Denise Fawcett Facey

Here’s a problem that no one anticipated: increasing numbers of homeless teens attending high schools. Counselors are discovering more and more 18-year-olds in their schools with nowhere to go, while advocates for the homeless report that the number of homeless teens in this age range far exceeds the services available to assist them. And while the persistently down economy doesn’t help, it’s not the only reason for this dilemma.

Some teens choose to leave home at 18, fleeing abuse. Others are forced out by family problems or the belief that at 18, teens are adults who should be capable of caring for themselves. And still others, caught in the foster care system, are released at 18 to fend for themselves.

A few high schools have begun to address the issue. In Massachusetts, for example, a program called Youth Harbors is housed in schools and caters to homeless students 18 and over, providing housing assistance. Other such programs exist, offering similar help, augmented by counseling services. However, as I said earlier, the need far exceeds the services.

Obviously, this is not a situation open to debate about whether these young people should be helped. Although legally adults, 18-year-olds don’t have the financial means to provide for themselves, yet no adult can be held legally responsible for caring for them. What we need is more organizations that work within or in conjunction with high schools, to offer housing assistance, job placement, counseling and other auxiliary services.

The fact that these students remain in school, still striving for graduation and a semblance of normalcy, is a clear indication that they are willing to carry their load; perhaps, we just need more adults willing to extend a helping hand in whatever way they can.

That’s my opinion. What do you think?