Joint Declaration for the Prevention of Youth Homelessness in Quebec
As YOUTH, RESEARCHERS, ELECTED OFFICIALS, CITIZENS, POLITICIANS, REPRESENTATIVES of organizations, networks, or institutions who are members of the Coalition Jeunes+ and/or involved in the fight against youth homelessness, we advocate for a shift toward the prevention of youth homelessness based on the following vision and guiding principles:
We believe that preventing youth homelessness is a collective responsibility of Quebec society.
Every instance of homelessness among young people is a sign of societal and systemic failure. It is essential to ensure that every young person can build a life for themselves and thrive.
We recognize the specific needs of young people in precarious situations and the distinct nature of youth homelessness
Young people are in a stage of ongoing development. They are at an age where they have limited experience of independent living before finding themselves in situations of homelessness. Young people have a strong desire for freedom and new experiences, and they must be supported in their choices and have those choices respected. Responses must be adapted to young people.
We are focusing on prevention
Prevention is broadly defined as any approach that helps prevent people from ending up on the streets and facilitates their exit from homelessness. Preventing homelessness also means addressing the social determinants of health. Policies must act on the systems that produce exclusion and oppression, and interventions must be carried out as early as possible, taking into account the needs of young people and their families.
We defend the rights of young people in all spheres of their lives.
If the rights of all young people are respected, every young person can have a choice in their future.
The ten rights we are putting forward are as follows:
• Right to equality and non-discrimination based on race and social status
• Right to equality and non-discrimination related to gender identity and sexual orientation
• Right to citizenship (social coexistence and citizen participation) and justice
• Right to citizenship and socialization
• Right to education and socio-professional integration
• Right to self-determination and information
• Right to housing and to a healthy, safe and safe environment
• Right to food and a decent income
• Right to accessible and appropriate mental and physical health services
• Right to accessible and appropriate social and youth protection services