NCJ Number
192937
Date Published
1998
Length
326 pages
Annotation
This volume explores the challenges involved in creating and sustaining supportive communities for youth at risk, with emphasis on service integration and the use of comprehensive service models.
Abstract
The book presents research begun in 1992 that reviewed the literature on adolescents and risk, developed a model for identifying risk factors in young people, describes the experiences of a nine youth-serving programs in six cities, and summarized issues common to the programs. The book’s first section introduces the concept and history of service integration and comprehensive-service models, reviews literature on risk and adolescence, and presents a new paradigm for thinking about adolescence and risk. The second section presents the nine case studies, explains the program elements crucial to meeting the complex needs of adolescents and their families, and discusses the challenges of funding and evaluating youth programs. The findings indicated that change must take place at the following three levels to be effective and long-lasting: (1) the individual agency, (2) the local service system, and (3) the policy system. Important issues involved in determining the replication of comprehensive service integration strategies include defining goals and objectives, identifying the target population, and identifying the services to offer. Additional crucial issues involve establishing mechanisms for service delivery, establishing the service location, and identifying administrative factors, settling funding issues, planning evaluation, and institutionalizing change. Tables, index, appended list of cities and countries that include empowerment zone/enterprise community areas, and approximately 300 references