Carl DeLine

Studying Runaways and Street Youth in Canada

Studying Runaways and Street Youth in Canada

Excerpted from “Studying Runaways and Street Youth in Canada,” as published in Conceptual and Research Design Issues by Augustine Brannigan and Tullio Caputo (1993). (Full text pdf)

The “Back Door” was started in 1988 by Carl DeLine to assist street people aged 17 to 24 years to establish their own residencies and jobs. Three “coordinators” and a project director develop “contracts” with clients which break down all the steps required by the clients to normalize their lifestyles. Each step results in a $15 compensation and is designed to meet. housing needs, as well as educational and employment opportunities. Clients can earn up to five such “credits” a week. The approach is unorthodox and somewhat antithetical to the therapeutic mentality that characterizes a lot of the professional agencies, but has assisted a number of young persons take charge of their own circumstances.