Understanding the Challenges Young People Face in Navigating the Safety Net

This fact sheet provides a brief overview of findings from a study of challenges and strategies for young people (ages 14 to 24) seeking support from key safety net programs. The fact sheet draws findings based primarily on a series of conversations with young people and staff members of youth-serving organizations. Young people and staff members identified key challenges with safety net policies and practices that do not reflect the needs or developmental life stage of young people. The resource also provides context about how structural racism affects people’s experiences with the safety net. Strategies for simplifying access and supporting young people in navigating processes, empowering and supporting young people in decision making, replacing punitive approaches with support and minimized burden, and making structural changes are also presented.