Runaway and homeless youth constitute a vulnerable population that faces a multitude of problems. Studies document high rates of alcohol consumption and illicit drug use, physical and sexual abuse, depression, teen pregnancy, HIV risk and criminal behavior. Stereotypes that homeless and runaway youth are beyond help inhibit many prevention and health care providers from serving these youth and their families. Youth (N=74) were recruited from two regional runaway shelters and assigned to ecologically based family therapy (EBFT). On average, youth reported 47% days of alcohol or illicit drug use in the 90-day assessment period and reported and average of 7.0 SECs on drinking days. The program has been successful with a 95% engagement of youth and families assigned to treatment, and an average of 8.6 completed sessions. EBFT conceptualizes behavior problems within a framework that considers the multidimensional nature of problems. Treatment is directed toward assessing these multiple influences and intervening so that change is supported throughout all the systems affecting the problem behavior, including the intrapersonal system of the adolescent, the interpersonal systems of the family and peers and the extrapersonal systems of the shelter, juvenile justice system, school and the community. Specific procedures have been developed to address barriers to treatment. As such, the program includes meeting family members in their home, transporting them to various appointments, meeting alone with the youth and parents to prepare them for coming together and specific behavior skills training and family therapy. More detail on EBFT will be discussed during the presentation.
Learning Objectives: After this presentation, attendees will be able to describe the target populations, and enumerate the differences from traditional office-based practices of interventions and procedures for ecologically-based treatment for substance abusing runaway youth and families.
Keywords: Substance Abuse Treatment, Women
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.