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Enhancing Empowerment and Leadership Among Homeless Youth in Agency and Community Settings: A Grounded Theory Approach

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Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study with homeless youth (ages 18–24) was to understand their involvement in decision-making within agency and community settings. Three focus groups with eight, six and six homeless youth were conducted at an urban drop-in center and shelter from June to August 2008. Emergent themes include youth voice and ownership in agency and community programming, emotional safety, power and reciprocal support. Grounded theory is used to interpret findings and develop working hypotheses to guide future studies on empowering homeless youth to assume greater leadership involvement in their own lives, in social service agencies and in their surrounding communities.

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Acknowledgments

Funding for this study was provided by the John Randolph Haynes and Dora Haynes Foundation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Social Work, University of Southern California, 669 West 34th Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-0411, USA

    Kristin M. Ferguson, Min Ah Kim & Stacy McCoy

Authors
  1. Kristin M. Ferguson
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  2. Min Ah Kim
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  3. Stacy McCoy
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Kristin M. Ferguson.

Appendix A: Focus Group Questions on Youth Leadership/Empowerment

Appendix A: Focus Group Questions on Youth Leadership/Empowerment

  1. 1.

    What are some ways that we could build a stronger sense of community among young people at the agency? Aside from the typical events we celebrate here, what additional events would you like to see us celebrate at the agency?

  2. 2.

    How well do agency staff and the environment make you feel physically and emotionally respected and accepted? What do staff do that make you feel physically and emotionally respected and accepted? What could staff do to make you feel more physically and emotionally respected and accepted?

  3. 3.

    What problems do we currently have at the agency that need solutions? In your opinion, where should we prioritize our efforts in trying to strengthen the agency community and assist youth?

  4. 4.

    What makes you want to participate in a new program or activity at the agency? Are there things that make you not really want to participate in a new program or activity? What are some of these things?

  5. 5.

    What are the best ways to involve other youth clients in leadership activities at the agency? What are the best ways to involve youth clients in leadership activities in the surrounding community? What are some ways you have been able to make a contribution at the agency or in the community?

  6. 6.

    What skills would help you be more involved in leadership activities at the agency or in the community (for example, leadership, planning, decision-making, organizing, team-building, etc.)?

  7. 7.

    How open are staff to clients being involved in leadership positions at the agency? What do staff do to encourage clients to be leaders? How could staff better support clients to be leaders at the agency?

  8. 8.

    While at the agency, have you felt like you have had a voice in programs and activities? Can you give some examples? What are some ways that staff have included your voice in programs and activities?

  9. 9.

    What agency programs and activities would you like to be a part of strengthening? What suggestions do you have for how to strengthen these programs?

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Ferguson, K.M., Kim, M.A. & McCoy, S. Enhancing Empowerment and Leadership Among Homeless Youth in Agency and Community Settings: A Grounded Theory Approach. Child Adolesc Soc Work J 28, 1–22 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10560-010-0217-6

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