The relationships between youth homelessness and offending: A systematic review of the UK literature

Abstract

International research has demonstrated that homeless youth are more likely to engage in offending behaviours. This systematic review collates, synthesises, and appraises the academic and grey literature on UK studies reporting associations between youth homelessness and offending behaviours. MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, Social Policy and Practice, Social Care Online, OpenGrey and Google Scholar were searched from 1969 until May 2020. Twenty-two studies met inclusion criteria. Findings indicate that mental illness, having disrupted family relationships, substance misuse, trauma, being a care leaver and gang involvement influence the relationship between youth homeless and offending. Family mediation and supported accommodation were highlighted as useful interventions. It is recommended that local authority provision and accommodation options work in partnership and improve their offer for this population.