Homeless youth in Seattle. Planning and policy-making at the local government level

Young people leave home for many reasons--a push away from problems, a pull toward the independence and seeming excitement of the street. Once on the street they face serious risks to their health and well-being. Homelessness among youths is a concern in Seattle, with as many as 2,000 on the street in a year's time. The service system is overburdened and poorly coordinated. The City of Seattle examined the problem, inadequacies of the service system, and issues affecting its ability to address the needs of homeless youths and their families. This article presents data on the problem, policies proposed to shape the city's response, and progress made in the last 2 years.