NCJ Number
138051
Journal
Children and Youth Services Review Volume: 14 Dated: (1992) Pages: 237- 252
Date Published
1992
Length
16 pages
Annotation
Alternatives for Girls (AFG) was founded to offer alternatives to teenage girls and young women in southwest Detroit who are homeless and involved in prostitution, substance abuse, and other dangerous activities. AFG currently offers five programs, including daily active outreach on the street; shelter, transitional living, and support services; long-term aftercare; 90-day residential drug treatment; and a weekly self-esteem-building "Girls' Club."
Abstract
The AFG program had a grassroots beginning, arising from a mobilization of southwest Detroit residents motivated by their concern about area teenage girls. The community focused on changing the contextual causes rather than "fixing" the victims and discharging them into an unchanged environment. The initial steering committee elected a board of directors, drew up bylaws, began to raise funds, and developed an agenda. The need for three specific services were identified: residential space, outreach workers, and active public education. AFG, with a current annual budget of $800,000, supports programs facilitating young women's transition from homelessness to self-supporting, safe, and drug-free lives. These community-based, nonpunitive programs promote school retention, self-esteem building, and family reunification. 11 references