Abstract
ABSTRACTWith problem-oriented approaches to practice, policy and research, youth considered to be ‘at-risk’ are not often viewed from a strengths-based perspective. Explorations of youths’ strengths are critical to help create environments where youth can flourish. The purpose of this research was to explore the resilience, healthy capabilities and strengths of youth at risk; from youth and staff perspectives across three community-based organizations in Western Canada. Through 17 interviews analyzed using hermeneutics, and further interpretation using metaphor development, stories arose of a journey progressing from loss and despair to fostering hope. The importance of youth having a voice and being included in decision-making was both a strength and a way of building strengths in youth. Multiple-level recommendations to help mediate the challenges and systems failures identified in these youths’ journeys were identified; with an end goal of creating healthier futures for youth and a society in which they feel they belong.
Highlights
Introduction and background literatureYouth in conflict with the law have often been described as vulnerable or ‘at-risk’ due to poor mental health, high rates of violence, substance use, risky sexual behaviour, poor educational achievements, early school leaving, social deprivation, poverty, and poor social relationships (Carr & Vandiver, 2001; Sanders, Schneiderman, Loken, Lankenau, & Bloom, 2009; Watson, Kelly, & Vidalon, 2009)
Hermeneutics is described as the theory and practice of interpretation (Gadamer, 2007), with its philosophical guidance occurring through a search for meanings
Transcripts are read using a hermeneutic circle of interpretation, which includes examining the whole text for an initial understanding, examining parts to inform and adjust the understanding of the whole in a continuous process (Koch, 1996)
Summary
Introduction and background literatureYouth in conflict with the law have often been described as vulnerable or ‘at-risk’ due to poor mental health, high rates of violence, substance use, risky sexual behaviour, poor educational achievements, early school leaving, social deprivation, poverty, and poor social relationships (Carr & Vandiver, 2001; Sanders, Schneiderman, Loken, Lankenau, & Bloom, 2009; Watson, Kelly, & Vidalon, 2009). Youth involved in foster care systems are less likely to complete high school, experience difficulties maintaining employment, and have higher rates of poverty, homelessness, substance use and mental health problems (Ponciano, 2013). These can be significant burdens, problem-oriented approaches to practice, policy and research focused solely on these issues ignore important social contexts and label these youth as deficient or deviant (Bender, Thompson, McManus, Lantry, & Flynn, 2007). Youth programs, schools, systems and even societies rarely document youths’ strengths, or monitor positive outcomes or positive development (Park, 2009; Ponciano, 2013)
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