NCJ Number
245729
Date Published
February 2014
Length
52 pages
Annotation
This study examined the experiences of service providers working with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth who run away from home.
Abstract
The main focus of this study was to examine the experiences of service providers working with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth who run away from home (RHY) to learn about their strategies for identifying and serving these youth. Four federally funded programs in Colorado, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas were evaluated for this study. The evaluation covered four topics: 1) agencies collection and use of data on clients' sexual orientation and gender identity; 2) providers' assessment and perceptions of needs and capacities among LGBTQ RHY; 3) providers' approaches to serving LGBTQ RHY; and 4) providers' perceptions of research gaps and data needs related to services for LGBTQ RHY. Findings from the evaluations include the following: approaches used to gather information include asking direct questions on intake and assessment forms and relying on youths' self-disclosure during conversations with staff; use of information on youths' sexual orientation and gender identity to plan individual services; staff at all sites conduct assessments during initial intake sessions and subsequent meetings to determine immediate needs and identify risk factors or barriers that need to be addressed; and use of organizational strategies that focus on the relevant needs and special circumstances of LGBTQ youth. Additional information in the report focuses on research needs that might help service providers understand the characteristics and experiences of LGBTQ RHY, as well as issues that policymakers and practitioners need to consider when serving LGBTQ RHY. Tables, references, and appendix