News

Strong Link Between Child Welfare and Youth Homelessness in Canada

Published: 9 August 2017

A new report shows that almost sixty percent (57.8%) of homeless youth in Canada report involvement with the child welfare system at some point in their lives. In comparison, among the general population in Canada, roughly 0.3% of youth have child welfare involvement. This suggests that youth experiencing homelessness are 193 times more likely than youth in the general population to report involvement with the child welfare system. (Source: “Child Welfare and Youth Homelessness in Canada: A Proposal for Action”)

Co-author of the report Naomi Nichols is available for interviews.

Naomi Nichols, Assistant Professor, Department of Integrated Studies in Education, McGill University

“This finding should shock people; it suggests that we are falling short of obligation to protect and care for children and youth in Canada.”— Naomi Nichols 

Professor Nichols wrote a blog post, “Child Welfare and Youth Homelessness in Canada: Who is Responsible?”, about her own take on the report she helped co-wrote.

Contact info: 514-398-4527 ex 09669, naomi.nichols [at] mcgill.ca, cellphone available upon request (English)

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