True stories of homeless youth debunk stereotypes
[ UniNews Vol. 14, No. 6
18 April - 2 May 2005 ]
Many young people experiencing homelessness are resilient, hopeful and not necessarily destined to a life of crime and drug abuse, according to a joint University of Melbourne–University of California study.
The research team’s findings are reflected in a recently launched publication, Getting Out – Young People’s True Stories (detail of cover shown right), based on the experiences of young homeless people in Melbourne.
The Melbourne research is part of Project i, an international longitudinal study of young people in Melbourne and Los Angeles. It is believed to be the first research of its type in Australia.
The study has tracked 700 newly homeless young people in Melbourne, aged between 12 and 20, interviewing them up to eight times over a two-year period.
Research team members interviewed young people about their lives before and after leaving home, examining their pathways into and out of homelessness, why they become homeless, and what can be done to prevent long-term homelessness.
Getting Out presents stories of eight young people in their own words, which challenge stereotypical views of homeless young people and, at the same time, reveal great courage in the face of adversity.
Authors of the publication are Melbourne Project i Research Director Dr Shelley Mallett and project team members Professor Doreen Rosenthal, Ms Deb Keys and Ms Judy Edwards, based in the University of Melbourne’s Key Centre for Women’s Health in Society.
“We often think of homelessness as a negative experience, but for many young people it is a temporary situation; they are trying hard to rebuild their lives and are reflective about what’s happened to them,” says Dr Mallett.
“Young people have told us stories about family life that are painful to hear, yet they survive. More than survive – many of those we spoke to are improving their lives despite their circumstances and the obstacles they face,” she said.
Funding for the research has come from the US National Institute of Mental Health and Getting Out was funded by Victorian Government grants and the Besen Family Foundation. Copies are available from the Key Centre. Email (atattam@unimelb.edu.au) Information about Project i is at (www.kcwhs.unimelb.edu.au/projecti/)
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