Citywide Youth ID Access: Youth Empowerment and Support Services

Abstract

The purpose of this project was to collect data regarding the barriers faced by marginalized and oppressed at-risk youth in the Edmonton community in accessing government issued personal identification to improve the accessibility of support services for marginalized populations. The study involved in-depth interviews and focus groups with youth aged 15-24 connected with Youth Empowerment and Support Services (YESS). YESS is a non-profit organization that provides immediate and low-barrier 24/7 shelter, a drop-in resource center, temporary supportive housing, and support for young people aged 15–24. The unique experiences, barriers, needs, and perspectives surrounding personal ID were the main focus of this project. From this research we have identified key barriers to accessing ID such as long wait times, high costs, lack of available/easily accessible information, small number of support services available to support youth, and not having the required documentation due to the unsafe/unstable situation these youth are experiencing. Some key solutions identified were the need for consistent and clear information on how to get/replace ID, reduced costs, reduced wait times, more funding and staff support at non-profit youth support services, higher quality materials for ID, and safe boxes for ID to be kept in when it is not needed.

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Emily Milne