Date of this Version Children and Youth Services Review 34
(2012), pp. 1344–1350; doi:10.1016/j.childyouth.2012.03.010
Though few studies exist on service utilization among homeless
youth in the U.S., services are important because without them,
many of these young people may resort to delinquent strategies
in order to meet their daily survival needs. The current study
examines frequency and correlates of service utilization (i.e.,
shelters, food programs, street outreach, counseling, STI and
HIV testing) among a sample of 249 homeless youth ages 14 to 21.
Multivariate analysis revealed significant differences in
service usage by sex, age, and sexual orientation. Experiencing
family physical and/or sexual abuse, being kicked out of the
family home, spending more nights per week sleeping on the
street, and having ever stayed in a group home facility were
significant correlates of homeless youths' service usage.