support of LGBTTIQ youth 39 Key Levels of Change & Action

 Funded Agencies who serve Homeless Newcomer Youth (e.g. Homeless youth services, youth settlement services)

 Mainstream Social and Health Services (e.g. family doctors, social workers)

 Groups outside of the settlement and homeless sectors (e.g. LGBTTIQ youth services, religious groups)

 Municipal‐level (e.g. City of Toronto, Local Immigration Partnership) +  Provincial and Federal level (e.g. Government of Canada employment programs, Citizenship and Immigration Canada) 40 + Acknowledgements Funded by Advisory Committee Agencies Human Resources and Skills Development Canada – Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth Homelessness Partnering Secretariat Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants Scarborough Housing Help Centre Research Team Members Homeless Hub, York University Dr. Kwame McKenzie, Centre for Addiction and Supporting Our Youth Mental Health (CAMH) Sherbourne Help Centre Dr. Deborah Goodman, Child Welfare Institute, Pathways to Education Children's Aid Society of Toronto (CAST) Eva’s Initiatives Dr. Sean Kidd, CAMH Griffin Centre Ann Fitzpatrick, CAST YouthLink Said Dirie, CAST Canadian Council for Refugees Helen Thang, CAMH Child Welfare League of Canada Covenant House Past Research Team Members Sojourn House Dr. Susan Eckerle Curwood, St. Michael’s Hospital Justice for Children and Youth Nick Kerman, CAMH Raising the Roof Sasha Pivarnyik, CAST Jessie’s Centre Reena Sirohi, CAMH Colour of Poverty WoodGreen Community Services Peer Researchers Walid Venica Carline Ana Fisseha Euan Marie Cheyanne Diandra Gorlee 41 + Consultation Questions

1. Do the findings from this study align with what you’ve experienced personally or in your work?

2. Do you have any comments or suggestions on how to improve these preliminary recommendations?

3. Do you have any suggestions on how to: a) Share the research findings among your networks and relevant services? b) How to gain support for moving these recommendations into action? Hidden in our Midst Homeless Newcomer Youth in Toronto

Dr. Susan Eckerle Curwood Dr. Deborah Goodman Reena Sirohi Ann Fitzpatrick Helen Thang Said Dirie Nick Kerman

INTRODUCTION Housing is a critical social determinant of health Risks and Benefits FINDINGS FROM THE LITERATURE PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH and mental health. Youth under 24 years of age This component of the project involves members represent the fastest growing segment of This study utilizes a youth participatory action research of vulnerable groups both as researchers and Canada’s homeless population and among • Youth under 24 years of (YPAR) approach, informed by the voices of newcomer youth participants. The focus group format may trigger them, a striking number are immigrants and age, represent the fastest who have experienced homelessness or risk of emotional issues, and create risk related to refugees. The Centre for Addiction and Mental growing segment of homelessness. The framework of YPAR asserts that youth maintaining privacy. We will follow the Health (CAMH) and the Children’s Aid Society Canada’s homeless carry knowledge and expertise about their lives and the guidelines set forth by Khanlou and Peter (2005) of Toronto (CAST) partnered to explore this population (Koeller, 2008), issues that affect them (Fox et al., forthcoming). YPAR for ensuring that YPAR projects conform to significant gap in research on the needs and approximately one-third methods have been found to be successful in encouraging ethical standards for research, including experiences of this population. The project’s (Canadian Broadcasting youth participation, defining appropriate research questions, confidentiality, privacy, anonymity, informed objectives are: 1) To explore the experiences of Corporation, 2004). creating appropriate data collection tools, and interpreting consent, and favorable risk-benefit ratio. We will newcomer youth who are or have been and applying research in ways that are helpful and relevant ensure that both participants and researchers homeless or at risk of homelessness, and to • Approximately 206,500 people immigrate to Canada each to youth (Soleimanpour et al., 2008). We additionally believe have access to counselling and other resources. investigate what they believe to be the critical year, of whom approximately 72,700 are youth under the age that services for youth that are developed in the absence of The peer researchers may also benefit in many components of services and supports needed to of 24 (Statistics Canada, 2009). their input will, inevitably, fall short. ways including developing leadership, reduce and prevent homelessness; 2) To organizational, and advocacy skills, as well as assess the service system capacity for • In 2003, it was estimated that 20,000 young people used The YPAR Process gaining valuable employment experience addressing street involvement among shelter services in Toronto (Toronto Youth Council, 2005). We have established a group of community advisors from (London, Zimmerman, & Erbstein, 2003). newcomer youth; and 3) To identify concrete • Research shows that physical, emotional and sexual abuse agencies across the Greater Toronto Area that serve actions for government and community or social (Karabanow, 2008) as well as parental addictions, newcomer, immigrant, refugee, homeless, and youth service / health service practitioners that will psychiatric disorders, and criminality are all common populations. Due to the often ‘hidden’ nature of this NEXT STEPS lead to more effective homelessness reduction predictors of youth homelessness (Gaetz, 2004; Karabanow, population, community advisors played a valuable role in and prevention strategies for youth with mental 2008; Kelly & Caputo, 2007; Raising the Roof, 2009). identifying potential applicants for the role of peer Data collection and analysis will continue health and/or substance use issues. researcher. These peer researchers are a highly diverse throughout the summer of 2013. An interim • Newcomer youth’s experiences can be influenced by group composed of members from 7 countries, speaking report will be completed by the fall of 2013 with adjustments to a new culture, language, educational system, over 20 languages, and representing various cultural the involvement of the peer researchers. Peer METHOD racism, negative self-image, social isolation or exclusion, backgrounds and life experiences. In preparation for this researchers will continue their training on A participatory research strategy is employed, family separation, challenges related to reunification or the role, the peer researchers have begun training in research knowledge dissemination. They will work with newcomer youth with experience of street “blending” of families (Springer et al., 2006). methodologies, ethics, best practices for conducting alongside the research team to develop a strategic and innovative knowledge translation involvement acting as peer researchers. Data •Differences in homelessness amongst youth are evident interviews and focus groups, data analysis, and knowledge plan, including recommendations to inform the collection methods include focus groups or with respect to their race (Greenberg & Martinez-Reyes, dissemination. The peer researchers have informed the existing programs and services in Toronto . individual interviews, and surveys with youth 2010), gender, sexual/gender identity, and immigration creation of a semi-structured interview / focus group guide, participants, a survey of organizations that serve status, and their experiences of physical and mental health, will assist in the recruitment of focus group participants, street-involved youth and / or ethnoracial employment, the child welfare system, and access to facilitate focus groups and conduct interviews, and This study was made possible through a grant from Human communities, and a review of the literature. services (Raising the Roof, 2009). participate in data analysis and knowledge dissemination. Resources and Skills Development Canada. Please see back for full list of references.