Meeting the Transition Needs of Urban American Indian/Alaska Native Youth through Culturally Based Services

• NCJ Number: 249369
• Journal: Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research Volume: 42 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2015 Pages: 191-205
• Author(s): Barbara J. Friesen; Terry L. Cross; Pauline Jivanjee; Ashley Thirstrup; Abby Bandurraga; L.K. Gowen; Jen Rountree
• Date Published: April 2015
• Length: 15 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2011-TY-FX-0103
• Sponsoring Agency: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP)
• Publication Format: Article; Document (Online)
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical); Report (Study/Research); Report (Grant Sponsored)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article reports findings from three qualitative studies that explored supports for positive transitions of American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth to adulthood.

Abstract

Community-based participatory methods were used under a research partnership that involved a culturally based community agency, the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA), the National Indian Child Welfare Association, and Portland State University. Studies used a Relational Worldview (RWV) framework in which well-being is understood as a balance among the domains of mind, body, spirit, and context. Collectively, the findings show that NAYA uses culturally grounded interventions to overcome the traumatic histories and current oppressive conditions affecting low-income urban AI/AN youth with mental health challenges and to support their well-being and transition to adulthood. In addition, addressing the mental health and well-being of AI/AN youth in culturally appropriate ways involves consideration of all RWV domains. Recommendations for behavioral health practice are to connect AI/AN youth to culturally specific services whenever possible, use cultural consultants, and implement holistic and positive approaches to mental health. (Publisher abstract modified)