NCJ Number
149393
Date Published
1990
Length
68 pages
Annotation
This report presents the testimony on programs for homeless and runaway youth given before the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Children, Family, Drugs, and Alcoholism on February 7, 1990.
Abstract
The statement of Wade Horn, Commissioner of the Administration for Children, Youth, and Families of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services , profiles four programs through which Horn's agency is attempting to address the problems of homeless youth. The executive director of the National Network of Runaway and Youth Services presents testimony on the characteristics of homeless youth, the causes of youth homelessness, its consequences, barriers to service, current services for homeless youth, and recommendations for the future. Testimony by the executive director of the Sasha Bruce Youth Work, Inc., of the District of Columbia, profiles this program's work with homeless and runaway youth. The testimony identifies youth whose family problems can be resolved, older homeless adolescents who can benefit from independent living services, youth who do not have resolvable family problems and are not ready for independence, and youths who are living on the streets. Recommendations for improved programming are offered. Testimony is also presented by the clinical director of the Bridge, Inc., a comprehensive multi-service agency for runaway and homeless youth in Boston, Massachusetts. The Rev. Thomas Behrens, chairperson of the Youth Committee of the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless and executive director of the Northside Ecumenical Night Ministry, describes work with homeless youth in Chicago. His work is based on establishing contact with homeless youth through drop-in centers and emergency overnight shelters and then building trust that can lead to the provision of crisis, transitional, and long-term services. Clarence Small, director of emergency services for Wyandotte House, Inc., in Kansas City discusses family reunification for runaway youth.