NCJ Number
78808
Date Published
1980
Length
249 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes the findings of a 19-month evaluation of projects funded by the Youth Development Bureau to provide assistance to runaway youth and their families. It determines the extent to which the projects have operationalized the four legislative goals and their impact on clients.
Abstract
A representative group of 20 projects across the country was studied. In addition to the organization goal and client impact assessments, a cost analysis provided a profile of each project's costs and expenditures. Findings indicate that the projects have successfully operationalized the goals of the Runaway Youth Act and have developed a number of additional goals, such as youth advocacy, prevention and outreach, and community resource building and network participation. The project are extremely diverse both in terms of their structures and their client populations and exhibit a growing 'professionalism.' The most serious service limitations are the provision of followup and aftercare services. However, the projects are achieving substantial positive client impact levels. A positive relationship was found between goal operationalization and positive client impact, particularly concerning the goal of helping youth decide upon a future course of action. On the whole, these projects are effectively addressing the intent and goals of the Runaway Youth Act. They have been able to do so, however, only by expanding their total resources with substantial volunteer staff time as well as additional Federal and State funding. Data collection techniques, a summary of evaluation reports, and supportive data are appended. Footnotes are included. (Author summary modified)