Thesis (M.S.W.)--University of Hong Kong, 1994. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 52-54).

If correctional institutions are to function according to established criteria, that is, to “correct” the deviant behavior of juvenile delinquents, then one obvious requirement is to have continuous contact with that individual over a period of time. This research project is one attempt to study runaways from the juvenile delinquent girls institution. This study specifically focuses on what factors influence a girl to run away and what factors encourage her to stay at Villa St. Rose. Both researchers discovered in working at Villa St. Rose that one the biggest obstacles for the treatment program was the number of runaways that occurred. As a treatment facility having female adolescents in their care, runaways were demoralizing to the staff and debilitating to treatment.

published_or_final_version / Sociology / Master / Master of Social Sciences

published_or_final_version / Social Work / Master / Master of Social Work

Thesis (Ph. D. in Sociology)--Vanderbilt University, May 2007. / Title from title screen. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--Ohio State University, 2008. / Title from first page of PDF file. Includes bibliographical references (p. 34-40).

Thesis (Ed.D.)--Teachers College, Columbia University, 1988. / Typescript; issued also on microfilm. Sponsor: Herve Varenne. Dissertation Committee: Paul Byers. Bibliography: leaves 112-115.

Not available / text

Undoubtedly, runaway and homeless youth (RHY) are one of the most vulnerable, yet underserved groups in our country. Well-meaning advocates have developed programs and services in an attempt to remedy this, yet there is little evidence of their effectiveness. Moreover, according to the research literature, a low utilization rate of current services by youth is a major concern. From a constructivist theoretical position, this study posits that the missing element is youth voice and the researcher hired formerly homeless youth to conduct the analysis of focus group data gathered from RHY who were participating in a range of services funded by the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act. By employing participatory action research (PAR) methods, this study privileges youth voice and asks two research questions; 1) what are current program models doing right with regards to RHY services, and 2) what can be learned by employing youth analysts in research. Findings indicate that how services are offered is as important as what services are offered. Additionally, by privileging youth and providing meaningful participation, youth are exceptionally capable to develop and evaluate services, programs and policy. Youth workers must continue to privilege youth voice if they hope to effect change in the lives of young people. If not, services will continue to play a key role in keeping RHY as one of the most marginalized groups in our society.

published_or_final_version / Social Work / Master / Master of Social Work