NCJ Number
144000
Date Published
1993
Length
160 pages
Annotation
Based upon the experiences and information supplied by service providers, this manual describes the varied activities, knowledge, and skills an outreach program needs to provide services to homeless youth living on the streets.
Abstract
A chapter on the nature of the problem describes life on the streets, the scope of the problem, why the juveniles are on the street and why they stay there, and the street subculture and hierarchy. A chapter on how to address the problem profiles the principles of streetwork with homeless youth. Topics discussed in this chapter are the role of a streetworker, nonjudgmental engagement, the development of trust, advocacy and access, counseling and client education, and referral resources and assessment. Two streetwork programs are described. Another chapter provides guidelines for planning a streetwork program. Issues considered are community assessment, community planning, problems to anticipate, timing the start, the target group, funding, evaluation, and data forms. Other chapters focus on the building and operation of the outreach team, steps in contacting youth on the streets, direct services on the street, ancillary services, and serving culturally diverse youth. The concluding chapter profiles Alaska's streetwork program. Appended supplementary material, including a survey instrument, program guidelines, and guidelines for counseling gay youth