Section 1: Reframing Youth Resistance: Building Theories of Youth Activism 1. Beyond Policy: Ideology, Race and the Re-imagining of Youth 2. Examining Youth Organizing and Identity-Support: Two Civic Activist Approaches for Engaging Youth in Social Justice 3. Teaching and Learning in Youth Activism: A Case for Youth-Centered Apprenticeships 4. Sociopolitical Development: The Missing Link in Research and Policy on Adolescents 5. The Racial Dimensions of Social Capital: Towards a New Understanding of Youth Empowerment & Community Organizing in America's Urban Core Section 2: Learning for Justice: Innovative Pedagogies for Justice in Schools 6. From Hunger Strike to High School: Youth Development, Social Justice and School Formation 7. Youth Initiated Research as a Tool for Advocacy and Change in Urban Schools 8. 'Best of Both Worlds': Youth Poetry as Social Critique and Form of Empowerment 9. Urban Youth, Media Literacy, and Increased Critical Civic Participation Section 3: Street Corner Democracy: Youth, Civil Society and Community Change 10. From Hip Hop to Humanization: Cafe Teatro Batey Urbano, Latino Youth Culture and Community Action 11. Participation in Social Change: Shifting Adolescents' Developmental Pathways 12. Youth of Color Movement for Juvenile Justice 13. 'Taking Their Own Power': Urban Youth, Community-Based Youth Organizations, and Public Efficacy 14. Taking Charge in Lake Wobegon: Youth, Social Justice, and Anti-Racist Organizing in the Twin Cities Section 4: Perspectives on Youth Civic Engagement and Youth Policies 15. Researching and Resisting: Democratic Policy Research By and For Youth 16. Promoting Citizenship and Activism in Today's Youth, Lonnie Sherrod 17. Youth Policy and Institutional Change 18. Youth Participation for Educational Reform in Low-Income Communities of Colors Conclusion: Youth Agency, Resistance, and Civic Activism: the Public Commitment to Social Justice

Beyond Resistance! : youth activism and community change : new democratic possibilities for practice and policy for America's youth

Background: Community engagement has been advanced as a promising way of improving health and reducing health inequalities; however, the approach is not yet supported by a strong evidence base. Objectives: To undertake a multimethod systematic review which builds on the evidence that underpins the current UK guidance on community engagement; to identify theoretical models underpinning community engagement; to explore mechanisms and contexts through which communities are engaged; to identify community engagement approaches that are effective in reducing health inequalities, under what circumstances and for whom; and to determine the processes and costs associated with their implementation. Data sources: Databases including the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR), The Campbell Library, the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE), the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) database, the NHS Economic Evaluation Database (NHS EED) and EPPI-Centre’s Trials Register of Promoting Health Interventions (TRoPHI) and Database of Promoting Health Effectiveness Reviews (DoPHER) were searched from 1990 to August 2011 for systematic reviews and primary studies. Trials evaluating community engagement interventions reporting health outcomes were included. Review methods: Study eligibility criteria: published after 1990; outcome, economic, or process evaluation; intervention relevant to community engagement; written in English; measured and reported health or community outcomes, or presents cost, resource, or implementation data characterises study populations or reports differential impacts in terms of social determinants of health; conducted in an Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) country. Study appraisal: risk of bias for outcome evaluations; assessment of validity and relevance for process evaluations; comparison against an economic evaluation checklist for economic evaluations. Synthesis methods: four synthesis approaches were adopted for the different evidence types: theoretical, quantitative, process, and economic evidence. Results: The theoretical synthesis identified key models of community engagement that are underpinned by different theories of changes. Results from 131 studies included in a meta-analysis indicate that there is solid evidence that community engagement interventions have a positive impact on health behaviours, health consequences, self-efficacy and perceived social support outcomes, across various conditions There is insufficient evidence – particularly for long-term outcomes and indirect beneficiaries – to determine whether one particular model of community engagement is likely to be more effective than any other. There are also insufficient data to test the effects on health inequalities, although there is some evidence to suggest that interventions that improve social inequalities (as measured by social support) also improve health behaviours. There is weak evidence from the effectiveness and process evaluations that certain implementation factors may affect intervention success. From the economic analysis, there is weak but inconsistent evidence that community engagement interventions are cost-effective. By combining findings across the syntheses, we produced a new conceptual framework. Limitations: Differences in the populations, intervention approaches and health outcomes made it difficult to pinpoint specific strategies for intervention effectiveness. The syntheses of process and economic evidence were limited by the small (generally not rigorous) evidence base. Conclusions: Community engagement interventions are effective across a wide range of contexts and using a variety of mechanisms. Public health initiatives should incorporate community engagement into intervention design. Evaluations should place greater emphasis on long-term outcomes, outcomes for indirect beneficiaries, process evaluation, and reporting costs and resources data. The theories of change identified and the newly developed conceptual framework are useful tools for researchers and practitioners. We identified trends in the evidence that could provide useful directions for future intervention design and evaluation.

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Community engagement to reduce inequalities in health: a systematic review, meta-analysis and economic analysis

Children in danger: Coping with the consequences of community violence

The majority of research on homeless youth has focused on the multitude of problems faced by this vulnerable population The current study, while acknowledging the hazards of life on the streets, seeks to explore the personal strengths and informal resources street youth rely on to navigate their environments Qualitative data from seven focus groups conducted with street youth ages 18–24 were analyzed using content analysis These data, rich with interactions among youth participants, highlight three important themes: developing “street smarts,” existence of personal strengths, and informal resources relied upon by youth to survive Results provide valuable insights into the strengths of homeless youth that can be useful to providers in assessing street youths’ service needs and increasing the likelihood of long-term positive outcomes

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Capacity for survival: Exploring strengths of homeless street youth

A literature review of research into interventions among street youth is presented along with the results of a qualitative analysis of interviews with 80 street youth on the topic of coping. Themes arising from the qualitative analysis include street youths' negative and positive experiences with social support; and attitudes and beliefs such as self-worth, decreased reactivity to other's opinions, hope for the future, pride in self-reliance, anger/non-conformity, and spirituality. Recommendations of this study include the need for outcome research and programme evaluation, inclusion of sociocultural factors as variables, and accessing the experiences of street youth.

Street Youth: Coping and Interventions

Little attention has been paid to how runaway or homeless adolescents are able to make successful transitions into adulthood This article reports on partial findings from an exploratory study of the research question, “How do formerly runaway and homeless adolescents navigate the troubled waters of leaving home, living in high-risk environments, and engaging in dangerous behaviors, to make successful developmental transitions into young adulthood?” This qualitative study involved interviews with 12 formerly runaway or homeless youth Data were analyzed using the constant comparative method This paper reports on findings related to the personal strengths and resources that enabled youth to make successful transitions: learning new attitudes and behaviors, personal attributes, and spirituality Recommendations for program development and intervention with homeless or at-risk youth are discussed

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How Runaway and Homeless Youth Navigate Troubled Waters: Personal Strengths and Resources

from as few as 250,000 to as many as This regional study compares homeless ^his art'c^e Presents a study of 2.5 million, with estimated increases m md nonhomekss youths who sought homeless youths m the southeastern homelessness ranging from 10 to 38 , ,. , , ,, . . , , United States who came to runaway percent annually. Families with chile ^u r^naway s e ^rs m ei& shelters for help and compares these dren are the fastest escalating homeless southeastern states. Both groups youths with nonhomeless youths who group and now constitute nearly 38 perreported a range of personal, family, came to the same shelters. The study in cent of the U.S. homeless population and school problems, but the problems vestigated the personal, family, and (Select Committee on Children, Youth, of the homeless group were more school problems of homeless youths, and Families, 1987). chronic than those of the nonhomeless The findings are examined in light of ex There are five major types of youths group. Although homeless youths isting service systems for youths, and who become homeless. First, youths received more services from shelters service recommendations for homeless who already are members of homeless than nonhomeless youths, the prognosis y°uths are offered, families often are separated from those jrQr former was grim^ Most lacked families. Many shelters for homeless stM supportive famUy to which Method families do not serve older youths, ,, ,, ? ,/ , , especially males, who are perceived as ey cou re urn. any a rea y were ^ sizable population of homeless disruptive and unruly (Select Commitmchms of a fragmented child welfare y0Uths seeks help at runaway shelters, tee on Children, Youth, and Families, system that offered bleak alternative Between 1985 and 1988, 21 percent 1987). Youths from homeless families living arrangements. The authors pre(n 9,179) of youths served by federally may be placed in the foster care or sent recommendations for services that funded shelters were homeless (General emergency shelter system and conseare integrated into a continuum of care Accounting Office, 1989). The data col quently experience disintegration of ties for homeless youths. lected for this study of homeless youths with their families. In 1985, the state who sought help at shelters in the south of New Jersey conducted a study that eastern United States were analyzed to found homelessness of families was the ascertain the characteristics of the major or secondary factor for placement under pressure the youths reluctantly do homeless youths who sought help; the of 40 percent of youths in foster care so. These youths often are forced out bereasons the youths were not living at (Tomaszewicz, 1985). cause of the family's economic problems home; where the youths came from and Second, youths leave home to escape and instability. who referred them; the family, school, physical and sexual abuse. The most A fourth group of homeless youths are and personal problems the youths re dramatic abuse statistics came from a doubly homeless. They are ejected or ported; the services youths received at study of street youths in Denver. Of the removed from homes at an early age bethe shelter; and what happened to the chronically homeless youths surveyed, cause of family abuse, neglect, orunwillyouths after they left the shelter. 85 percent had been victims of abuse ingness or inability to care for them. They The Southeastern Network of Youth while living at home (Oleson, 1986). are taken into state custody and placed and Family Services is a nonprofit mem Other studies have reported maltreatin unsuitable and inappropriate settings, bership organization of youth and fami ment histories among homeless youths When the placements become intolerly service centers in eight southeastern at less alarming rates (General Accountable, these youths leave for the streets, states. The network provides members ing Office, 1989; Greater Boston AdoThe fifth group of homeless youths are with training, technical assistance, lescent Emergency Network, 1985; members of minority groups who have information, and data collection and Kufeldt & Nimmo, 1987; Powers, Jakimmigrated unaccompanied to the United analysis. Member agencies include litsch, & Eckenrode, 1988). States and are attempting to make themlarge, multiservice agencies and agen A third group of homeless youths are selves inconspicuous. Because they have cies that operate single-focus programs, thrown or pushed out of their homes by no legal status and may face deportation The common link among these agencies parents or guardians. The caretakers if identified, they try to avoid governis that they provide services such as want the youths to leave home, and ment notice. They are prime targets for temporary shelter, counseling, and

Problems of Homeless Youths: Empirical Findings and Human Services Issues

This exploratory study presents findings on resiliency development in five former runaway and homeless youth. Subjected to chronic trauma, this unique population lacked the protective factors other studies have associated with resiliency development. Five young women were compared and contrasted in relation to the following questions: what factors promote resiliency in runaway and homeless youth and how are resilient youth differentiated from their peers who continue to exhibit high risk behaviours? A multiple case study design was used to explore themes that emerged from in-depth interviews with an original sample of 22 former runaway and homeless youth. These themes included determination, meaning and purpose in life, self-care and readiness to accept help.

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From Trauma to Resiliency: Lessons from Former Runaway and Homeless Youth

Most adolescents navigate the transition from adolescence to young adulthood with relative success. However, runaway and homeless youth experience formidable obstacles in their paths and engage in dangerous behaviors that threaten their well being and long-term prospects. This study is part of a larger exploratory research effort aimed at understanding how runaway and homeless adolescents navigate the troubled waters of their adolescence to make successful developmental transitions into young adulthood. The focus of this paper is to report findings related to the formal and informal helping resources that enable runaway and homeless youth to resolve difficulties, deal with hazards, and achieve some level of self-defined success in young adulthood. This study utilized a qualitative research design, and the primary data collection method was in-depth interviews with 12 formerly run-away and homeless young people. The constant comparative method was used to analyze the data. Evidence emerged regarding who provided help, the types of help provided, conditions that facilitated acceptance of help, and advice to helping professionals. The findings illustrate the experiences youth had with
helpers that they found valuable and experiences they perceived as detrimental.

How Runaway and Homeless Youth Navigate Troubled Waters: The Role of Formal and Informal Helpers

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Drug Prevention in Youth risk reduction program that was implemented in shelters for runaway/homeless youths in the Southeastern United States. The program focuses on knowledge, attitudes and skills that can help this group of high risk young people minimize the serious negative consequences of drug abuse. An evaluation strategy was developed so comparisons could be made between peer-led, adult-led and non-intervention groups. Dependent samples t tests and least squares ANCOVAS were used to measure pretest-posttest differences both within and between groups. Results indicate that the peer-led groups were more successful than the other two groups, and that program effects were the most powerful with the youngest group of shelter clients. Process evaluation revealed important factors related to group leader training and group management. It is concluded that well-trained and motivated peer/near peer leaders have particularly valuable contributions to make with regard to drug abuse risk reduction for shelter clients.

Sara Jarvis

Papers

How Runaway and Homeless Youth Navigate Troubled Waters: Personal Strengths and Resources

Problems of Homeless Youths: Empirical Findings and Human Services Issues

From Trauma to Resiliency: Lessons from Former Runaway and Homeless Youth

How Runaway and Homeless Youth Navigate Troubled Waters: The Role of Formal and Informal Helpers

Evaluation of a peer-led drug abuse risk reduction project for runaway/homeless youths.