Sexual orientation, mental health, and service outcomes for homeless youth in transitional living programs

Introduction: Although considerable attention has been paid to runaway/homeless youth, research on outcomes of youth who are involved in federally-funded transitional living programs (TLPs) has been scant. Research suggests that sexual minority youth are overrepresented among homeless youth, and that these youth are at increased risk for negative outcomes relative to their heterosexual counterparts. This presentation uses a risk/protective conceptual model to examine the impact of sexual orientation on outcomes from TLPs. Methods: Youth participating in TLPs nationwide between 2002 and 2004 (N=1552) were interviewed upon entry and exit using the Runaway and Homeless Youth Management Information System. The dependent variable, outcome of service use (safe or appropriate exit/not; e.g., to homelessness), was modeled by sexual orientation (homosexual/heterosexual), gender, presence of mental health needs, and current substance use through logistic regression. Results: Thirty-eight percent of participants experienced safe and/or appropriate exit from TLPs. Seven percent of the sample identified themselves as a sexual minority. Sexual orientation did not significantly predict safe exit. Female gender, mental health needs and current substance abuse all decreased likelihood of safe exits. Discussion: Although findings affirm general service research that mental health and drug use are significant risk factors, they fail to support previous research in that sexual orientation did not contribute to risk of unsafe exits. The small proportion of youth self-identifying as sexual minority may represent the presence of unanticipated barriers to services for these youth, or alternatively may represent the presence of perceived stigma inhibiting accurate reporting.