December 20, 2013 Article published by National Clearinghouse on Families & Youth What works to help homeless youth deal with the issues that contribute to their homelessness, like family conflict and substance abuse? Natasha Slesnick, professor at The Ohio State University’s College of Education and Human Ecology, Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, and director of a drop-in center for homeless youth ages 14 to 24, is getting to the bottom of that question.

Whitepaper Summary by Dr. Natasha Slesnick Runaway and homeless youth are one of the most vulnerable populations worldwide. Among minor streetliving youth, 90% are between 16-17 years old. These youth are most often disconnected from family, and underserved by communities, left to fend for themselves on the fringes of our society. With limited rights and privacy, they have little access to services and supports needed to survive independently. Providers also experience legal