Arguments Against Independent Living Services

Often times young people are not forced to live on the streets, they make a decision on their own to leave. As in the following case of Martin that was cited in a book written by Kaye Stearman.
“As a child, Martin never had a real home… When they finally stopped moving, it was too late for Martin. He couldn’t settle. He had never stayed anywhere long enough to make friends or keep up with his schoolwork. His family wanted to help him but didn't know how. He began skipping school and spending more and more time on the streets with other truants. At first it was great. The group begged on the streets and on the streets and in the shopping malls. Sometimes they stole clothes or videos and CDs. It was only a matter of time before Martin was caught” (Stearman, 7).
“Independent living services are a viable alternative for youth not quite ready for emancipation. These services include special programs such as counseling and training designed to prepare youth for evidential independence”(Giffords, Elissa, Christina Alonso, and Richard Bell, 143). There are also many services available to assist a young person who might be faced with homelessness in the city of Philadelphia. Specifically, the Transitional Living Programs at the Covenant House and the