NCJ Number
136719
Journal
Journal of Adolescent Health Volume: 12 Issue: 7 Dated: special issue (November 1991) Pages: 567-572
Date Published
1991
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The Threshold Project, a residential treatment program in the State of Washington, was designed to work with homeless and alienated young women who were approaching 18 years of age, but lacked the skills, values, and attitudes necessary to care for themselves and assume the responsibilities of adulthood.
Abstract
The project had three phases: (1) initial stabilization period in which clients were evaluated for commitment and motivation; (2) semi-independent living status; and (3) move to independent foster homes. During the first 2 years of the project operation, 24 female clients were served. Many of these young women shared similar developmental histories marked by parental abuse and neglect, alienation, multiple out-of-home placements, school suspension, frequent runaway behavior, prostitution involvement, and substance abuse. The typical client was a white female with a median age of 17.8 years who had been placed out of home for a period of 2 or more years prior to project entry. Most clients responded well to project requirements, including the expectation that they maintain employment and participate in educational programs during the semi-independent living phase. A followup assessment undertaken after clients left the project indicated that 42 percent of the young women met all success criteria, i.e., they lived independently or in stable situations, attended school and/or were employed, had not engaged in prostitution or other offense behavior, and did not abuse alcohol or other substances. Two variables appeared to be associated with positive outcomes, absence of any involvement with juvenile court and less than 12 months of involvement in street life. 8 references, 1 table, and 2 figures