Homelessness in Canada

Introduction2

Discussion3

History of the Issue3

Assessment of Child Care Program in Ontario4

Economic and Social Importance5

Human costs5

Economic Costs6

Social Cost6

Health Care Costs6

Views of Government and Other Officials7

Policies Implemented in Other Jurisdictions8

Denmark Jurisdiction8

Finland Jurisdiction8

Suitable Policy for Ontario Families9

Opinion on Current System9

Conclusion10

References12

Homeless Children in Canada

Introduction

Child care is important part of the government discussion Our concern, as Social Service Worker, is the lack of the affordable child care spaces in the province of Ontario. The major factor contributing towards homelessness is poverty and little social support. Homeless people are perceived to be unable to seek secure shelter because of lack of living skills. This perception however ignores the duties of community, government and other organizations that can play a great role in influencing life situations in reducing homelessness (Covell & Howe, 2001).

It is crucial to explore the reasons of homelessness in order to understand the need of suitable programs and policies. The runways constitute the major portion of homelessness in young children and adults. They suffer from traumatic childhood experience. The reports show that one third of homeless children in Canada are raped as children and remaining are either beaten up or use drugs. Another study has measured effectiveness of foster homes. Almost half of the children in foster homes become homeless. Another reason that contributes to increasing homelessness is addiction which is highly prevalent in the chronically homeless children. 80% of homeless children in Ontario are chronically homeless (Hulchanski et.al, 2001). Only half of these youths were addicts before they became homeless.

The issue of children suffering from homelessness is a threat to society if not correctly addressed. These children lack the support of family and friends; have inadequate financial resources and education. They suffer from childhood abuse at home. All these factors can affect the motivation of children to get involved in street crimes. They get involved in drug trafficking, theft or prostitution. Thus, the rate of criminality in children can increase. A study conducted in Toronto revealed that 82% street youth is involved in crimes of physical and sexual assault (Snow, 2008).

Discussion

History of the Issue

According to an estimate, 157,000 people suffered homelessness in Canada in year 2006. The increase in homelessness can be associated with urban renewal, changes in the labor market and the closure of mental health facilities (Gaetz, 2004). The cheap shelter facilities were demolished in early 1950s and the land was used for construction of business activities hubs. This created shortage of inexpensive housing in 1970s. The jobs were also reduced as the manpower was replaced by machinery. Deinstitutionalization took place in 1960s under which the mental health institutions were closed. This showed adverse effect when disturbed patients got discharged after 1975. Thus the major contributor to homelessness in the past was the changes in public policy. According to David Hulchanski, the rising costs were not taken care of and the lower cost buildings were demolished (Hulchanski et.al, 2001).

Reports have revealed the growing concern on homelessness issues in children. There are approximately 75,000 children across Canada who are living without any ...