Evaluation of Project Metamorphosis: An on-demand treatment program for homeless youth

Project Metamorphosis is an adolescent substance abuse treatment program for homeless youth. Through a collaboration of treatment and homeless youth service agencies the program offers a range of on-demand treatment options specifically designed to break through barriers presented by youth caught in the “street culture” of homelessness. Services include detoxification, residential and outpatient treatment, psychiatric services and aftercare programs including the use of peer recovery mentors to help facilitate a clean and sober counter-culture community. Client outcomes are measured at baseline, and 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-treatment entry using the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) and Global Appraisal of Individual Needs (GAIN) instruments. Preliminary data suggest positive changes with regard to housing, illegal substance use, and arrests at 3-months post-treatment entry that are maintained at 6-months. Specifically, the percentage of youth living in shelters or on the street dropped from 60% at baseline to 29.6% and 17.9% at the time of the 3- and 6-month follow-up interviews. Likewise, the percentage of youth living in a non-institutional housing situation increased from 20% at baseline to 59.3% and 64.3%, respectively, over the same time period. With regard to substance abuse, fewer youth reported any illegal drug use at 3- (48.1%) and 6-month (46.4%) post-treatment entry compared to baseline (67.9%). Additionally, only 3.7% of youth reported being arrested 30 days prior to their 3-month interview compared to 26.4% of youth who reported being arrested 30 days prior to baseline. Key components of the program philosophy and service delivery system will be discussed.