Youth-serving Agencies Research Articles

Storying the street: transition narratives of homeless youth

Toronto Youth Street Stories is an innovative, web-based storytelling project that was conducted with homeless youths in Toronto. As a collaborative knowledge dissemination initiative, the project engaged youthful participants, authors,...

Fat avoidance and replacement behaviors predict low-fat intake among urban African American adolescents

Using measures of behaviors shown to predict low-fat intake in previous research, this study examined whether the behaviors would predict low-fat intake among urban African American adolescents. Recruited through youth services agencies in Philadelphia, Pa, participants were 399 African American adolescents (67% female subjects) with a mean age of 13.09 years (range, 10-15 years). Fat-related dietary behaviors were measured using items that were adapted from the Food Habits Questionnaire. Fat intake was measured using the Block Fat Screener. Spearman correlations examined the relationships between fat-related dietary behaviors and fat intake. Seven behaviors were significantly associated with low-fat intake: had chicken that was baked or broiled instead of fried; ordered pasta or pizza served without meat sauce or meat toppings; had a vegetarian dinner; used low-calorie instead of regular salad dressing; ate at least 2 vegetables (not green salad) at dinner; ate bread, rolls, or muffins without butter or margarine; and avoided foods that were fried in oil, shortening, or lard. Using multiple regression, fat intake was regressed on the linear combination of demographic variables and these fat-related dietary behaviors. The regression equation accounted for 17% of the variance in fat intake (adjusted R(2) = 0.13). Fat avoidance (ate bread, rolls, or muffins without butter or margarine) and replacement (ordered pasta or pizza served without meat sauce or meat toppings) behaviors were significant predictors of low-fat intake. Dietary interventions to lower fat intake among urban African American adolescents should promote the adoption of these behaviors.

Computer-Mediated Intervention Tailored on Transtheoretical Model Stages and Processes of Change Increases Fruit and Vegetable Consumption among Urban African-American Adolescents

To examine the efficacy of an intervention based on the transtheoretical model (TTM) for increasing fruit and vegetable consumption among economically disadvantaged African-American adolescents. Pretest-posttest quasi-experimental study. Youth services agencies located in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Agencies were assigned to computer intervention (CIN) and nonintervention control study arms. A total of 507 African-American adolescents ages 11 to 14 years. Youths in the CIN arm completed four 30-minute intervention sessions tailored on TTM stages and processes of change. Self-reported fruit and vegetable consumption and stages, pros, cons, and self-efficacy for consumption. Intervention effects were examined with analysis of covariance models that were controlled for demographic variables and baseline measures of each outcome. Chi-square analyses were used to examine between-arm differences in youths' stage progressions. After adjustment by covariates, pros (p < .025) and fruit and vegetable consumption (p < .001) varied significantly with study arm. Youths in the CIN arm had higher pro scores and fruit and vegetable consumption than controls. More youths in the CIN arm than in the control arm progressed to later stages and maintained recommended intake levels (p < .05). A TTM-based intervention can increase fruit and vegetable intake and effect positive changes in TTM variables related to intake among economically disadvantaged African-American adolescents.

Ethical Approaches to Adolescent Participation in Sexual Health Research

Purpose In this paper we make the case for the importance of adolescent sexual health research, and argue that requiring parental consent for adolescent participation may (a) be unwarranted, (b) be inconsistent with the principles of justice and inclusiveness, (c) be confusing, and (d) serve to silence young people who most need to have a voice in sexual health research. Methods Through a case study of the Toronto Teen Survey, we offer concrete suggestions and alternatives for protecting adolescent health research participants in community-based settings and promoting ethical research approaches. Results Strategies suggested include: (1) adopting a community-based participatory research approach, (2) careful attention to youth-friendly protocols and consent procedures, (3) proper training of all research staff and peer researchers, (4) partnering with experienced community based youth-serving agencies, (5) paying maximum attention to issues of confidentiality and anonymity, and (6) valuing participation appropriately. Conclusions Institutional review boards and researchers should be encouraged to adopt localized context-dependent strategies that attend to the unique vulnerabilities of their particular study populations. Attention to flexibility, vulnerability, and community-specific needs is necessary to ensure appropriate ethical research practices that attend to the health and well-being of young people.

Gender–Specific HIV Prevention with Urban Early-Adolescent Girls: Outcomes of the Keepin' It Safe Program

This study evaluates the efficacy of Keepin' It Safe, a theory-based, gender-specific, CD-ROM-mediated HIV prevention program for urban, early adolescent girls. Intervention effects were examined in a randomized, pretest-posttest wait-list control-group design. Changes in HIV/AIDS knowledge, protective attitudes, and skills for reducing HIV risk-related sexual behaviors were tested using linear regression models that were controlled for baseline values of each outcome. Recruited through youth services agencies located in the greater New York City area, study participants comprised 204 adolescent girls aged 11-14 years. Girls exposed to Keepin' It Safe, relative to wait-list control girls, increased their HIV/AIDS knowledge, perceived efficacy and enjoyment of abstinence, perceived efficacy and enjoyment of condoms, and sexual assertiveness, suggesting that a theory-based, gender-specific, CD-ROM-mediated HIV prevention program can enhance knowledge, protective attitudes, and skills for reducing HIV risk-related sexual behaviors among urban early-adolescent girls.

Measuring Youth Development Outcomes for Community Program Evaluation and Quality Improvement

The Rochester Evaluation of Asset Development for Youth (READY) is a brief program-controlled evaluation and quality improvement tool used for assessment of four developmental assets for youth: caring adult relationships, basic social skills, decision making, and constructive use of leisure time. This article reports on the early implementation and combined benchmark data generated from the use of the READY tool by community-based youth-serving agencies in Rochester, New York. Nine youth-serving agencies used the 40-item READY tool in 2002-2003. In addition to individual program evaluation and quality improvement, a combined dataset was developed and analyzed to establish community benchmarks. Program leaders' qualitative feedback on their experience with the READY tool is also reviewed. 1,070 youth participated. Those youth who reported feeling more connected to the programs in which they participated and having more active and frequent participation had consistently higher scores on measured outcomes. Overall, most agencies required some technical assistance to first field READY. Most agencies successfully used their own data to address program quality improvement, and reported being happy with their ability to do so. READY is a promising tool for measuring community-based program-attributable positive developmental outcomes for youth.

Development and Factor Structure of a Brief Instrument to Assess the Impact of Community Programs on Positive Youth Development: The Rochester Evaluation of Asset Development for Youth (READY) Tool

Purpose Positive youth development is increasingly recognized as important to the health and well-being of adolescents. We describe the development of a brief, standardized instrument for measuring outcomes and indicators important for youth development evaluation. Additionally, we describe the psychometric properties of these constructs. Methods A coalition of representatives from 12 community organizations, funders, and researchers identified four core outcomes associated with positive youth development likely able to be affected by community-based youth-serving agencies. Items were piloted and field tested to test feasibility and establish face validity with experts and with adolescents. Furthermore, we tested construct reliability using factor analysis to determine how well the items reflected underlying constructs. Results Items representing four empirical constructs were used to survey 389 adolescents. Those who participated in the pilot took an average of 11 minutes to complete the survey. Overall, 24 items loaded on to six discrete factors representing the outcomes of basic social skills, caring adult relationships, and decision-making. When participants under age 13 years were eliminated from the analysis, items were more cohesive, resulting in a five-factor solution with all items loading at .40 or higher. Conclusions The four youth development outcomes identified by community-based youth-serving organizations factor into reliable constructs with acceptable alpha coefficients for adolescents over age 13. A major strength of this youth development outcome measurement is that it has an easy-to-administer format, which allows community-based programs to receive feedback for program improvement, and to track the effectiveness of their programs for funders.

A National Professional Development System for Youth Workers

A persistent challenge in the youth development field is the lack of a systemic approach to attracting, developing and sustaining its workforce, particularly direct service workers. While serious efforts to address workforce development have dotted the youth work landscape, especially over the last 15 years, much of this progress has been organization-specific rather than across the field or systemic (Quinn, 2004). In 2004, 30 individuals who were knowledgeable about the issues came together to address the challenge of attracting, developing and retaining youth workers. They represented diverse sectors of the field, including direct service workers, national youth-serving agencies, local and national intermediary organizations, federal agencies and corporate and foundation philanthropies. They took the bold step of designing an initial framework and strategy for a coordinated national professional development system for youth workers. They also agreed to pursue the next steps to collectively create the system (Stone, Garza, &amp; Borden, 2005).

Selecting, implementing, and evaluating teen pregnancy prevention interventions: Lessons from the CDC’s Community Coalition Partnership Programs for the Prevention of Teen Pregnancy

Purpose To summarize 13 communities’ experiences with selecting, implementing, and evaluating teen pregnancy prevention interventions within the CDC Community Coalition Partnership Programs for the Prevention of Teen Pregnancy. The study focuses on decision-making processes and barriers encountered in five categories of interventions: reproductive health services, reproductive health education, parent-child communication, male involvement, and programs for pregnant and parenting teens. Methods Telephone interviews were conducted with program directors, lead evaluators, and community coalition chairpersons in each of the 13 communities. The descriptive analysis explored factors that influenced community decisions to develop or not to develop interventions. These factors were analyzed by type of intervention. Results Each community implemented an average of six interventions and operated them with a variety of funding sources. Interventions were selected on the basis of need, and the community needs and assets assessment process was “very important” for most reported interventions. Decision-making was influenced most often by project staff, the coalition, or related work groups. Teens were infrequently viewed as primary decision-makers in the selection of interventions. Communities with family planning services as hub agencies were more likely to address reproductive services and reproductive health education. Communities with child advocacy or youth-serving agencies were more likely to focus on other intervention categories. About two-thirds of the interventions were evaluated by either process or outcome measures, or by both. Conclusions This study highlights important lessons learned that should be considered in examinations of the overall effectiveness of this community coalition approach to the prevention of teen pregnancy.

Family risk factors and prevalence of dissociative symptoms among homeless and runaway youth

Objective: To examine family risk factors associated with dissociative symptoms among homeless and runaway youth. Method: Three hundred and twenty-eight homeless and runaway youth were interviewed using a systematic sampling strategy in metropolitan Seattle. Homeless young people were interviewed on the streets and in shelters by outreach workers in youth service agencies. Results: The current study revealed widespread prevalence of dissociative symptoms among these young people. Multivariate analyses revealed that sexual abuse, physical abuse, and family mental health problems were all positively associated with dissociative symptoms. No gender differences were found for any of the models. Conclusions: Dissociative behavior is widespread among these youth and may pose a serious mental health concern. Some young people experience numerous stressors, and with few resources and little support available, many may invoke maladaptive strategies such as dissociative behavior to handle such situations, which may in turn be detrimental to their mental health. Unless youth are provided with programs and intervention, the cycle of abuse that they have experienced at home is likely to continue on the street.

The Function of Professional Boundaries in the Therapeutic Relationship Between Male Practitioners and Female Youth Clients

This study examined the function of professional boundaries in the therapeutic relationship between male practitioners and female youth clients. Sixteen male practitioners from 9 different youth-serving agencies in Arizona were interviewed. Transcripts from the interviews were analyzed using a qualitative research computer program (QSR NUD.IST 4.0, 1999). The findings described the therapeutic benefits of professional boundary setting and ways in which male practitioners utilized boundaries in their work with female youth clients. Implications for social work practice are discussed.

Perpetrators of early physical and sexual abuse among homeless and runaway adolescents

Objective: To examine abuse specific variables among homeless and runaway adolescents and to look at perpetrators of childhood abuse. Method: A total of 372 homeless and runaway adolescents were interviewed using a systematic sampling strategy in metropolitan Seattle. Young people were interviewed on the streets and in shelters by outreach workers in youth service agencies. Results: Approximately one-half of these young people reported being physically abused and almost one-third experienced sexual abuse. Females experienced significantly higher rates of sexual abuse compared to males, and sexual minority youth experienced significantly higher rates of physical and sexual abuse compared to heterosexual youth. Average duration of physical and sexual abuse was 5 and 2 years, respectively. Both types of abuse were rated as extremely violent by more than half of those who were abused. The average number of different perpetrators of physical and sexual abuse was four and three, respectively. Biological parents were the majority of perpetrators for physical abuse whereas nonfamily members most often perpetrated sexual abuse. Average age of perpetrators was late 20s to early 30s and the majority of perpetrators were male for both types of abuse. Conclusions: The pattern of exploitation and victimization within the family may have serious and cumulative developmental consequences for these youth as they enter the street environment. Early intervention programs are needed to break the cycle of exploitation and abuse that adolescents experience within the family. Without intervention, many of these youth may be at risk of future exploitation and re-victimization out on the street.

The Challenges of Male Practitioners Working with Female Youth Clients

This study examined the clinical challenges that male practitioners face in their work with high-risk, female youth clients. Sixteen male practitioners from 9 different youth-serving agencies were interviewed. The study found that male practitioners working with female youth clients experienced several unique challenges within three sequential stages of therapy. These stages were characterized by transference onto the practitioner, rage against the practitioner, and therapeutic work. Implications for clinical practice are discussed.

The Impact of Childhood Sexual Abuse on Later Sexual Victimization among Runaway Youth

Path analysis was used to investigate the impact of childhood sexual abuse on later sexual victimization among 372 homeless and runaway youth in Seattle. Young people were interviewed directly on the streets and in shelters by outreach workers in youth service agencies. High rates of both childhood sexual abuse and street sexual victimization were reported, with females experiencing much greater rates compared with their male counterparts. Early sexual abuse in the home increased the likelihood of later sexual victimization on the streets indirectly by increasing the amount of time at risk, deviant peer affiliations, participating in deviant subsistence strategies, and engaging in survival sex. These findings suggest that exposure to dysfunctional and disorganized homes place youth on trajectories for early independence. Subsequently, street life and participation in high‐risk behaviors increases their probability of sexual victimization.

Exploring the relationship between school discipline referrals and delinquency

AbstractThere is a growing concern about violent and destructive behaviors of youth that require intervention by juvenile justice and youth‐serving agencies. This concern has led many to conclude that schools and community agencies must increase efforts to prevent juvenile delinquency and to provide programs that will facilitate rehabilitation, education, and vocational training for youth already involved. A clear understanding of the nature and range of behaviors that result in juvenile crime is needed in order to develop programs and interventions that can be expected to lead to beneficial changes for youth and for society as a whole. The purpose of this article is to describe the relationship between school behaviors and youth characteristics in school (e.g., discipline referrals, teacher nominations, nomothetic ratings) and referrals to juvenile authorities (e.g., illegal behaviors). We describe a strategy of using teacher nominations, school discipline referrals, and community arrest data to predict delinquent and violent behavior in youth. We outline data from a group of socially maladjusted middle school youth to illustrate the relationship between the two data sources and recommendations for identification and treatment of youth at risk for delinquency and antisocial behavior. © 2001 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Inc.

A Call for Organizational Trans-Formation

In the collection of papers presented in this volume, several authors have enumerated the needs of transgendered youth and identified the obstacles that youth-serving agencies face in addressing their needs. This final paper, using case examples from several nationally-known transgendered affirming agencies, offers recommendations on agency philosophies concerning the reality of transgendered youth and additionally offers suggestions on ways to create safe, welcoming, and nurturing environments.

Youth Service Agencies: Promoting Success for At-Risk African American Youth

Youth Service Agencies: Promoting Success for At-Risk African American Youth

Non-violent Males in Violent Settings

This study analyzes the factors associated with being non-violent and constructing a non-violent, prosocial masculine identity among adolescent males in two low-income Chicago (USA) neighborhoods where boys are generally socialized to be violent. Subjects were 25 African-American and Hispanic males ages 15-20; six of the males were adolescent fathers. Results confirmed that the males' life trajectories were characterized by family stresses, exposure to violence and gang involvement. Several factors were associated with being non-violent, including the ability to draw lessons from past traumatic experiences, having a recognized skill or meaningful connection to a mainstream institution, belonging to an alternative peer group that promoted non-violence and finding a purpose of life in being a father. Implications for youth-serving agencies are offered, including the suggestion of offering activities in which young men reflect about their life histories.

Rationale for Tobacco Cessation Interventions for Youth

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Four of every five persons who use tobacco begin before they reach adulthood; more than 3,000 young persons begin smoking each day. In addition, smoking is addictive—three of four teenagers who smoke have made at least one serious, yet unsuccessful, effort to quit. The importance of tobacco use cessation programs for youth is addressed inHealthy People 2000: National Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Objectivesand in recently passed legislation related to the Goals 2000 National Education Goals. CDC'sGuidelines for School Health Programs to Prevent Tobacco Use and Addictionstates that tobacco cessation programs are needed to help young persons who already use tobacco. In 1994, both the Surgeon General's Report,Preventing Tobacco Use among Young People, and the Institute of Medicine's report,Growing Up Tobacco Free, indicated that there were very few effective cessation programs for youth and that more research is needed in this area. This project convened experts to provide recommendations on the design of a tobacco cessation intervention for youth, including helping pregnant teenagers who smoke to stop. This program is based on effective adult cessation programs with modifications relevant to adolescent development. During the first year the major foundational work for this project was accomplished. A database of key contacts and other related interventions in tobacco cessation for youth was developed, a review and analysis of prevalence and trends in adolescent smoking were conducted, and a cooperative agreement with the American Medical Association was established to complete the design, implementation, and evaluation of an effective tobacco cessation program for youth. During the second project year, this program was tested through quasi-experimental research at various school-based health clinics throughout the country. The third year involved follow-up data collection and program modification based on the results. Plans for dissemination of the intervention to youth-serving agencies across the nation will be developed. This is a 3-year project.

Abusive Family Backgrounds and Later Victimization Among Runaway and Homeless Adolescents

This article reports findings from the initial phase of an ongoing study of runaway and homeless adolescents in four Midwestern states. One hundred eight homeless and runaway adolescents were interviewed directly on the streets and in shelters by outreach workers in youth services agencies. Levels of physical and sexual abuse within family of origin, participation in deviant subsistence strategies, and levels of victimization while on the streets are reported. Path analysis indicated that abusive family backgrounds had a positive direct effect on victimization of adolescents on the streets, and indirectly increased the likelihood of victimization by increasing the amount of time at risk, deviant peer associations, and risky behaviors.