Chapter 5 Individuals and Families in a Diverse Society

Mr. Carney

Homelessness facts in CanadaThroughout the country, homeless youth

have the same general characteristics: exposure to physical violence, mental health problems, alcohol and drug abuse, sexual abuse and conflicts with the law.

They are often isolated with no family ties and few friends. Many have been raised in foster homes, have a lack of education and skills, and suffer from poor physical health.

Facts continued…While the majority of homeless youth are

male, the number of young women who are homeless is growing.

Some groups, such as Aboriginal youth and gay/lesbian youth avoid using shelters for fear of discrimination.

***From CMHC Environmental Scan 2001

SurvivalMany homeless youth survive on a day-to-day basis by

couch surfing, or they may live in overcrowded or unsuitable housing. Other survival strategies include pooling resources to rent accommodation, staying at emergency shelters, or sleeping outside or in abandoned buildings.

A significant number of homeless youth become involved in illegal activities such as selling drugs, shoplifting and prostitution.

The lifestyle of homeless youth puts their health at risk; and the longer a person is homeless, the worse his or her health becomes. In Quebec, Toronto and the prairies, HIV/AIDS as well as Hepatitis B and C are concerns, while in Montréal and Toronto, suicide is a serious issue. Other medical concerns of homeless youth include tuberculosis, problems with their feet, scabies, dental problems, sexually transmitted diseases and viral infections.

The Causes Family breakdown, a lack of affordable housing

and increasing poverty are major factors contributing to the problem.

Family violence: One Toronto study indicated that more than 70% of youth on the streets leave home because of physical or sexual abuse.

Other causes contributing to youth homelessness include: a lack of affordable housing, increasing poverty, a lack of job readiness, education or experience, gaps in child welfare and protection services, and gaps in services for those with mental health problems, drug addictions and those with dual diagnoses.

Article“Group aims to reduce homelessness by

2018”What do you think the key ingredient to a

successful outcome of this plan is?What may cause this plan to fail?

Article“No Way Home – Who Are Homeless Youth?”

CBC documentary – The Fifth Estate

Rising Housing MarketGeneral Description

A Rare Opportunity! Great Condo Alternative! Detached 2 Bedroom Brick Bungalow On A Quiet Street. Hardwood Floor, New Roof (2009), Updated Wiring, Central Air, And Fenced Back Yard. 'Crossroads Of The Danforth' Location An Easy Walk To Shops, Ttc, Schools And Park. Add Your Own Designer Touch Or Just Move In And Enjoy! **** EXTRAS **** All Elfs, Brdlm W/L, Gas Burner & Equipment, Hwh(R), Fridge, Stove, Washer, Dryer, Garden Shed 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom

Guess how much this is listed for?

$238,900 The rising house costs in densely populated

areas contribute to the overall homeless issue.

Housing FactsBetween 1997 and 2001, Toronto rents rose by 31% -

more than double the 14% rate of inflation for the same period.

Today, only 20% of private rental apartments rent for less than $800 a month.

While vacancy rates in Toronto have climbed to about 2.4% this is not as heartening as it may appear. For units at the low end ($400 to $800) the vacancy rate is at about 1%, while the vast bulk of the vacancies are in the $1,200 to $1,600 range. As an indication of how tight the rental market has become, in 1996 units under $800 made up more than 65% of the market; today they make up only about 20% (49,100 of 250,500 units).

Homeless FactsRead Article:

The Fifth Estate – No Way Home

Suicide in CanadaFacts:The suicide rate for Canadians, as measured

by the WHO, is 15 per 100,000 people. Yet, according to numerous studies, rates are even higher among specific groups. For example, the suicide rate for Inuit peoples living in Northern Canada is between 60 and 75 per 100,000 people, significantly higher than the general population.

Facts continued…Other populations at an increased risk of

suicide include youth, the elderly, inmates in correctional facilities, people with a mental illness, and those who have previously attempted suicide.3 According to Statistics Canada, between 1997 and 1999, there was a 10 percent increase in suicides across Canada, from 3,681 to 4,074. In Ontario alone, suicides rose from 930 in 1997 to 1,032 in 2001.

Facts continued…Men commit suicide at a rate four times higher than

that of women. According to a report by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), more men in Ontario committed suicide in the past 10 years than died in car crashes.

Approximately 591 men committed suicide in Ontario between 1990 and 2000, while 558 men died in car crashes.

Women, however, make 3 to 4 times more suicide attempts than men do, and women are hospitalized in general hospitals for attempted suicide at 1.5 times the rate of men.6 Studies indicate that there is a significant correlation between a history of sexual abuse and the lifetime number of suicide attempts, and this correlation is twice as strong for women as for men.

Link to DepressionDespite a commonly held myth that the

Christmas season has the highest suicide rate of all the seasons, studies have proven that across North America, suicide rates are actually lower at that time of year. Studies suggest that while the holidays can bring up some very difficult emotions, they also tend to evoke feelings of familial bonds and these feelings may act as a buffer against suicide.

It is important to note, however, that while suicide rates do not increase over the holiday season, depression rates do.

YouthA number of studies indicate that an

especially high-risk time for vulnerable teens is when they go back to school. Whatever the reason, the rates are so high among aboriginal youth at this time of year that the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health says autumn is referred to as the 'suicide season.'

Schools RespondYouth workers, social workers, and Chaplains

are now regularly employed by school boards.

New school board initiatives aim to address the mental wellness of studentsTaking into account the various pressures of

being ‘successful’ in school.

How do you respond?Suicide/depression:

Support systems are in place Socially, psychologically, psychiatrically

Be sensitive to friendsRemember, everyone has a storyRemind friends and family - in our lowest

moments - of the hope that life will turn around for the better