| Description |
Homeless youth face complex challenges that can have significant harmful effects on their well-being. Although much remains to be known about the homeless youth experience, current research identifies that homeless youth often lack trusting relationships with adults and further support systems (Bartle-Haring, Slesnick, Collins, Erdem, & Buettner 2012). A foundation of trust and rapport is essential to transforming maladaptive behavior, improving function and health, and protecting against risk factors for adverse outcomes (Ensign, 2004; Sterett, Jones, McKee, & Kincaid, 2011). Most homeless youth programs are grounded in the philosophy that the "development of trust, interpersonal connection, and unconditional positive regard" may foster social connectedness and youth behavior change (Slesnick et al., 2008b, p. 728). This foundation of support must be complemented by comprehensive services to manage complex needs and to promote early rehousing, awareness of resources, and well-being (United States Interagency Council on Homelessness [USICH], 2010). Current homeless services in Salt Lake City lack comprehensive and coordinated efforts to prevent youth homelessness and related harmful effects. The Homeless Youth Resource Center (HYRC) in Salt Lake City identified a priority goal to implement a mentoring program for homeless youth in order to expose youth to trusting relationships, skill building, and community integration. These aims will serve to support well-being, self-sufficiency, and permanent housing, as well as enhance the effectiveness of services for homeless youth. This project was accomplished through several means. First, interests and objectives for a homeless youth mentoring program were identified through meetings with the HYRC and community partners. Additionally, focus groups were conducted with homeless youth after IRB exemption. Summaries of findings from meetings and focus groups are included. Second, an evidence-based framework of best practices in mentoring was developed through literature review and guidance from content experts, with key considerations included for mentoring homeless youth. A framework was summarized in a handout and presented to the HYRC, with the HYRC providing feedback and identification of best practices. Third, in order to disseminate information to a larger audience, this project was submitted for presentation at the 10th annual Street Medicine symposium. This scholarly project was meant to provide the HYRC with an evidence-based framework for creating a mentoring program for homeless youth in Salt Lake City. A mentoring program for homeless youth serves to promote health and well-being through the provision of social support. This support works to reduce harmful effects of homelessness, support permanent housing, maximize resources through interagency collaboration, and reduce community costs (Utah Housing and Community Development Division [HCDD], 2012). |
