Abstract:
In the spring and summer of 2004, a study of homeless youth in Homer, Alaska
was conducted in order to assess the services available to homeless youth
and to identify gaps in services. The study included a homeless youth census,
a homeless youth survey, a services survey, and a gaps analysis. Results
of the study were based on responses by 18 homeless youth and 29 agencies
which served them. The needs of homeless youth varied according to whether
they could be classified as runaways or as chronic homeless youth, with
the former in greater need of family counseling, drug and alcohol programming,
and recreational services; and the latter in greater need of employment
assistance. Results from the services survey indicated that many services
were already available to homeless youths in Homer. Their basic physical
needs appeared to be adequately satisfied; however, fewer agencies provided
employment assistance, drug and alcohol programming, family counseling,
or recreational opportunities to homeless youth. |
