Canadian Research in Brief

Stories of working with homeless youth: On being "mind-boggling"

(2007), Children and Youth Services Review, Volume 29, Issue 1, pp. 16-34.
Authors

Kidd, Sean A.
Miner, Susan
Walker, Diana
Davidson, Larry

Narrative data of the experiences of 15 street youth workers revealed the need to be versatile in approaches with street youth and the importance of developing a working relationship based on trust and respect. Relationships among staff, agency structure, and the stigmatization of the homeless was discussed, along with the process of becoming an effective worker, including the establishment of clear boundaries and avoiding burnout.