NCJ Number
194755
Date Published
2000
Length
79 pages
Annotation
This handbook discusses the back door, a program that is a departure from traditional programs that help youth get off the street.
Abstract
The program began in 1988 as an experiment and its origin is in a faith community that employs a contract and places a high degree of personal accountability on the youth (ages from 17 to 24) while nurturing self esteem allowing for a successful transition off the street. This integrative and comprehensive approach moves youth from the street, into jobs, and gives them a support system that addresses both survival and developmental needs. Each month, a participant will create eight steps to move him/her further from the street, and over a 12-month period, many pressing, everyday-life-issues will be addressed and worked on. These include housing, jobs, finances, education, volunteerism, personal life concerns (appearance, relationships), legal, drug/alcohol, and problem-solving. In the program a non-street person is teamed up a street person to understand the reality of the street person. This increases understanding and empowers the street person to continue making progress on their terms, given their circumstances.