Phil Robinson, PhD, MPhil (Urban Policy), CQSW, is a qualified social worker who has worked for 35 years in both statutory and voluntary sectors. He is Chief Executive of Quarriers, a registered Scottish charity providing care and support for adults and children with a disability, children and families, young people, homeless young people, people with epilepsy and carers.

• Introduction - What this Book is About. 1. Definitions and Measures of Youth Homelessness. 2. Characteristics of Young Homeless People. 3. A History of Youth Homelessness. 4. A Geography of Youth Homelessness. 5. Something to Do - Education, Training and Employment. 6. Family - A Help or a Hindrance? 7. Friends and Acquaintances - Helping Young People to Maintain and Rebuild Social Networks. 8. Drugs and Alcohol - Dealing with Substance Misuse. 9. Housing and Support - Working for Sustainable Futures. 10. The Human Factor - What Works When Responding to Adolescent Behaviour. 11. The Future of Services for the Homeless. Appendix: The Quarriers Research Project - How Young People's Views Can Be Heard.

...this is an important book which fills a gap in terms of translating research and working knowledge about youth homelessness into practice. The book's content conforms broadly to its title and presents a very useful resource concerning issues to consider when working with homeless young people. It describes the forms of practical and psychological issues that need to be addressed in assisting young vulnerable people to develop a sense of self-efficacy and hope for the future.