NCJ Number
165437
Date Published
1994
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This video uses statements from homeless youths on San Diego's streets, comments by staff involved with these homeless youths, and narrator information to portray the plight of these youths and the programs designed to help them.
Abstract
According to statements by the youths themselves, as well as comments by adults trying to help them, most have had to leave their parental homes because of abuse, abandonment, or neglect. They are without education and job skills, so they survive on the streets in any way they can. This includes theft, prostitution, and drug dealing. They hate their lives and themselves but do not know how to change what is happening to them. The video profiles the programs in San Diego that target homeless youth. One is called the "Store Front." It can house only 20 youths overnight. The program provides food and clothing as well as shelter. The rules of the Store Front do not allow long-term residence, as it has a 3-days in and 3-days out requirement. A youth can reserve a bed for a return stay after the 3-day limit is reached, but only if agreeing to participate in the counseling and guidance program that is designed to help the youths obtain jobs. Three out of four youths who participate in this program go on to live productive lives. The second program profiled is "The Place." It provides food, shelter, and clothing to a maximum of 80 youths, along with an academic program that is tailored to the practical survival needs of the youths, principally preparation for obtaining and functioning effectively in a job.