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Transitional Living Center near Midland, TX

Build a Strong Foundation for Your Future

Youth Homelessness and the Foster Care Connection

Research reveals that approximately 7% of youth—over 1.5 million children and adolescents—runaway each year. The reasons they leave home are often deeply rooted in family conflict, abuse, and neglect, forcing them into a cycle of homelessness. For many, these experiences are the start of a journey marked by instability, exploitation, and a lack of basic needs. Tragically, over 500,000 children are confirmed each year as victims of maltreatment, often due to complex socioeconomic factors that include housing instability.

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Although direct causes are still being studied, there is a growing body of evidence showing that housing issues increase the likelihood of child maltreatment and interaction with Child Protective Services (CPS). Families struggling with insecure or unstable housing face greater stress, limited support systems, and fewer community resources, all of which can contribute to conditions leading to CPS investigations. Research shows that as housing pressures grow, so do the risks of abuse and neglect, underscoring the urgent need for systemic solutions to safeguard vulnerable youth.

At Basin Dream Center, we are committed to addressing these intersecting issues by offering not just housing but a holistic approach to support, ensuring that young people who have been affected by these challenges find safety, care, and a path to stability and empowerment.

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