Introduction
Homelessness in the United States is a grave and multifaceted issue for everyone, specifically for youth and young adults. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, 633,782 individuals are faced with homelessness, nightly in the United States. Yearly, there are about 550,000 youth and young adults up to age 24 who are homeless for more than seven days. Of these youth, nearly 50,000 spend many nights on the street, for up to six months or more (2013). The State of Homelessness in America 2013 report shows there were 36,911 homeless individuals in the state of Texas in 2011 and 34,052 in 2012 (2013).
There are multiple reasons why adults experience homelessness. The National Coalition for the Homeless sites lack …show more content…
The agency provides shelter to homeless youth and young adults, between the ages of 0 and 21. It has been in existence since 1987 and has undergone several changes in the last several years, due to funding sources, changes in leadership and staff. Community and clentclient needs have also played a role in how the agency functions (“About us,” n.d.).
City House operates two major programs, My Friend’s House (MFH) and the Runaway Homeless Youth/Transitional Living program (RHY/TLP). My Friend’s House is a 24-hour, emergency shelter for runaway and abused children and youth between the ages of 0-17. The main reasons why children and youth end up staying at My Friend’s House include removal from their homes by Child Protective Services. Other youth run away and end up homeless because they are unable to meet their basic needs. Clients can reside at My Friend’s House for up to 21 days, free of charge (“Programs,” n.d.)
The Runaway Homeless Youth/Transitional Living program serves older, homeless youth and young adults between the ages of 16 and 21. The 16 and 17 year olds receive transitional living services at My Friend’s House because they are still considered …show more content…
As a CAP Practitioner, the problem I am trying to solve is how to increase retention and positive outcomes for residents in the Runaway Homeless Youth/Transitional Living Program and facilitate a more positive experience. Some examples of how to increase these efforts include evaluating and making changes to the current intake process and services offered through the Transitional Living Program. Making this type of change will hopefully meet the unique needs of each individual seeking agency services. Updating and/or targeting the services more specifically to this population may increase their chances of being successful in the program, and possibly enhancing their odds of transitioning successfully to independent living.
Human Behavior and the Social Environment
Reviewing human behavior theories can provide guidance and a clearer understanding on how to increase retention and positive outcomes with homeless and runaway residents participating in the Runaway Homeless Youth/Transitional Living Program at City House. Three human behavior theories relevant to the practice situation are the ecological, conflict, and functionalist diversity
Homelessness in the United States is a grave and multifaceted issue for everyone, specifically for youth and young adults. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, 633,782 individuals are faced with homelessness, nightly in the United States. Yearly, there are about 550,000 youth and young adults up to age 24 who are homeless for more than seven days. Of these youth, nearly 50,000 spend many nights on the street, for up to six months or more (2013). The State of Homelessness in America 2013 report shows there were 36,911 homeless individuals in the state of Texas in 2011 and 34,052 in 2012 (2013).
There are multiple reasons why adults experience homelessness. The National Coalition for the Homeless sites lack …show more content…
The agency provides shelter to homeless youth and young adults, between the ages of 0 and 21. It has been in existence since 1987 and has undergone several changes in the last several years, due to funding sources, changes in leadership and staff. Community and clentclient needs have also played a role in how the agency functions (“About us,” n.d.).
City House operates two major programs, My Friend’s House (MFH) and the Runaway Homeless Youth/Transitional Living program (RHY/TLP). My Friend’s House is a 24-hour, emergency shelter for runaway and abused children and youth between the ages of 0-17. The main reasons why children and youth end up staying at My Friend’s House include removal from their homes by Child Protective Services. Other youth run away and end up homeless because they are unable to meet their basic needs. Clients can reside at My Friend’s House for up to 21 days, free of charge (“Programs,” n.d.)
The Runaway Homeless Youth/Transitional Living program serves older, homeless youth and young adults between the ages of 16 and 21. The 16 and 17 year olds receive transitional living services at My Friend’s House because they are still considered …show more content…
As a CAP Practitioner, the problem I am trying to solve is how to increase retention and positive outcomes for residents in the Runaway Homeless Youth/Transitional Living Program and facilitate a more positive experience. Some examples of how to increase these efforts include evaluating and making changes to the current intake process and services offered through the Transitional Living Program. Making this type of change will hopefully meet the unique needs of each individual seeking agency services. Updating and/or targeting the services more specifically to this population may increase their chances of being successful in the program, and possibly enhancing their odds of transitioning successfully to independent living.
Human Behavior and the Social Environment
Reviewing human behavior theories can provide guidance and a clearer understanding on how to increase retention and positive outcomes with homeless and runaway residents participating in the Runaway Homeless Youth/Transitional Living Program at City House. Three human behavior theories relevant to the practice situation are the ecological, conflict, and functionalist diversity