LGBT Homeless Youth

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Research conducted by Durso and Gates (2012) shows that programs should be developed in order to meet specific LGBT needs. A web-based survey was created to understand the life and experiences of LGBT homeless youth, which revealed a much higher prevalence and population of LGBT homeless youth than one would likely suspect. As mentioned previously, LGBT homeless youth account for between 30 and 43% of youth who use RHYA services. Durso and Gates (2012) supported the results found in 2002 from Cochran et al., that the majority of homeless LGBT youth were forced or fled from their homes due to conflict regarding their sexual orientation. Despite increased need for specialized services demonstrated by two studies (Cochran et al., 2002; Durso…show more content…
Herein lies the problem, as not all youth can be reunited with their families for a variety of reasons. Glassman, Karno and Erdem (2010) feel that by implementing no other alternatives, the BCP is suggesting that most runaway and homeless youth have chosen to leave their homes, dismissing the notion of rejection and neglect; however, it is important to consider that as a social service organization, the BCP is technically required per the NASW Code of Ethics (2008) Section 2.06 Referral for Services to refer clients to other professionals or services that are better equipped to handle clients’ specialized needs. This is something that should be considered in the next reauthorization of RHYA for youths who are not able to return home. One major recommendation made by Glassman, Karno and Erdem (2010) was to implement an intake process that will decide if a youth is an appropriate candidate for reintegration with their family. If not, the BCP should then take the necessary steps to refer the youth to other appropriate services, like the TLP (Glassman, Karno & Erdem, 2010; NASW,…show more content…
(2002) propose intervention methods that encourage the overall acceptance of LGBT youth in shelters, as well as acknowledgement of the differing needs of LGBT youth. It has been demonstrated through statistical evidence and countless interviews that this population is in desperate need of attention and specialized needs that go beyond the scope of the general population of homeless individuals. Researchers also recommend acknowledging the overall impact of homophobia on both populations and its correlation to substance abuse and homelessness (Cochran et al.,

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