19 research outputs found
Justice and Injustice: Homelessness, Crime, Victimization, and the Criminal Justice System
Using the situation in Toronto as a case study, this multiâmethod study explores various aspects of the
relationship between homelessness and the criminal justice system. The research was based on a
literature review; analysis of administrative data; review of client files; survey of 57 homeless individuals;
inâdepth interviews with 22 homeless individuals; focus groups with homeless individuals and service
providers; interviews with 23 key informants; and extensive compilation of prevention programs.
The literature review covers research findings on the high prevalence of incarceration among homeless
adults and youth; the vulnerability of homeless individuals with mental illness and patterns of
transinstitutionalization; the high prevalence of homelessness among exâoffenders; criminalization of
homelessness and the regulation of public space; types of offences committed by homeless people; the
high level of victimization of homeless people; treatment of homeless people by the police and courts;
costâeffectiveness of housing provision versus institutional facilities; and service needs, issues, and
recommendations.
Major findings include the following:
⢠The numbers of homeless persons arrested and cycling between jail and shelter are increasing yearly.
⢠Clients of the John Howard Society of Toronto who were homeless at intake had fewer violent, but
more propertyârelated, charges than those who were housed.
⢠Homeless individuals appreciate the need for law and order, but are highly critical of perceived unfair
policing practices, especially differential treatment of racialized persons.
⢠Although homeless individuals experience a high level of victimization, they are quite reluctant to
report crimes to the police and feel alienated from police protection.
⢠Lack of service coâordination and adequate discharge planning are major barriers to the community
reintegration of exâprisoners and contribute to homelessness.
Suggestions for change focus on provision of transitional and supportive housing, improved discharge
planning in provincial correctional facilities, and specialized programs for vulnerable subâgroups.
Part Two of the report is a catalogue of more than 70 programs and policies to reduce homelessness
among exâprisoners and the incarceration of homeless individuals, and ten promising practices
A visceral grief : young homeless mothers and loss of child custody
Condensed from CUCS research paper 206, October 2006