Youth Homelessness in Croatia
Pathways, Challenges, and Support Systems
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21830212 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Marijana Kletečki Radović (0000-0001-7647-8076, University of Zagreb), Ela Rukavina Lapov (Employment Agency) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 16 |
| Issue | 2-3 |
| Pages | 180-193 |
| Publication date | 2025-10-20 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | International Journal of Child Youth and Family Studies (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1920-7298 • E-ISSN: 1920-7298 |
| Publisher | University of Victoria Libraries (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.18357/ijcyfs162-3202522522 |
| OpenAlex | W4416040875 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 13 |
Youth homelessness is a complex issue. The experience of living in alternative care, combined with a lack of support, is a key risk factor that increases the likelihood of youth becoming homeless. This study aimed to explore the lives of homeless youth through their personal experiences, focusing on their pathways to homelessness and the support they would have required to avoid it. Qualitative research was conducted with six young people aged 15 to 29 who were homeless and residing in a shelter in Zagreb. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. The results showed that the participants all had a background in alternative care, often with multiple placements while in care. Key factors contributing to homelessness included aging out of the care system, broken family relationships, mental health issues, and unemployment. The findings showed that these young homeless individuals primarily relied on formal support systems. They emphasized the need for practical assistance, access to social welfare assistance, professional support and empowerment, and emotional support from trusted individuals. This research underscores the importance of providing targeted, systematic, support to help young homeless people overcome the challenges they face on their path to a stable and independent life
Mental health · Qualitative research · Social Assistance · Social support · Thematic analysis · Welfare · Welfare system · Child Welfare and Adoption · Homelessness and Social Issues · Resilience and Mental Health
Risk Factors for Homelessness
Housing and Social Support for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care
Thematic Analysis
Understanding Homelessness
Housing Pathways of Young People Who Have Left Out-of-Home State Care
Research Review
Supporting Homeless Youth
A Qualitative Study of the Formation and Composition of Social Networks Among Homeless Youth
Pathways to and From Homelessness and Associated Psychosocial Outcomes Among Adolescents Leaving the Foster Care System
Using thematic analysis in psychology
Determinants of Causal Attributions of Homelessness in Croatia
Pathways to youth homelessness
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |