Getting off the Street: Exploring the Processes of Young People’s Street Exits

This article explores the ways in which young people across Canada attempt to exit street life. Through semistructured interviews with 128 young people and 50 service providers in six Canadian cities, the goal of the research was to identify the strategies and challenges of street exiting to inform service providers and policy makers as to the complexities and struggles involved in young people's experiences with street disengagement. Findings suggest that there are several interrelated dimensions to the exiting process including contemplation, motivation to change, securing help, transitioning from the street, changing daily routine, and redefining one's sense of self.

Research Summary by ResearchImpact

Publication Date: 
2008
Pages: 
773-789
Volume: 
51
Issue: 
6
Journal Name: 
American Behavioural Scientist
Location: 
Canada