Table 1 Eligibility criteria
Study Characteristics | Inclusion Criteria | Definitions |
Population | Youth between the ages of 13 to 24 who live independently of their parents or guardians, but do not have the means to acquire stable, safe or consistent residence, or the immediate prospect of it [2]. This age range was chosen as it is reflective of the current literature on youth homelessness and includes both high school and university students who are generally still dependents living with family or relying on them for financial or moral support. Furthermore, this definition of homelessness accounts for hidden homeless youth who may not be found in institutional settings but may be couch-surfing with friends or others. | |
Interventions | Youth Interventions | Youth interventions are intended to assist youth experiencing homelessness in improving health or social outcomes, which includes both interventions that are created specifically and solely for the benefit of youth as well as interventions for all persons that are applied to the context and needs of youth. Interventions include any program, service, structure, or resource provided with the aim of addressing social and health outcomes. Examples of youth interventions include, but are not limited to, cognitive behavioural therapies and family-based therapies. Cognitive behavioural therapy takes into account emotional, familial and peer influences to build self-control, self-efficacy and reduce negative behaviours [28]. Family-based therapy focuses on intrapersonal factors and re-establishing connections; it seeks to understand individual behaviour and interactions between the individual and their family [20, 29]. Parental monitoring intervention programs providing parenting skills and empowering parents of adolescents [30]. Street outreach and addictions services consist of outreach workers engaging youth living on the street to enhance their wellbeing through programs such as mobile harm reduction programs [31]. |
Comparison | Any study with a comparison intervention was included, such as standard intervention, alternative intervention, or treatment as usual. | |
Outcomes | Studies were not excluded based upon the reported outcomes | |
Study Characteristics | Randomized control trials and systematic reviews. All study designs must include interventions with a comparison/control group and have measured outcomes. | |
Study Characteristics | Exclusion Criteria | Justifications |
| Â | Studies taking place in low- middle-income countries Studies that exclusively report on Indigenous specific interventions | Due to the variability in access to resources and supports in comparison to that in a high-income country, we feel that the settings are different and should be synthesized separately. The analysis of the interventions tailored to this population will be covered by a separate research group. |