Chapter 3 - Homeless Youth:
Who are they and why are they on the street?

EVA’S PHOENIX PROGRAMS

Criteria for Acceptance into Eva’s Phoenix Employment Programs

Youth between the ages of 16 & 29 are accepted into our employment programs based on three major factors. These are:

1. Being At-Risk

The following are factors we consider when determining if youth are at-risk:

a) Employment-Barriers to meaningful/sustainable employment

• history of minimum wage jobs
• all of employment worked outside of Canada
• employment record-spotty jobs/lack of references
• youth would not have opportunity to enter or have difficulty entering specific field without a program
• lack of experience/skills

b) Income

• is low-income if self-supporting
• OW/ODSP
• family is low-income [for those youth who live with their parent(s) or guardian(s)]

c) Education

• has not completed high school education
• has not completed post-secondary education
• has outstanding loans from post-secondary & incomplete education

d) Housing

• is living in unstable housing
• does not have housing
• lives in the shelter system
• lives in subsidized housing

e) Life History

• has a history of mental health issues
• is on probation or has a history with the legal system
• has a history of drug or alcohol abuse

2. Suitability of Program for Youth

• Youth is specifically interested in program they are applying for
• Youth has a realistic view of the program & realistic view of our expectations
• Youth meets requirements of specific program
• Follow-up with referring worker confirms youth’s suitability for the program

3. Ability of Youth to Commit to Program

• Youth demonstrates self awareness- is aware of the issues they are facing and has self- identified the supports they have or need to be able to maintain full-time employment
• Youth demonstrates ability to problem solve-healthy strategies around resolving conflict with co-workers/ employers
• Youth is able to identify how the program fits into their short and long term goals