Social Service Providers Research Articles

Can text messages reduce incarceration in rural and vulnerable populations?

AbstractReducing failures to appear (FTA) in court is a top priority for criminal justice practitioners and advocates. However, existing work on reducing FTAs through text message reminders focuses on large urban jurisdictions and defendants who are housed. Using a field study in Shasta County, California, we evaluate whether text message outreach can increase court appearances for housed and unhoused populations. We find housed defendants randomly assigned to the treatment group were 10% less likely to miss their next scheduled court date than defendants in the control group. We find no statistical difference in the FTA rate of unhoused individuals assigned to treatment or control groups, and cannot rule out large positive or negative effects. We find that improving the quality of contact information in court records could lead to large reductions in FTAs. Partnering with local social service providers may not, but more research is needed.

Experiences of interpersonal violence among a diverse sample of male sex workers

A notable portion of men who have sex with men engage in exchange sex—i.e. the trading of sex for money, drugs, shelter or other material goods. Despite the risks for physical and sexual violence, threatening behaviour and robbery that male sex workers confront, very little is known about their experiences of such actions by clients. To gain more insight into male sex workers’ experiences of interpersonal violence, we analysed qualitative interview data from 180 men who have sex with men from 8 US cities who engaged in sex work with clients they had met primarily through dating/hookup websites and apps. Participants discussed their experiences of a range of untoward behaviours by clients including physical violence, sexual violence, threats and robbery. Healthcare and social services providers can play a significant role in violence prevention among male sex workers. The decriminalisation of sex work could also potentially reduce the risks many sex workers face by facilitating their reporting of harms suffered.

Public Service providers’ Perspectives on and Responses to the Health and Social Consequences of Gentrification in Atlanta, Georgia

Service providers’ perspectives on, and responses to the health and social impacts of gentrification have been underexplored. This study’s objectives were to assess health and social service providers’ perspectives on the causes and impacts of gentrification and their responses to gentrification’s impacts. Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with 15 service providers sampled using maximum variation and snowball sampling, in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. Inductive thematic analysis was used. Providers characterized gentrification as increases in community-level social and economic advantage and displacement of Black and Brown people. Neighborhood divestment and speculative development were reported determinants of gentrification. Revitalization and economic growth were reported positive effects of gentrification; negative ramifications included inflated housing costs, residential displacement, and reduced access to health and social services. Providers enacted multiple solutions to mitigate the negative consequences they observed, including educating residents on housing rights and collaborating with other organizations to expand outreach to displaced residents. Service providers are integral to contributing to knowledge on the causes and impacts of gentrification, and absolving problems resulting from gentrification. Additional research documenting service provider’s responses to the impacts of gentrification are needed to inform how future community development strategies are developed to create more benefits than harms.

COVID-19 and Migrant Coping Strategies: A Person in Environment Perspective on Experiences of Malawian Migrants Living in South Africa

International migrants, particularly those migrating between and among developing countries (South-South migration), continue to experience increased vulnerabilities as social services in host countries are inadequate. Using the Person in Environment (PiE) framework, the study explored coping strategies adopted by Malawian migrants living in South Africa during the Covid-19 pandemic. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with Malawian migrants (n = 24), and key stakeholders (n = 5). Data were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically using NVivo12. Migrants expressed reliance on self-help attitudes by remaining focused on their goals and staying positive. Participants used social support through informal networks (family, friends, and neighbors) including Malawian migrant social groups. Migrants also expressed dependence on the church and international aid organizations for informational support and to leverage national-level resources. Most importantly, the Ubuntu cultural philosophy provided them with the strength to stick together and support one another in the face of adversaries. These findings underscored the need for national policies that support underserved populations with resources to build networks of communities of coping that can reduce the risk of health threats during pandemics. Further research, on the provision of social services, and with a more diverse population of South-South migrants living in South Africa, is needed.

ЦИФРОВІ СОЦІАЛЬНІ СЕРВІСИ У МЕНЕДЖМЕНТІ СОЦІАЛЬНОГО ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ

The article is dedicated to the analysis of digital social services and their role in social maintenance management. The concept of digitalization is explored, and its specific interpretation in the field of social maintenance has been defined as the process of organizing, using, and processing information in digital format to enhance customer service in a convenient and secure environment for citizens. The main tasks of social protection in Ukraine have been disclosed. Factors influencing the processes of digitalization in the country have been examined. The issues regarding the establishment of digitalization in social maintenance in Ukraine have been investigated, and suggestions for its improvement have been provided. The key stages of digitization in the social sphere have been outlined. A range of problems addressed by the digitalization of social maintenance has been highlighted. A comparative analysis of social service provision before and after the implementation of the Unified information system of the social sphere has been conducted. The feasibility of using digital social services such as the Unified State Open Data Portal, the State Services Guide, the "Diia" Application, and the "eDopomoha" Platform for social welfare management tasks has been justified. A series of obstacles to consider during the implementation and usage of digital social services have been identified, including the digital divide, insufficient competencies and skills, confidentiality and data protection concerns, inadequate infrastructure, and technical support levels, as well as legal aspects. Further directions for the development of digital social services in Ukraine have been outlined, which include enhancing their accessibility, convenience, and effectiveness, fostering innovation and creating new services, promoting inclusivity, and building an informed society

The effects of digitalisation on health and social care work: a qualitative descriptive study of the perceptions of professionals and managers

BackgroundToday, digitalisation is strongly present in health and social care, and it increasingly affects the organisation of work, work requirements, tasks and tools. Due to the constant change in work, up-to-date knowledge is needed about these micro-level effects of digitalisation and how professionals experience the effects in their work.Furthermore, even though managers play a key role in implementing new digital services, their perceptions of the effects of digitalisation and whether they match the views of professionals remain unknown. This study examined how health and social care professionals and managers perceive the effects of digitalisation on the work of professionals.MethodsWe used a qualitative approach and conducted eight semi-structured focus group interviews with health and social care professionals (n = 30) and 21 individual interviews with managers in 2020 in four health centres in Finland. The qualitative content analysis included both an inductive and a deductive approach.ResultsDigitalisation was perceived to have changed professionals’ 1) workload and pace, 2) the field and nature of work, 3) work community communication and interaction, and 4) information flow and security. Both professionals and managers identified effects such as accelerated work, reduction in workload, constant learning of technical skills, complicated work due to vulnerable information systems, and reduction in face-to-face encounters. However, managers did not bring up all the effects that professionals considered important, such as the creation of new work tasks, increased and duplicated work, or insufficient time to get acquainted with the systems.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that some of the effects of digitalisation on professionals’ work and changes in the workplace may receive too little or no recognition from managers. This increases the risk that the potential negative effects may be overlooked and that managers will adopt systems that do not support the work of professionals. To reach a common understanding of the effects of digitalisation, continuous discussions between employees and different management levels are required. This contributes to professionals’ well-being and adaptation to changes, as well as the provision of quality health and social services.

Disparities in the Distribution of Social Programs for Expectant and Parenting Teens (EPTS) in Washington DC - A Review

Background: Although the teen birth rate declined to a low record in 2017 of 18.8 births per 1000 females ages 15-19, compared to other developed countries, it is still high [3,4]. Teen pregnancy can cause emotional, psychological and educational challenges, as well as affect the life and opportunities of young mothers and their children. Access to quality social services, plays an important role in supporting the health and well-being of adolescents and promoting health equity. Some teens face barriers in accessing these services. Geographically, Washington DC has eight wards, with significant disparities in socioeconomic conditions and population health. Aim: The objective of this study is to explore the distribution of community programs for Expectant and Parenting Teens in Washington DC by wards. Materials and Methods: We conducted computerized searches of PubMed, PsycINFO, Sociological Abstracts, CINAHL, and Cochrane Reviews to identify programs in Washington DC that provide services to adolescent parents, published in English from 1990 to December 2022. Search terms include: Washington DC, Ward, Teen parents, Social services, Community program. We identified and compiled locations of social service providers by wards across Washington DC, using findhelp directory (findhelp.org). Results: We identified 34 programs located in the different wards in Washington, District of Columbia. We identified 10 major interventions. These can be categorized into 10 domains of need involving (a) pregnancy and parenting support and services, (b) adoption resources, (c) housing resources for teen parents in foster care, (d) housing resources for teen parents not in foster care, (e) health care resources for young families, (f) education resources, (g) public benefits, (h) childcare resources, (i) early learning resources and (j) resources for fathers. There is a disparity in Program providers and interventions/services by wards in Washington DC.

About the system of institutions providing social services to persons affected by human trafficking

The article examines the system of providing social services for persons affected by human trafficking. Based on the analysis of legislative norms, the necessity of making changes and additions to the Law of Ukraine «On combating human trafficking» is substantiated.It is proposed to set out Art. 17 of the Law of Ukraine «On Combating Human Trafficking» in terms of ensuring the rights of persons who have suffered from human trafficking in the following wording: “In order to ensure the realization of the rights provided for by this Law, persons who have suffered from human trafficking may be referred to one of the existing networks centers of social services, centers of social service (provision of social services), centers of social and psychological assistance. The conditions of stay and provision of services to persons affected by human trafficking by the existing network of social service centers, territorial centers of social services (provision of social services), centers for social and psychological rehabilitation of children and shelters for children, centers of social and psychological assistance are regulated by the provisions of the specified institutions . Social services are provided free of charge only with the consent of the injured person or an incapacitated person - with the consent of the body of guardianship and guardianship in the event that such a person has not been appointed a legal representative. The content and scope of social services for each affected person is determined individually depending on their needs and is specified in the contract on the provision of social services in accordance with the standards for providing social services to affected persons, which are approved by the central executive body, which ensures the formation of state policy in the field of prevention and counter-trafficking people, taking into account the requirements of international legal acts». Also taking into account the fact that in Ukraine, persons with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to falling into the situation of human trafficking; persons with injuries, serious illnesses or health disorders (especially mental); elderly people and teenagers; members of lowincome families; representatives of national minorities [3], in our opinion, it is also necessary to resolve the issue of the involvement of guardianship and care authorities for incapacitated persons in the event that such a person has not been appointed a legal representative. The provisions of the Law of Ukraine “On Prevention and Combating Domestic Violence” dated 07.12.2017 No. 2229-VIII can serve as an example, in particular, Article 17 of this act.

Effect of banditry on the livelihood of maize farmers in Katsina State

In recent years, Nigeria witnessed a spate of bandit attacks which affected the livelihood and agricultural productivity of farmers. This research assessed the effect of armed banditry on the livelihood of maize farmers in Katsina state. The study employed a cross sectional design and multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 196 maize farmers. Statistical tools used for the study were mean, frequency, percentages and t-test. The mean age of the farmers was 37years, majority (88.8%) were male while 11.2% werefemales, 87.8% were married, and their mean farm size was 2.45hectares. Their mean farming experience was 14years and 90% had farming as their major occupation. The findings unveiled the effect of banditry in the study area. Employing a 5-point Likert scale, challenges encountered by farmers were displacement of settlements, with mean score of 4.55, psychological toll inflicted by banditry, with a score of 4.41. Also, the disruption of economic activities, scarcity of basic amenities, and limited provision of social services which ranked 3rd, 4th and 5th respectively. Furthermore, the research employed T-test results to analyse the disparities in income and yield before and after the onset of banditry. Income witnessed a significant decline from a mean of N529,180.68 to N372,757.08 yield, too, experienced a substantial reduction, dropping from 6,751.5kg to 3,069kg in the aftermath of banditry. The findings revealed that banditry affected the livelihood of maize farmers, hence, recommends that government should enhance the security of farmers, provide psycho social and financial support, and provide social support programmes to boost their livelihood.

Development and evaluation of a COVID tracking system to support provision of social service in Wyandotte County, Kansas.

In addition to the state-mandated case investigation and contact tracing, the Unified Government Public Health Department of Wyandotte County, Kansas implemented social support services for COVID-19 cases and contacts; however, did not have the systems in place to document the provision of these services. Our team worked with the health department to develop and implement the COVID Tracking System (CTS), an eHealth system that linked multiple involved teams. Here, we describe the development and evaluation of the CTS. The objective of this manuscript is to describe and evaluate the development and implementation process of the Covid Tracking System. Drawing from concepts of user-centered design, we took a 4-phase approach to development: understanding context, specifying needs, designing solutions, and evaluating. A mixed-methods evaluation of the development and implementation process using RE-AIM was conducted. Quantitative CTS data captured between February 1, 2021, and September 30, 2021 were exported. Descriptive statistics were calculated for categorical variables and means (SD, range) or median (IQR) for continuous variables. Qualitative discussions with key users supplemented the quantitative data. There were 1,152 cases entered into the CTS, of whom 307 (26.6%) requested a letter be sent to their workplace to excuse them during their quarantine period, 817 (70.9%) requested and had food and cleaning supplies delivered, 21 (1.8%) requested guidance on applying for federal assistance, and 496 (43.1%) requested to be contacted by a community health worker. While a few technical glitches slowed down early implementation, these were quickly resolved and key users felt that the CTS streamlined client referral and simplified their workflow, allowing them to spend more time on patient care and follow up, rather than documentation. After study implementation ended, the Unified Government Public Health Department of Wyandotte County continued using the CTS for client tracing and follow up. This project provides a roadmap of how user centered design can be applied to the development and evaluation of eHealth software to support program intervention implementation, even in situations where urgent action is needed.

Законодавче регулювання проблем гендерно зумовленого, домашнього та сексуального насильства

The article analyzes international and national legislation in the field of prevention and counteraction of gender-based violence, sexual and domestic violence. It has been established that the Istanbul Convention is the main source that contains the most comprehensive list of measures aimed at protecting persons affected by gender-based violence, as well as providing them with appropriate services. International documents have a clear emphasis on two types of violence - domestic violence and crimes in the name of so-called "honor" - the victims of which are mainly women, who, accordingly, suffer disproportionately compared to men. It was concluded that during the years 2018–2021, in Ukraine as a whole, the legislative framework in the field of prevention and counteraction of domestic violence and gender-based violence and the provision of medical, social, psychological, and legal assistance and services to the victims has been sufficiently developed, which includes about thirty normative legal acts and continues to develop.

The effectiveness evaluation of interdepartmental cooperation in the long-term care services provision for elderly and disabled citizens

The effective provision of social services for long-term care of elderly citizens and the disabled requires the interaction of many structures, including the nongovernmental sector. The organization of interdepartmental interaction contributes to the work efficiency of these structures. The study analyzes the experience of interdepartmental interaction in the provision of long-term care for the elderly and disabled, the paper shows the best regional practices of such interaction. For the purposes of the study, an array of regional legislation on the care of the elderly and disabled, including interdepartmental interaction, was analyzed. The study revealed that there are original models of such interaction in the regions. The analysis results made it possible to formulate proposals for improving legislation on the regulation of interdepartmental interaction. This positive experience can be translated both for use in other regions and at the federal level.

SERVICES OF HAMAS IN THE POLITICS OF PALESTINE

Hamas, a Palestinian Islamist movement, has been known for its militant resistance against Israeli occupation and its provision of social services to the Palestinian people. Despite being labeled as a terrorist organization by many Western countries, Hamas has gained widespread support among Palestinians for its unwavering commitment to the cause of a free Palestine. This research paper examines the political services of Hamas and their impact on the politics of Palestine.Through a critical analysis of Hamas’s political and social services, this paper argues that the organization’s success is not solely due to its reputation as a resistance movement, but also due to its ability to provide essential services to the Palestinian people. Hamas has established a vast network of social services, including schools, hospitals, and charities, which have helped to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people under Israeli occupation. Furthermore, this article explores how Hamas’s political services have been shaped by its struggle against the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), which has been seen as corrupt and ineffective by many Palestinians. Hamas’s political platform has been built on a foundation of anti-corruption and good governance, which has resonated with many Palestinians who are disillusioned with the PLO’s leadership. Overall, this research article provides a nuanced analysis of Hamas’s political services and their impact on the politics of Palestine. By examining the organization’s social and political services, this paper sheds light on the complex factors that have contributed to Hamas’s success and its potential role in shaping the future of Palestine.

Challenges to Supporting Domestically Sex Trafficked Persons: In-Depth Interviews with Service Providers

ABSTRACT Domestic sex trafficking is an emergent area of study with problematic gaps in our understanding of the challenges that inhibit client recovery. As social service providers are often on the frontlines of care provision, in this study, we explored the challenges they experienced when serving domestically sex trafficked adolescents and adults. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 providers in Ontario, Canada’s largest province, and thematically analyzed. Our study found that providers faced systemic-, provider-, and client-related challenges, including insufficient funding, a dearth of (appropriate) shelter and/or housing, problems with healthcare and health professionals, entrenched biases within law enforcement, the weight of emotional work, fear for themselves and their clients, survivors’ misgivings about the systems established to assist them, and their unresolved concurrent mental health issues. By exploring intersections among various challenges facing service providers with the goal of improving services for domestically sex trafficked persons in Canada, we contribute to discourses informing research, policy, and practice considerations in various jurisdictions, working toward achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals 5 and 16 (specifically targets 5.2, 16.1, and 16.2).

Mapping blended learning in social work practice education to national standards - a Hybrid Placement Model Teaching and Learning Resource

In Ireland as elsewhere, the Covid-19 pandemic and ensuing public health restrictions, gave rise to an unprecedented crisis in health and social care service provision, leading to cessation of student social work placements in March 2020. The Hybrid Placement Model Teaching and Learning Resource was developed to ensure that quality practice-based placements could resume and continue to be viable during subsequent phases of the Covid-19 pandemic. Combining four elements of onsite practice, off-site practice, online practice, and reflective practice the model provided a ‘road map’ that supported both practice teachers and students as they navigated placements within this context. Through provision of a user-friendly diagram and detailed practical examples of blended learning opportunities mapped to each of the eighty-three national standards of proficiency, the resource enabled practice teachers and students to visualise a range of practice learning opportunities that could be undertaken as part of a blended placement and provided assurance that blended learning met regulatory requirements.
 In this article the authors discuss the context and rationale for the model and describe its four integrated components. The usefulness of the model in supporting optimal learning on hybrid placements is addressed and its potential post Covid-19 restrictions is considered.

Stay home, stay safe? Public health assumptions about how we live with COVID

ABSTRACT The COVID pandemic has had an uneven impact on families and communities, exacerbating existing structural disadvantage. We demonstrate that the construction of the pandemic by policymakers as primarily a medical problem has shaped the public health response in such a way as to hide the resulting lack of access to necessities for many and deterioration in people’s wellbeing. We interviewed social welfare service providers in an urban area of high cultural and linguistic diversity and low socioeconomic advantage, about their experiences in the 2021 lockdown period. Our findings highlight the unanticipated impacts of the public health response on people who cannot be recognised in the normative subjects constructed by policy. We bring to the fore the hidden experiences behind the government-reported COVID health statistics and explore the (dis)integration of services that support survival. To avoid worsening structural disadvantage, policy responses to crisis require conceptualising the problem and its solutions from diverse standpoints, built on an understanding of the different elements that shape who we are and the way we live.

Why can't children with autism integrate into society in China? Study based on the perspective of NGO classification.

In the field of protecting children with autism, NGOs have become a major force that cannot be ignored. Although NGOs for children with autism have expanded the number and improved the quality of the services they provide, a large number of autistic children still cannot achieve the goal of social inclusion in China. The existing literature has mostly tried to explain the reason from the perspective of the common characteristics of NGOs and has paid insufficient attention to the huge differences between these NGOs, so it is impossible to identify the obstacles that children with autism encounter accurately. From the perspective of NGO classification, this study conducted an in-depth investigation of 4 NGO cases in City N, China, to show the impact of the difference of NGOs on the obstacles to the social inclusion of autistic children. The research has found that under the authoritarian regime, NGOs for children with autism that rely heavily on external funds include three common groups: government-oriented NGOs, foundation-supported NGOs, and individual-financed NGOs. The structural characteristics of the funders and their interaction with the NGOs for children with autism shape their different action logics, as the result that the desire of children with autism to integrate into society cannot be achieved as expected. The results of this study give more accurate insights into the barriers in social service provision for children with autism that impede their social inclusion and provide a reference for those seeking a solution to this problem.

Mental health and homelessness in the social service providers' outlook (Luxembourg case)

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the perception of the mental health problems of the homeless population in a high-income country (Luxembourg) by social service providers and to develop proposals for better inclusion of homeless people into the mental health services and homeless people with mental health issues into society. Design/methodology/approach The study was of qualitative design and conducted using a semi-structured interview method (in person). The semi-structured interviews (seven participants) were conducted to analyse the challenges, practice approaches and prospects of stakeholders or decision-makers working in housing exclusion and homelessness. A secondary thematic analysis of this content regarding mental health issues was performed. Findings Three main themes in the social providers’ perception were identified related to mental health and homelessness: the general view on the mental health problems of homeless people (accent on substance use disorders [SUDs], overshadowing of other mental health conditions by the SUDs); the positive impact of housing and social services on the mental health of the homeless per se (role of social rhythms, social connectedness and multidisciplinary approach are emphasised); and the need for improvement of mental health services in the country (need for the long-term timely continuing mental health support and recognition of the importance of complex intersectional and multidisciplinary solutions). Research limitations/implications Mental health themes were not the primary focus while research was planned and conducted. They were revealed as results of secondary qualitative data analysis. Therefore, additional mental health-focused mixed methods research is needed to verify the conclusions. The paper is written on the results of the research project “Social Housing and Homelessness” (SOHOME), implemented at the University of Luxembourg with the financial support of the Fonds National de la Recherche of Luxembourg (FNR12626464). The sponsor had no involvement in the study design, the collection, analysis and interpretation of data or the preparation of the paper. Practical implications The study brings together different perspectives from social workers, stakeholders and decision-makers. The results show that there are cross-field connections between homelessness and mental health that require specialised and coordinated services. The first existing approaches seem to be promising in their continuation but need to be promoted by social policy. Social implications To promote social cohesion in the Luxembourgish society and also to include one of the most vulnerable people, the study points to the importance of the link between homelessness and compromised mental health. Appropriate support and service provision as well as social and affordable housing play a central role. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first of its kind, revealing several social work stakeholders’ perspective on the mental health of homeless people in Luxembourg.

Management of Business Activity of Territorial Communities: Case of Ukraine

The article analyzes challenges and prospects of development of business activity of territorial communities (hereinafter – TC) in terms of decentralization. Particular attention is paid to the extension of the opportunities for entrepreneurs due to the establishment of TC and in the context of implementation of the European Green Deal. The principal powers concerning support of economic development, solving environmental problems and supply of social services on the territory are delegated to the local bodies. It is a positive aspect, but it requires improvement of human resources of the local governmental bodies to secure efficient use of the provided opportunities. The research substantiates directions of business activation in TC, particularly creation of favorable environment for enterprises development at the state level, supply of broader access to financing for small and medium-size enterprises, simplification of tax administrating for small and medium-size enterprises, promotion of business culture and development of business skills and sustainable thinking, support for internationalization and greening of small and medium-size business, improvement of competitive capacity and innovative potential of enterprises. The work suggests a model of efficient management of business activity of territorial communities. The authors define the principal criteria for setting local taxes and charges at the level of community. The research also marks the problems that have a negative impact on business development of TC, particularly, restraints for business running, development of local infrastructure, and employment of population. The article specifies the reasons and factors of the obstacles appearance and proposes the ways for them overcoming.

"How can you kiss and touch this child and show affection towards her? What kind of woman are you?": Provider perspectives on stigma towards native and ethnic minority street-connected youth in the Republic of Georgia.

The Republic of Georgia has experienced a rapid growth in the number of youth working and/or living on the street (YWLS). Although research indicates that YWLS are highly stigmatized, few studies have examined perceptions of stigma among Georgian social service providers who serve YWLS. We conducted in-person in-depth interviews with key informants recruited from governmental institutions and social service organizations in Tbilisi and Rustavi, two large urban areas. A semi-structured interview guide was used to explore provider perspectives on the social contexts surrounding the delivery of services to YWLS. Trained coders conducted a thematic analysis of the data in Dedoose. Twenty-two providers (68% female; 32% male) were interviewed, representing diverse professional roles. Providers perceived that YWLS are subjected to strong public stigma and social exclusion at multiple social-ecological levels, with Roma and Kurdish-Azeri youth experiencing the strongest levels of social hostility, discrimination, and exclusion. Providers perceive that these dynamics prevent YWLS from developing trusting relationships with social service, health and educational institutions. Furthermore, we find that providers report encounters with courtesy stigma, i.e., stigma directed towards the people who serve or are associated with a stigmatized group, when working with YWLS, especially those from ethnic minority groups, which they characterize as a stressor. At the same time, we find that some providers reported negative stereotypes about ethnic minority YWLS. While campaigns have targeted public awareness on the plight of YWLS, study findings suggest that additional efforts are needed to address stigma directed towards YWLS, with a specific need to address stigma directed towards ethnic minority young people who work and/or live on the street.