NCJ Number
146049
Date Published
1993
Length
28 pages
Annotation
Directed mainly to administrators of agencies that serve runaway and homeless youth, this report describes the characteristics of runaway and homeless youth and details methods of providing services and activities that decrease the risk of HIV infection and the abuse of alcohol and other drugs.
Abstract
The information and guidelines are based on the most current research and the most effective programs concerned with runaway and homeless youth and the prevention of the abuse of alcohol and other drugs, unprotected sexual activity, and HIV infection among these youth. The report details current knowledge about runaway and homeless youth, the constellation of services these youth require if they are to reduce their risk behaviors, and the challenges of integrating HIV prevention activities into existing programs. Case studies are presented of programs serving youth, including programs serving street youth in larger cities, programs designed to provide short-term crisis intervention services, and the unique system of comprehensive care for runaway and homeless youth coordinated by the Division of Adolescent Medicine of Children's Hospital in Los Angeles. The text notes that the families of runaway and homeless youth are often characterized by conflict, the abuse of alcohol and other drugs, and sometimes physical and sexual abuse. Figures, checklists, lists of resource organizations, and 213 references