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The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore homeless young adults' perceptions of the systemic, situational, and intrapersonal barriers they encounter across multiple systems in trying to exit homelessness and the ways these barriers are interrelated. Thirty-one homeless young adults (ages 18–26) in Phoenix and Tempe, Arizona were recruited for in-depth interviews from two resource centers serving homeless youth. Template analysis was used to systematically analyze and code participants' verbatim transcripts from the interviews into a template (codebook). Characteristic quotes from the interviews are used to illustrate the emergent themes. Findings indicate that structural barriers faced by homeless youth include inadequate homeless resources, employment challenges, discrimination by law enforcement, hot climate, lack of transportation, and legal concerns. Situational barriers include interpersonal relationships, the street environment, and lack of personal resources. Intrapersonal barriers include behavioral, mental, and physical health challenges, reluctance to reach out for help, money management, and lack of desire for stable housing. Participants also outlined multiple ways in which these barriers interact to hinder their exiting homelessness. Findings support current literature applying ecological theory to the issue of homelessness while highlighting young people's own contextual descriptions of their lived experiences. Three approaches are recommended for improving homeless services with integrated housing, employment, and clinical interventions to help young adults successfully exit homeless. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contrary to the perception that the business community can be hostile and exclusive toward individuals experiencing homelessness, local businesses can and do serve homeless populations at multiple levels. This article proposes a theoretical framework that links the versatile roles that local businesses can play in addressing various dimensions of human needs. This theoretical framework is illustrated through two models in Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles, which focus on the role of business improvement districts (BIDs) and a social enterprise intervention (SEI), respectively. These models demonstrate that the business community can meet not only physical needs but also the emotional and self-actualization goals of homeless individuals. This article suggests that social work education and field education curricula can benefit from engaging the business sector in addressing complex social issues, such as homelessness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Due to the focus of micro-practice interventions on clinical outcomes and macro-practice interventions on structural outcomes, limited research exists on the clinical benefits resulting from clients’ involvement in macro therapeutic interventions (i.e. structural interventions that target community, organizational, systems, and/or policy-level change and which also have clinical benefits to clients or consumers). In response to this knowledge gap, the authors present four case studies of macro therapeutic interventions in the areas of social enterprise creation, community-based participatory research, transformative organizing, and community-based partnerships. Findings Collectively, these interventions draw from community, economic, and social development theory, empowerment theory, feminist theory, and critical theory. The authors synthesize the key intervention components across case studies that contribute to clinical and collective empowerment outcomes. Applications The authors then offer recommendations to the social work profession for developing, implementing, and evaluating macro therapeutic interventions within clinical practice settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the influence of a community-based, service-coordination and delivery intervention (CONNECT Program) on urban, minority parents’ human capital, financial capital, community social capital, and service utilization. Method: This study used a pre–posttest single group design and mixed methods as well as incorporated principles of community-based research. Peer outreach workers engaged 80 urban, minority parents living in Manhattan (New York City) in the CONNECT Program, which offered them referrals to formal agency services and informal community supports as well as psychoeducational workshops on varied topics. Results: Findings from paired-samples t-tests indicate that at follow-up, 49 participants displayed significant improvements after 12 months in their education, neighborhood trust, service use, and problem resolution. Discussion: Findings suggest that CONNECT was feasible within the agency and community. Moreover, CONNECT was associated with higher human and community social capital as well as service utilization outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This randomized controlled trial compared the efficacy between the Social Enterprise Intervention (SEI) and Individual Placement and Support (IPS) with homeless youth with mental illness to assess their impact on nonvocational outcomes. Method: Seventy-two homeless youth were recruited from one agency and randomized to the SEI (n = 36) or IPS (n = 36) conditions. Over 20 months, SEI participants received four SEI components, and IPS participants received eight IPS components. Data were collected on mental health, housing, and social support outcomes at baseline and one follow-up period. Results: Findings from mixed analysis of variance indicate that both SEI and IPS participants displayed statistically significant changes in their self-esteem, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) problems, inattention problems, living in a shelter, and living in a private residence. Conclusions: This is the first study to demonstrate the comparative efficacy and short-term nonvocational outcomes of SEI and IPS with homeless youth with mental illness. Assessment of long-term outcomes of both interventions is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study used the risk and resilience framework to examine predictors of formal and informal sources of income among homeless young adults. Formal sources of income generation consisted of full-time, part-time, or paid, temporary work. Informal sources included earning money from selling personal possessions, selling drugs, and theft. In all, 601 homeless young adults from three U.S. cities participated in semi-structured interviews. Structural equation modeling assessed whether demographic, homelessness history, mental health, problem behaviors, and resilience predicted income generation source. Income generation from formal sources was associated with being male, having a greater number of problem behaviors, and reporting higher levels of resilience. Informal income generation was associated with younger age, being transient, and reporting a greater number of problem behaviors. Findings underscore the need to address homelessness risk factors to support homeless young adults in securing stable, formal employment as an alternative to informal survival behaviors to earn income. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior research reveals high rates of geographic mobility (i.e., transience) among homeless young adults (HYAs). Yet to date, little is known about predictors of different aspects of their transience as well as characteristics of the most highly transient HYAs. This study thus used the risk/resilience framework to identify predictors of three measures of HYAs’ transience (i.e., number of intercity moves, total distance traveled, and average distance traveled) as well as to identify the characteristics of the most highly transient HYAs: frequent flyers (i.e., HYAs with seven or more intercity moves), distance travelers (i.e., HYAs who have traveled average distances greater than 1,092 kilometers), and combined frequent flyers and distance travelers (i.e., HYAs with seven or more intercity moves and average travel distances greater than 1,092 kilometers). Purposive sampling was used to recruit 601 HYAs (ages 18–24) from Los Angeles, Austin, and Denver. Three Ordinary Least Squares regression models identified predictors of each facet of transience. Chi-square tests and independentt-tests were then used to identify profiles of frequent flyers and distance travelers by using the upper quartiles on the variablesnumber of intercity movesandaverage distance traveled, respectively. Findings reveal similarities in the risk predictors and profiles. The resilience characteristic of self-reliance was a consistent predictor of all three measures of transience. Understanding that transience among HYAs serves both adaptive and maladaptive purposes can inform service providers in customizing interventions aimed at supporting adaptive travel to make it safer as well as preventing and reducing maladaptive travel. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The social work literature is largely silent regarding the role of supported employment and social entrepreneurship in promoting behavioral health. This article establishes a case for viewing clients with behavioral health challenges as entrepreneurs who can use employment and social entrepreneurship to improve health, mental health, and economic well-being. The author identifies the relevance of employment and social entrepreneurship to behavioral health by drawing on theories of recovery and rehabilitation and community, economic, and social development. Changes to social work education, research, and practice are recommended to establish a professional niche in integrating employment in behavioral health interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined gender differences among homeless young adults' engagement in illegal economic activity (i.e., panhandling, selling drugs, survival sex, gambling, theft). A purposive sample of 601 homeless young adults (ages 18–24) was recruited from three U.S. cities (Los Angeles, CA [ n = 200], Austin, TX [ n = 200], and Denver, CO [ n = 201]) to participate in semi-structured interviews. General strain theory was used to identify predictors of illegal economic activity, including strains (childhood abuse, street victimization, length of homelessness, transience) and responses to strain (deviant peer associations, substance use, post-traumatic stress disorder, arrest history). The full hypothesized path models for males and females separately were tested using observed-variable path analysis. Among females, a greater variety of illegal income sources was reported by those who had experienced greater street victimization and who had used a greater number of substances in the past year. Among males, a greater variety of illegal income sources was reported by those who had more deviant peer associations, experienced greater street victimization, and used a greater number of substances in the past year. Findings have implications for research and preventive interventions to address engagement in illegal economic activity among male and female homeless young adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article identifies gaps in services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) runaway and homeless youth (RHY) and offers recommendations from the literature to fill them. Participants were 24 staff from 19 LGBTQ-RHY-serving agencies across the country. Over a 2-month period, researchers conducted 1-hour phone interviews with program staff and agency directors. Data from the interview transcripts were coded using template analysis, and the researchers modified the themes using an iterative coding process. Analyses yielded the following themes: a) housing services, b) educational services, c) employment services, d) family services, e) LGBTQ-affirming services, f) cultural competency training, and g) advocacy and organizing. Participants' perceptions of these gaps are provided, as are literature-driven recommendations to address those gaps. The findings from this study have the potential to guide program developers and policy makers in providing comprehensive, LGBTQ-affirming services for a substantial portion of the RHY population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative study identified promising programs across the United States for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) runaway and homeless youth (RHY). Twenty-four administrative staff and service providers from 19 nonprofit organizations serving LGBTQ RHY participated in telephone interviews about promising programs, service gaps, and recommendations for practice, policy, and research for LGBTQ RHY. Researchers used template analysis to code and analyze interview transcripts. Participating organizations offeredintegratedprograms for all subgroups of LGBTQ and heterosexual RHY as well asseparateprograms for specific subpopulations of LGBTQ RHY. Researchers identifiedintegratedprograms in health, mental health/substance use, case-management, family, legal, education and employment, and housing services and also noted promisingseparateprograms for subpopulations of LGBTQ RHY. Collectively, integrated and separate programs were characterized by 5 novel program components: a strong reliance on clinical evidence; use of a trauma-informed approach; provision of safe, stable, and supportive housing; incorporation of peer providers from the LGBTQ community; and opportunities for reciprocal learning between LGBTQ and heterosexual RHY. Findings regarding extant promising programs and novel program components can support practitioners, policymakers, and researchers working with LGBTQ RHY in implementing, evaluating, and replicating effective interventions to engage and retain this population in services. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study examined gender differences among homeless young adults' coping strategies and homelessness stressors as they relate to legal (e.g., full-time employment, selling personal possessions, selling blood/plasma) and illegal economic activity (e.g., selling drugs, theft, prostitution). A sample of 601 homeless young adults was recruited from 3 cities (Los Angeles, CA [ n = 200], Austin, TX [ n = 200], and Denver, CO [ n = 201]) to participate in semi-structured interviews from March 2010 to July 2011. Risk and resilience correlates of legal and illegal economic activity were analyzed using six Ordinary Least Squares regression models with the full sample and with the female and male sub-samples. In the full sample, three variables (i.e., avoidant coping , problem-focused coping , and mania ) were associated with legal income generation whereas eight variables (i.e., social coping, age, arrest history, transience, peer substance use, antisocial personality disorder [ASPD], substance use disorder [SUD], and major depressive episode [MDE] ) were associated with illegal economic activity. In the female sub-sample, three variables (i.e., problem-focused coping , race / ethnicity , and transience ) were correlated with legal income generation whereas six variables (i.e., problem-focused coping , social coping , age , arrest history , peer substance use , and ASPD ) were correlated with illegal economic activity. Among males, the model depicting legal income generation was not significant yet seven variables (i.e., social coping , age , transience , peer substance use , ASPD , SUD , and MDE ) were associated with illegal economic activity. Understanding gender differences in coping strategies and economic activity might help customize interventions aimed at safe and legal income generation for this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study identified predictors of transience among homeless emerging adults in three cities. A total of 601 homeless emerging adults from Los Angeles, Austin, and Denver were recruited using purposive sampling. Ordinary least squares regression results revealed that significant predictors of greater transience include White ethnicity, high school degree or equivalent, homeless residence in the 6 months prior to the study, longer period of homelessness, history of arrest and juvenile detention, earning income through informal sources, history of physical abuse, alcohol/drug addiction, and resilience characteristics. Quantitative findings were expanded upon with data from in-depth interviews with 145 of these homeless emerging adults regarding their reasons and motivations for transience. Identifying predictors of transience will facilitate customizing interventions that, when needed, aim to stabilize homeless emerging adults, prevent their mobility, and/or offer mobile services to them on the road. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Prior research reveals high unemployment rates among homeless youth. The literature offers many examples of using evidence-informed and evidence-based supported employment models with vulnerable populations to assist them in obtaining and maintaining employment and concurrently addressing mental health challenges. However, there are few examples to date of these models with homeless youth with mental illness. The purpose of this article was thus to describe a methodology for establishing a university–agency research partnership to design, implement, evaluate, and replicate evidence-informed and evidence-based interventions with homeless youth with mental illness to enhance their employment, mental health, and functional outcomes. Data from two studies are used to illustrate the relationship between vocational skill-building/employment and mental health among homeless youth. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications of conducting community-based participatory employment and clinical intervention research. The author highlights the opportunities and tensions associated with this approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study exploring the criminal behavior of homeless young people and examining the correlates of arrest activity among homeless young adults disparate regions of U.S. Results showed that 42.6 percent of study population reported severe arrest activity and that the overall mediation effect from length of time homeless to arrest activity accounted for 11 percent of the total effect from length of time homeless to arrest activity. The study also demonstrated that young adults who were homeless for a longer time were highly involved in criminal behavior, than those who were homeless for shorter durations.

This mixed-methods study identified correlates of unemployment among homeless young adults in five cities. Two hundred thirty-eight homeless young people from Los Angeles (n = 50), Austin (n = 50), Denver (n = 50), New Orleans (n = 50), and St. Louis (n = 38) were recruited using comparable sampling strategies. Multivariate logistic regression results indicate that homeless young adults were more likely to be unemployed if they had been on the streets longer, currently lived on the streets, earned an income from panhandling, and were addicted to drugs. Quantitative findings are expanded on with focus-group data from a group of homeless young people in Los Angeles regarding their challenges in locating and maintaining employment. Employment-related barriers for this population include prior homelessness, geographic transience, previous felonies, mental illness, and addiction. Findings suggest that homeless young adults’ employment status and use of specific income-generating activities may be influenced by demographic, environmental, and geographic contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study assessed the prevalence and correlates of behaviors used by homeless young people to survive on the streets. Survival behaviors include prostitution, selling blood or plasma, dealing drugs, stealing, and panhandling. One hundred ninety-six homeless young adults from 4 metropolitan areas-Los Angeles, CA ( n = 50); Austin, TX ( n = 50); Denver, CO ( n = 50); and St. Louis, MO ( n = 46)-participated in individual, semistructured, face-to-face interviews. Researchers predicted that youth transience would be related to high rates of survival behaviors. Multivariate logistic regression was used to test a model predicting relationships between survival behaviors and transience, employment, substance use, and social support. Young adults who were transient, unemployed, drug-addicted, and reliant on peers for help were more likely to use these survival behaviors. In addition, among the transient subsample, being White, more reliant on peers for help, more transient, and having been victimized were associated with high use of these survival behaviors. Identification of the environmental and demographic factors associated with survival behaviors suggests that there may be value in combining harm-reduction strategies with efforts to reduce the transience of homeless young adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to compare measures of addiction and transience among street youth in three disparate urban areas: Los Angeles, California; Austin, Texas; and St. Louis, Missouri. Street youth from Los Angeles ( n = 50), Austin ( n = 50) and St. Louis ( n = 46) were recruited using comparable engagement strategies. Youth were interviewed concerning use of alcohol and other substances and their level of transience. Youth from each city were compared using chi-squares and multinomial logistic regression. Results reveal that youth in each city differed in ethnicity, age, educational status, length of time homeless, and substance abuse and dependence. Comparisons across youth in three cities suggest that length of homelessness and drug dependence/abuse significantly differentiate between low, moderate and high transience. Understanding the heterogeneity of this population as well as the relationship between addiction and transience has implications for providing national substance abuse responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) within five U.S. cities, the CSEC Community Intervention Project (CCIP) was created to enhance collaboration among nongovernmental organization (NGO) representatives, law enforcement officials and prosecutors in Chicago, Atlantic City, Denver, Washington, D.C., and San Diego. A total of 211 participants were surveyed during a 3-day CCIP training institute held in each city. Evaluation data suggest that participants were positively influenced in their knowledge, skills, and attitudes regarding CSEC. Our findings inform NGO representatives, law enforcement officials, and prosecutors of the importance of professional training and the benefits of cross-disciplinary collaboration in addressing CSEC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the psychosocial and behavioral adjustment outcomes associated with verbal, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse among homeless young adults as well as the associations among abuse types. Convenience sampling was used to select 28 homeless young adults (ages 18 to 24) from one drop-in center. Overall, subjects experienced high rates of direct abuse (that is, verbal, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse) and indirect abuse (that is, witnessing family verbal and physical abuse). Chi-square tests revealed that proportions of clinical depression, internalizing and externalizing behaviors, alcohol use, and foster care history were higher among subjects who experienced abuse than among those without reported abuse histories. The findings suggest that homeless young adults experience coexisting types of direct and indirect abuse, which can negatively influence outcomes related to their psychosocial functioning and behavioral adjustment. An inclusive multi-type abuse approach, with both direct and indirect abuse types, is needed to draw accurate conclusions regarding the effects of each specific abuse type on homeless young adults' psychological and behavioral adjustment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative study used data from the Social Enterprise Intervention (SEI) pilot study, a comprehensive vocational training program with integrated clinical services for homeless youth. In-depth interviews were conducted with 28 homeless youth participating in the SEI study to explore their perceptions of family environment characteristics and abuse experiences. The constant comparative method was used to analyze transcripts from in-depth interviews with the youth participants. Emergent themes related to family characteristics include home instability, abandonment, and caregiver substance abuse. Abuse-related subthemes include intrafamilial abuse, caregiver abuse, rejection, and deprecation by caregivers. Grounded theory is used to interpret findings and develop working hypotheses to guide future studies of multitype maltreatment among homeless youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative study of Kenyan non-governmental organizations (NGOs) identified strengths and challenges associated with service provision to orphans and vulnerable children (OVC). From September to December 2006, data were collected by Kenyan research assistants in 34 NGOs in Nairobi and Eldoret. In-depth interviews were used to explore the perceptions of directors and staff in relation to organizational strengths and challenges in serving OVC. Structuration theory and template analysis were used to identify higher-order codes related to strengths and challenges of human agents, organizations and societal forces. Emergent themes and supporting interview quotations are presented to highlight common patterns across organizations, including strengths such as staff commitment, client outcomes, and resourceful communities, as well as challenges such as lack of staff, funding, and parental involvement. Through the analysis we uncover insights about the recursive relationship between micro and macro realities in Kenyan NGOs and the accompanying human and social transformations that result from providing services to OVC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a critical synthesis of the empirical literature on the girl child. The often-cited issues faced by this population include the lack of access to education and health care, commercial sexual exploitation, and harmful cultural practices such as female genital mutilation and forced marriage. Despite frequent accounts cited in the literature, there has been no prior comprehensive review of issues encountered by the girl child or accompanying solutions. Adopting the systematic review method, the authors examine 16 empirical studies in relation to their geographic settings, definitions of the girl child, research methods, issues explored, and findings. Recommendations for future research are offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative evaluation of the Social Enterprise Intervention (SEI), a vocational training program for homeless young adults, used summative focus-group data to understand clients' perceptions of outcomes as a result of SEI participation. Data from formative focus-group discussions were also used to assess the intervention process and make necessary changes during the program. Over four months, two process- and one outcomes-oriented focus-group discussions were conducted with street-living young adults in the SEI Program. Open-ended questions were used to explore perceptions of project implementation and client outcomes. Emergent outcomes-related themes include family respect, self-esteem, goal-orientation, labor and social networks, delinquent behavior and societal perceptions of homeless youth. Grounded theory is used to interpret findings and develop working hypotheses to guide future studies of vocational interventions for street-living youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores programs and outcomes for homeless street youth in faith-based organizations in Los Angeles, Mumbai and Nairobi. Findings reveal differences in conceptions of street youth and services provided. Similarities are manifested in client outcomes. Recommendations are offered to improve social welfare policies and service provision for street youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To reduce mental health symptoms and high-risk behaviors and increase social support and service utilization among street-living youth, the authors conducted a pilot study to assess the feasibility of the social enterprise intervention (SEI) at a homeless youth agency. Method: Convenience sampling was used to recruit 16 street-living youth from the agency. SEI participants received 7 months of vocational and small business training and service referrals. A comparison sample of 12 agency youth was used. Results: Findings from independent sample t tests demonstrate that SEI participants displayed significant improvements at 9 months in life satisfaction, family contact, peer support, and depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Preliminary findings suggest that the SEI was feasible within the agency setting and associated with higher mental health and social outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study sought to determine which "faith" elements exist in faith-based programs for homeless youth and how these concepts are defined according to staff and youth clients. Descriptions of client outcomes across programs are also explored. Quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews were conducted with 22 staff and 11 clients from 11 faith-based programs for homeless youth in Los Angeles. Common themes that emerged include using faith to instill hope in clients, non-church-related religious practices and spiritual growth in clients. Grounded theory is used to interpret findings and develop hypotheses to inform future research on faith and outcomes. Implications for social work are offered to guide practitioners and researchers in designing, implementing and evaluating effective faith-based practices for homeless youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study tested a model of the effects of different predictors on individuals' levels of fear of crime in Dallas neighborhoods. Given its dual focus on individual perceptions and community-level interactions, social capital theory was selected as the most appropriate framework to explore fear of crime within the neighborhood milieu. A structural equation model was developed and tested. Several positive influences of social capital on lowering fear were identified, including police presence in the neighborhood, social support networks, neighborhood satisfaction, and collective efficacy. This study suggests that social capital can be mobilized as a public safety, community resource in high-crime neighborhoods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homeless, street-dwelling youths are an at-risk population who often use survival behaviors to meet their basic needs. The traditional outreach approach brings services into the streets, yet does not adequately replace the youths' high-risk behaviors. Similarly, job training programs often fail to address the mental health issues that constitute barriers to their productive employment. Drawing on social development principles, the Social Enterprise Intervention (SEI) model is proposed as an alternative approach. The SEI seeks the tripartite effect of employment, service-related, and mental health outcomes for street youths. This article compares existing intervention models and suggests that through the SEI, homeless youths can acquire vocational and business skills, clinical mentorship, and linkages to services that otherwise would not be available to them, given their street-dwelling status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to a recent call for research on the effectiveness of faith-based organizations, this article synthesizes how effectiveness has been defined and measured in evaluation research of faith-based programs. Although evidence indicates that religion can have a positive impact on individuals' well-being, no prior comprehensive review exists of the literature on the effectiveness of faith-based social service programs. Adopting the systematic review method, the authors explore how researchers have conceptualized and operationalized effectiveness and faith. The authors identify trends and limitations across studies and conclude with implications for researchers and practitioners interested in examining and delivering faith-based social services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study sought to determine which faith elements exist in faith-based programs for homeless and street-living youth in Los Angeles, Mumbai and Nairobi and how these concepts are defined according to staff and youth clients. Descriptions of client outcomes across programs are also explored. Quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews were conducted with 22 staff and 11 clients from 11 faith-based programs for homeless youth in Los Angeles. In Mumbai and Nairobi, 6 staff and 12 youth were interviewed from 3 faith-based programs in each city. Findings reveal similarities across cities in services, faith components and client outcomes. Differences are noted in the influence of the socio-political context on service provision. Recommendations are offered to guide faith-based organizations in designing and improving services for homeless and street-living youth. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Empirical precedents indicate the positive impact of income-generating initiatives on the lives of vulnerable populations around the world. However, there is limited research on such interventions with street-working children. A social development model is proposed for street-working children and their parents as a means to curb child street migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores whether family and community social capital variables influence children's school status in Mexico. Additional predictors related to human and financial capital were included as control variables. Two hundred and four mothers were interviewed as part of a larger study on the impact of social capital on children's street work in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico. Logistic regression results suggest that family and community protective factors associated with children's academic achievement include parental help with homework, mothers’ academic aspirations, extended family support and mothers’ social support networks. The author reports on family- and community-based predictors of children's school status and discusses the social work profession's role in strengthening families and communities to enhance children's academic achievement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on social capital literature from the international realm, this article presents a critical synthesis of this social resource in relation to children's and youth's wellbeing. Although considerable evidence indicates that social capital can have a positive impact on future outcomes for children and youth, no prior comprehensive review exists of the literature on social capital and children's wellbeing. Adopting the systematic review method (SR), the author explores how social capital has been conceptualised and operationalised as an explanatory variable in research on individual and collective wellbeing with children and youth. Oft-cited indicators of family social capital and community social capital are identified, together with common control variables, such as human and financial capital. The author concludes by examining several social capital trends in relation to children's wellbeing and offering recommendations for future research using a social capital theoretical framework to explore additional outcomes related to children's and youth's wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In light of the limitations of existing models of social work exchange, an alternative multidirectional model of technology transfer is presented. Based on social development principles, this model would be effective in depicting the global dissemination of initiatives originating in developing countries that are successfully applied in the developed world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information about Covenant House, a non-governmental, social action organization assisting homeless children in the United States, which is compared and contrasted with its Latin American counterpart organization, Casa Alianza, which services street-living and street-working children throughout Mexico and Central America. These reflections by children living on the streets across the Americas illustrate some of the diverse micro and macro push-pull factors that contribute to the migration of children to the streets as well as to their difficulty in exiting the streets and reintegrating back into their family and community environments. The social, cultural, economic and political factors that propel children into a life on the streets largely differ with each child and within each country. However, these children throughout urban cities in both North and Latin America share the reality of struggle, hardship and exclusion in their homes as well as in the streets. This paper aims to portray how a social action organization, Covenant House, has emerged and developed over the past three decades in response to the homeless and street-living children populations within both the United States and Latin America.

Unique service needs exist for expectant or parenting youth with foster care histories (EPY) and their families. Informed by Critical Ecological Systems Theory (CEST), this exploratory qualitative study presents findings from an inductive content analysis of in‐depth interviews and focus groups with EPY and service providers. The study included nine in‐depth face‐to‐face interviews with service providers (n = 5) and EPY (n = 4) as well as five focus groups with service providers (n = 23) and three with EPY (n = 7) to identify the characteristics of service providers, agencies and systems that may act as barriers to service utilization among EPY with a foster care history (n = 10) or juvenile justice history (n = 1). Service provider characteristics included negative attitudes towards EPY and/or those with child welfare experiences. Agency characteristics included a lack of workforce diversity, employee turnover, lack of training about diverse communities, restrictive enrolment processes and eligibility requirements, lack of childcare and transportation and limited accessibility of services. System characteristics included a lack of up‐to‐date information about existing services, territorialism, funding sources that do not prioritize interagency collaboration and a lack of communication/coordination among agencies. Implications include hiring and retaining a diverse workforce, providing training about diverse communities and implicit biases concerning young parents, developing navigation services specifically for EPY and developing processes for sharing data and communicating across systems that interact with EPY. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case study of a 60-year-old woman with recurrent metastatic breast cancer, is presented. Topics include healthcare team delays cycle 2 of palbociclib by an additional two weeks and resumes the cycle after Susan's skin reaction resolves; and studies with larger cohorts are needed to investigate who develops skin toxicity and whether to hold palbociclib around radiation.

Opportunity youths (OY) are youths between 16 and 24 years of age who are neither in school nor working. Research suggests that youth disconnection can have negative consequences on youths' well-being, their communities, and the economy at large. The existing literature however neglects the underlying socio-demographic and economic factors that systematically contribute to the cause of youth disconnection in the United States. This study aims to explore the characteristics associated with youth disconnection and their spatially varying effects in different regions across the contiguous United States. Using data from the 2015 to 2019 5-year American Community Survey Public Use Microdata Sample, results suggest that areas with higher percentages of OY are located in the Sunbelt region (e.g., southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, and Georgia). Moreover, a multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) analysis illustrated spatially varying relationships with disconnection, demonstrating that factors have unique effects across different geographic areas. The potential impact of intersectionality for OY by race and ethnicity, ability, nationality, language, income, and parenting status is discussed. These results highlight the influence of local contexts in creating and reinforcing youth disconnection as well as informing responses to local support services for OY. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Extreme heat and air pollution are important human health concerns; exposure can affect mental and physical well-being, particularly during periods of co-occurrence. Yet, the impacts on people are largely determined by underlying health conditions, coupled with the length and intensity of exposure. Preexisting adverse health conditions and prolonged exposure times are more common for people experiencing homelessness, particularly those with intersectional identity characteristics (e.g., disease, ability, age, etc.). Partially due to methodological limitations, such as data scarcity, there is a lack of research at the intersection of this at-risk population within the climate-health domain. OBJECTIVES: We have three distinct objectives throughout this article: a) to advance critical discussions around the state of concurrent high heat and air pollution exposure research as it relates to people experiencing homelessness; b) to assert the importance of heat and air pollution exposure research among a highly vulnerable, too-often homogenized population—people experiencing homelessness; and c) to underline challenges in this area of study while presenting potential ways to address such shortcomings. DISCUSSION: The health insights from concurrent air pollution and heat exposure studies are consequential when studying unhoused communities who are already overexposed to harmful environmental conditions. Without holistic data sets and more advanced methods to study concurrent exposures, appropriate and targeted prevention and intervention strategies cannot be developed to protect this at-risk population. We highlight that a) concurrent high heat and air pollution exposure research among people experiencing homelessness is significantly underdeveloped considering the pressing human health implications; b) the severity of physiological responses elicited by high heat and air pollution are predicated on exposure intensity and time, and thus people without means of seeking climate-controlled shelter are most at risk; and c) collaboration among transdisciplinary teams is needed to resolve data resolution issues and enable targeted prevention and intervention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expectant or parenting youth (EPY) with foster care histories are often in need of a range of services yet experience barriers to accessing and utilizing those services. This exploratory qualitative study was informed by ecological systems theory and utilized interviews and focus groups with EPY (n = 11) and service providers (n = 28) to identify factors that facilitate service utilization for EPY. We found characteristics at the service provider, agency, and system levels that act as facilitators. Service provider characteristics that facilitate service use include empathy and trustworthiness, supportive navigation, and youth-centeredness. Agency facilitators included representative diversity and inclusivity, trauma-informed training and practice, and availability of tangible supports. System facilitators included having a variety of service providers, systems integration, and co-location. Findings provide a more nuanced understanding of the facilitators that contribute to EPY's service utilization. Future research is warranted to examine how these youth- and provider-identified drivers of service use influence health, mental health, parenting, education, relationships, employment, and housing outcomes for EPY. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Young adults experiencing homelessness (YAEH) engage in substantially higher substance use rates than housed young adults. This current study builds on previous research by investigating the prevalence of and salient correlates of illicit substance use across a seven-city sample. Methods: This study used the Homeless Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey (HYRRS) dataset, n =1426 Young adults experiencing homelessness to study patterns and correlates of illicit substance use. Results: Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess correlates of substance use. Study site, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, history of suicidal ideation, use of specific substances, and trading sex for drugs were associated with five types of illicit substance use (ecstasy, cocaine, crack, methamphetamine, and injection drug use). Conclusion: Findings indicate that substance use interventions for YAEH must be multifaceted, addressing illicit and multiple substance use, along with the myriad factors associated with substance use among this at-risk group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quality standards assessments (QSA) offer human service organizations a way to measure their performance and alignment with organizational goals and objectives. Using a case-study approach, this article demonstrates how one youth-serving coalition, aiming to provide comprehensive wrap around services, developed QSA surveys to operationalize coalition objectives and track their progress. From 2015 to 2016, this coalition created QSA surveys focusing on both provider- and youth-reported quality, each providing its own unique angle for the assessment. Factor analysis was used to identify two underlying dimensions of youth perceptions of quality, encompassing both interpersonal interactions and benefits of the services received. Correlation analyses uncovered associations between center designation and both provider- and youth-reported quality. Overall, the findings offer scholar-researchers and practitioners of human service organizations as well as youth-serving networks more broadly guides and tools for measuring service quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to identify homeless youths’ lifestyle and trauma-related risk factors as well as protective factors associated with alcohol use disorder or no disorder and drug use disorder or no disorder. Youth receiving homeless services in Denver (n= 201), Austin (n= 200), and Los Angeles (n= 200;N= 601) completed quantitative interviews assessing demographic information, alcohol and drug use, homeless lifestyle risk factors, trauma-related risk factors, and protective factors. Findings showed differences in trauma-related risk factors between alcohol and drug use disorders, but not homeless lifestyle risks. Protective factors predicted substance use disorders beyond risk factors. Understanding trauma-related risk and protective factors associated with substance use disorders could improve interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disclosure of one's suicidal thoughts is a pivotal but under-investigated mechanism for preventing suicide among young adults experiencing homelessness (YAEH). In a sample of 527 YAEH, we adopted a multi-level perspective to assess patterns and correlates of disclosure in their friendship networks. Less than one-third of YAEH disclosed their suicidal thoughts—half of them doing so during a suicidal crisis—and only disclosed to 21% of their friends. Multilevel modeling showed that YAEH who reported a history of unmet mental health needs were more likely to have disclosed to a friend, and friends who were sources of social support were most highly sought out for disclosures. Our findings highlight the need for cultivating safe environments that promote disclosures among YAEH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Young adults experiencing homelessness (YAEH) face discrimination experiences placing them at risk for negative health outcomes. Prior research demonstrates discrimination and perceived stress among YAEH, yet few studies examine the protective role of online health information-seeking (OHIS) behaviors for YAEH. This study investigated the relationship among OHIS, discrimination, and perceived stress in YAEH (N = 1,426). Descriptive analysis and hierarchical multiple regression analysis were conducted. Results indicate that discrimination was significantly related to perceived stress. OHIS moderated the relationship between discrimination and perceived stress. Findings suggest that providing digital access and creating online informational resources are important engagement strategies for YAEH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research documents that street-involved youth experience rates of trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that are significantly higher than their housed counterparts. Trauma and PTSD are of particular concern for homeless youth as they can negatively affect youths’ ability to function adaptively and to transition off the streets. This mixed-methods study investigates the intricacies of trauma experienced by homeless youth across three U.S. cities. Qualitative interviews were conducted with a sample of 145 homeless youth in Los Angeles (n = 50), Denver (n = 50), and Austin (n = 45) to explore youths’ perspectives on the definition of trauma and the contexts associated with victimization. Quantitative standardized assessments investigated youths’ trauma experiences before and after becoming homeless. Trauma screening identified high rates of trauma incidents (78%), with 28% of participants meeting criteria for PTSD. Participants reported various traumatic experiences that occurred before leaving home and while on the streets, and high rates of polyvictimization. Qualitative themes describe particular people and places most vulnerable on the streets. Implications for services to prevent and treat trauma among homeless youth are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study examined whether state-level racial disproportionality in homelessness is associated with racial disproportionality in overdose mortality.Counts of individuals experiencing homelessness (2015–2017; by state and racial/ethnic group) were obtained from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development; population estimates and counts of drug overdose deaths (2018–2021; by state and racial/ethnic group) were obtained from the National Center for Health Statistics. Homelessness and overdose mortality disproportionality scores were calculated to indicate the extent to which each racial group was over- or under- represented among those experiencing homelessness, or among overdose deaths, respectively (relative to each racial group’s proportional share in the general population). For each racial group examined, ordinary least squares regression models with robust standard errors (SEs) examined associations between state-level disproportionality in homelessness and disproportionality in overdose mortality, adjusting for percent aged 18–64 and US Census Region, as well as disproportionality in educational attainment and unemployment.State-level racial disproportionality in homelessness was significantly and positively associated with racial disproportionality in overdose mortality for Black (b = 0.16 [SE = 0.05]; p < .01), American Indian/Alaska Native (b = 0.71 [SE = 0.23]; p < .01), and Hispanic populations (b = 0.17 [SE = 0.05]; p < .01), in models adjusting for region and percent aged 18–64. The significant positive associations in these three populations persisted after adjusting for educational attainment disproportionality, yet the association was no longer significant in the Black population after adjusting for unemployment disproportionality.States with the highest levels of racial/ethnic minority overrepresentation in homelessness generally also had relatively higher levels of racial/ethnic minority overrepresentation in overdose deaths.Methods: This study examined whether state-level racial disproportionality in homelessness is associated with racial disproportionality in overdose mortality.Counts of individuals experiencing homelessness (2015–2017; by state and racial/ethnic group) were obtained from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development; population estimates and counts of drug overdose deaths (2018–2021; by state and racial/ethnic group) were obtained from the National Center for Health Statistics. Homelessness and overdose mortality disproportionality scores were calculated to indicate the extent to which each racial group was over- or under- represented among those experiencing homelessness, or among overdose deaths, respectively (relative to each racial group’s proportional share in the general population). For each racial group examined, ordinary least squares regression models with robust standard errors (SEs) examined associations between state-level disproportionality in homelessness and disproportionality in overdose mortality, adjusting for percent aged 18–64 and US Census Region, as well as disproportionality in educational attainment and unemployment.State-level racial disproportionality in homelessness was significantly and positively associated with racial disproportionality in overdose mortality for Black (b = 0.16 [SE = 0.05]; p < .01), American Indian/Alaska Native (b = 0.71 [SE = 0.23]; p < .01), and Hispanic populations (b = 0.17 [SE = 0.05]; p < .01), in models adjusting for region and percent aged 18–64. The significant positive associations in these three populations persisted after adjusting for educational attainment disproportionality, yet the association was no longer significant in the Black population after adjusting for unemployment disproportionality.States with the highest levels of racial/ethnic minority overrepresentation in homelessness generally also had relatively higher levels of racial/ethnic minority overrepresentation in overdose deaths.Results: This study examined whether state-level racial disproportionality in homelessness is associated with racial disproportionality in overdose mortality.Counts of individuals experiencing homelessness (2015–2017; by state and racial/ethnic group) were obtained from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development; population estimates and counts of drug overdose deaths (2018–2021; by state and racial/ethnic group) were obtained from the National Center for Health Statistics. Homelessness and overdose mortality disproportionality scores were calculated to indicate the extent to which each racial group was over- or under- represented among those experiencing homelessness, or among overdose deaths, respectively (relative to each racial group’s proportional share in the general population). For each racial group examined, ordinary least squares regression models with robust standard errors (SEs) examined associations between state-level disproportionality in homelessness and disproportionality in overdose mortality, adjusting for percent aged 18–64 and US Census Region, as well as disproportionality in educational attainment and unemployment.State-level racial disproportionality in homelessness was significantly and positively associated with racial disproportionality in overdose mortality for Black (b = 0.16 [SE = 0.05]; p < .01), American Indian/Alaska Native (b = 0.71 [SE = 0.23]; p < .01), and Hispanic populations (b = 0.17 [SE = 0.05]; p < .01), in models adjusting for region and percent aged 18–64. The significant positive associations in these three populations persisted after adjusting for educational attainment disproportionality, yet the association was no longer significant in the Black population after adjusting for unemployment disproportionality.States with the highest levels of racial/ethnic minority overrepresentation in homelessness generally also had relatively higher levels of racial/ethnic minority overrepresentation in overdose deaths.Conclusion: This study examined whether state-level racial disproportionality in homelessness is associated with racial disproportionality in overdose mortality.Counts of individuals experiencing homelessness (2015–2017; by state and racial/ethnic group) were obtained from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development; population estimates and counts of drug overdose deaths (2018–2021; by state and racial/ethnic group) were obtained from the National Center for Health Statistics. Homelessness and overdose mortality disproportionality scores were calculated to indicate the extent to which each racial group was over- or under- represented among those experiencing homelessness, or among overdose deaths, respectively (relative to each racial group’s proportional share in the general population). For each racial group examined, ordinary least squares regression models with robust standard errors (SEs) examined associations between state-level disproportionality in homelessness and disproportionality in overdose mortality, adjusting for percent aged 18–64 and US Census Region, as well as disproportionality in educational attainment and unemployment.State-level racial disproportionality in homelessness was significantly and positively associated with racial disproportionality in overdose mortality for Black (b = 0.16 [SE = 0.05]; p < .01), American Indian/Alaska Native (b = 0.71 [SE = 0.23]; p < .01), and Hispanic populations (b = 0.17 [SE = 0.05]; p < .01), in models adjusting for region and percent aged 18–64. The significant positive associations in these three populations persisted after adjusting for educational attainment disproportionality, yet the association was no longer significant in the Black population after adjusting for unemployment disproportionality.States with the highest levels of racial/ethnic minority overrepresentation in homelessness generally also had relatively higher levels of racial/ethnic minority overrepresentation in overdose deaths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Young adults experiencing homelessness are vulnerable to firearm violence. This study aims to explore the correlates of firearm violence involvement among this vulnerable population, which may inform firearm violence reduction intervention development.Methods: Between 2016 and 2017, young adults experiencing homelessness aged 18-26 years (N=1,426) were recruited in 7 U.S. cities. Respondents completed a self-administered computer-assisted anonymous survey regarding their homeless experiences and violence involvement. Separate multivariate logistic regression models were conducted in 2020 to explore the correlates of direct firearm violence victimization, witness of firearm violence, and firearm violence perpetration.Results: A high proportion of young adults experiencing homelessness were involved in firearm violence (witnessing firearm violence: 40%; direct firearm violence victimization: 28%; perpetration: 18%). Stressful experiences, such as childhood trauma and street victimization, were associated with greater odds of firearm violence involvement. Black (OR=2.4, p<0.001) and Latinx (OR=2.0, p<0.05) young adults had greater odds of experiencing direct firearm violence victimization than White young adults. Black (OR=2.0, p<0.01) and Latinx (OR=2.4, p<0.001) young adults were also at greater risk of witnessing firearm violence. Young adults with mental illness had greater odds of being directly victimized by firearm violence (OR=1.7, p<0.01).Conclusions: Given the inter-related nature of firearm violence involvement and given that risk factors for violence are often embedded in social and structural contexts, multipronged community-based approaches to prevent firearm violence among young adults experiencing homelessness are necessary. Targeted efforts may be indicated to attenuate the risk and promote resilience among subgroups of young adults experiencing homelessness who are disproportionately affected by firearm violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Opportunity youth (i.e. ages 16–24 who are neither working nor in school) are difficult to engage in services. Population-level data and Geographic Information System (GIS) technology play a critical role in helping social work practitioners understand where target populations reside and which characteristics are most salient to their service needs. This case study of the Opportunities for Youth Coalition demonstrates the use of population-level data and GIS technology in social work research and practice. We describe the collective impact approach, extant methods of youth outreach, and the Coalition's efforts to address youth disconnection. We used American Community Survey data, ArcGIS software, and hot spot analysis to answer three research questions. Findings: In the Phoenix Metro Area, there are 75,200 opportunity youth. Greater percentages of youth of color are opportunity youth in comparison with White youth. One in three individuals who have limited English proficiency and who have a disability are opportunity youth. Nearly one in five individuals living in poverty is an opportunity youth. We identify the top five high population density areas for opportunity youth. Further, we highlight three ways that the Coalition's use of data and GIS technology has enhanced youths' and service providers' engagement: (1) increased referrals, (2) increased involvement of organizations, and (3) increased understanding of special populations. Applications: We discuss the benefits and challenges of using population data and GIS technology to guide youth engagement. We conclude with strategies for community practitioners to replicate in other geographic areas and with other hard-to-reach populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]