The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #63167

Von E. Nebbitt, MSW, George Warren Brown School of Social Work, Washington University, Campus Box 1196, One Brookings, Dr, St. Louis, MO 63130-4899, Laura E. House, PhD, Social Work, Washington University, Washington University, Campus Box 1196, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, Sanna J. Thompson, PhD, School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin, Substance Abuse Research Development Program, 1717 W. 6th St. Suite 240, Austin, TX 78703, and David E. Pollio, PhD, School of Social Work, Washington University, One Brookings Dr., Box 1196, St. Louis, MO 63130-4899, (314) 935-7516, depollio@gwbmail.wustl.edu.

Quantitative research indicates that runaway and homeless youth often achieve positive outcomes after shelter stays. However, few studies adequately capture the complex process through which these positive outcomes are achieved. The purpose of this study is to employ qualitative methods to examine runaway/homeless youth making successful transitions from shelter care into family environments and/or independent living.

Seven runaway/homeless youth shelters in three midwestern cities recruited and provided space to conduct focus groups and semi-structured interviews. Forty-six interviews were conducted involving both youth and service providers. Data were analyzed using qualitative software and coded by multiple raters, examining and explicating the themes identified and described.

Family, parental, and youth factors were linked to successful youth transitions. For families, these included involvement, support, and motivation, including a greater sense of openness, acceptance and trust. For parents, participation in counseling sessions enhanced family communication and problem-solving skills. For resilient youth, interest in reestablishing peer relationships and perceived quality of services led to successful transitions. Youth also reported fear of negative future outcomes, loss of freedom, restricted interactions with friends, quality of services, and greater family appreciation influenced successful transitions.

By incorporating family/parent-based services in shelter care and providing comprehensive, relevant, and quality services to youth and families, practitioners and organizations have the potential to influence decision-making among youth and ultimately contribute to successful reunification with families or entry into independent living.

Learning Objectives:

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, attendees will be able to:
• Describe resilient characteristics of runaway/homeless youth who are reunited with their families or achieve independent living;
• Delineate aspects of programs in run-away and homeless shelters in urban and suburban areas for run-away/homeless youth that foster resilience and elasticity in youth;
• Understand how parental participation and support influence or impacts the decision of run-away/homeless youth to seek more stable housing.

Keywords: Adolescents, Homelessness

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.