29 Apr What do homeless youth see as their primary need?
Order Instructions
This is the rubic
The paper should have a minimum 20 references (15 or more from the literature review
paper, and 5 or more from the method paper),15 pages excluding abstract,
references, reflection paper. The paper should use a consistent 12 point font, double
spacing.
In this research proposal you will identify the research question of the proposal
and describe the methodology for the research. The research proposal consists
of 4 sections. Section 1 is a single paragraph (or two) consisting of the rationale
for the study, Section 2 focuses on the methodology and data collection, Section
3 focuses on the data, and finally Section 4 looks at the implications and
research moving forward. Please use the prescribed headings as described
below in the syllabus.
Abstract: Write an abstract based on APA guidelines. The abstract should
address the rationale for the research question, identify the research
methodology, the research design, sampling method, and describe the
anticipated results, including implications. No more than 120 words.
Section 1 Literature Review
Explain the significance of your study by incorporating the most current version of
the literature review paper here. Cite major arguments and research that support
the need for the study. Explain the significance of the study in terms of the gaps
in the research and the contribution of the research. Identify and describe the
rationale for the study. Before the paragraph ends identify the research question
and the hypothesis of the study. There should be at minimum 10 references
provided for the justification of the study. Make your edits in bold.
Section 2 – Method
1. Research Method – Identify and explain the rationale for the research
methodology of the study (qualitative,)
2. Operationalization – Identify and provide appropriate definitions for
independent and dependent variables in the study. Provide a conceptual
and operational definition of the IV and the DV. Explain how the DV(s) will
be measured. Explain how you would operationalize the IV. If you are
conducting a qualitative research, explain the variables of the study and
give examples of anticipated DVs or IVs.
3. Control variables – What control variables or procedures were instituted
for the study? Identify three control variables of the study and explain your
choice for the procedures in the study.
4. Research Design – Identify and explain the type of research design (non
experimental, quasi experimental, experimental) for the study. Name the
specific type of research design for the study. Use X O to notate the
research design of the study. Explain the rationale for your choices in
research design. Identify strengths and limitations of the research design.
5. Sampling – Identify the sampling methods (probability and/or non
probability) you are using for the study and explain the rationale for the
specific type of sampling method (eg availability, snowball, simple random
etc) and participant selection criteria
6. Setting, study implementation, & participant recruitment – Identify
and describe the setting of your study. How will the study be
implemented? Explain how will participants be recruited in the study.
Describe the procedures for subject recruitment and explain the rationale
for the recruitment procedures.
7. Research Protocol – Describe in detail the specific data collection
procedures of the study. What research protocol would you implement for
the investigators, research assistants, and participants of the study? How
would data be stored?
8. Ethical issues – What specific ethical issues were identified as being
relevant to the study? What were some of the choices and decisions that
you made in the data collection (eg. research design, research method,
sampling, data gathering) that demonstrated your thinking about the
ethical issues in the study? Identify any three ethical issues related
specifically to the conduct and implementation of this study. Explain how
you addressed the ethical risks in the study.
9. Consent Form – Develop a consent form for the proposed study which
incorporates the essential elements of informed consent form. Attach the
informed consent to the appendix.
10. Instruments – Identify and describe the instruments you have chosen for
the research proposal (e.g. name of the survey, focus group protocol,
interview questionnaire, observation protocol, etc.) What information did
you obtain about the scales you chose for the study? Why did you select
those particular scales for the study? If you are developing your own
questions for the survey or interview, explain why you chose to include
them. Include a copy of the instruments that you are using for the study.
Discuss 2 issues of reliability (eg. test-retest reliability, consistency) and 2
issues of validity (eg. construct validity, content validity) as they relate to
the instruments or reliability or validity issues of the study
11. Threats to Internal & External Validity – What are the two internal and
two external validity threats to the study? Illustrate by identifying specific
issues in the study which relate to the internal validity (e.g. instrument
change, maturation, selection bias, etc.) and external validity (e.g.
reactivity, pre-test effects, post test effects, sampling issues, etc.) Explain
how these specific issues affect the validity of the study.
Section 3: Anticipated Results
Assume you have collected the data, how do you plan to analyze and present the
data?
1. Data Plan & Data Analysis – Describe the data analysis plan for the
study. How would the data be analyzed? What is your plan for
summarizing, describing and analyzing the participants’ data? Consider
integrating the statistical content from the statistics text book in this
section (eg. measures of central tendency, measures of variability, specific
inferential statistics) Based on the anticipated data you would have
collected, how would you use the data to answer your research question?
Illustrate the data in a table and/or in the form of charts. For those who are
using qualitative research method, you will need to provide a description
of how you will be analyzing the qualitative data. Describe and explain the
steps of analyzing the data gathered during the study. For those who have
proposed a qualitative study, explain the steps for coding and data
analysis. How are the themes of the qualitative study arrived at? Describe
data coding and data analysis of the qualitative study.
2. Data Illustration & Dissemination – For those who are using a
quantitative research method, describe and illustrate how the data would
be presented with appropriate use of statistical or tables to present the
data. What charts, tables would be used to illustrate the results? For
qualitative research, explain briefly how the “results” will be presented.
What are the different ways of presenting the data from qualitative
research? Who would you share the results with and why?
Section 4: Discussion
1. Limitations – Critique the research by discussing the problems with the
proposed study. Describe and identify 3 specific issues associated with
the weaknesses of the study.
2. Alternate research method – What might be considered an alternate
methodology for the proposed research? If you proposed a qualitative
study, what might have been other ways/methods to approach the study?
If you proposed a quantitative study what other data collection method
might there be for the dependent variable or variables? Would the
research question change as a result of the alternate methodology?
Describe in detail how you would be conducting the research using an
alternate research methodology.
3. Conclusion – Write a conclusion that discusses the significance (either in
terms of practice, policy, administration, and/or education implications) of
the study
Presentation: Specific aspects assessed under presentation include clarity of
writing, flow of ideas, organization, grammar, syntax, mechanics, sentence
complexity, and punctuation. Do not use personal pronouns (eg. I, me) in the
research report.
Critical Analysis: Research concepts are described and integrated
appropriately. The paper demonstrates the students’ competence in applying
research principles in practice. Demonstrates a consistency of research focus
and ability to critically analyze and evaluate information.
APA formatting : Appropriate use of formatting for cover page, abstract, in text
citations and references page
Reflection paper: In three paragraphs (double line spacing), reflect on process
of writing this paper. In your first paragraph, please address the following: What
are some of the strengths of the paper? What particular areas could be further
strengthened? In the second paragraph of the reflection paper please address
the question of your learning in developing a research proposal. What insights
did you gain about research? What were the major insights from this experience?
In the third paragraph address whether the paper addressed the following CSWE
outcomes:
* Distinguish, appraise, and integrate multiple sources of knowledge, including
research-based knowledge, and practice wisdom;
* Critically analyze, monitor, and evaluate interventions;
* Use practice experience to inform research; &
* Use research evidence to inform practice.
Write the reaction paper in the first person.
I would like to focus on substance abuse treatment programs
This is my research paper not sure if you needed it also
What are the cause and effects of homelessness among youth in the USA? Physical, sexual
and emotional abuse; involvement in the child welfare system; racial discrimination and poverty
causes homelessness among youth in the USA but youth who receive educational achievement
support, adequate assistance from child protective services and mental health treatment will more likely explore their potential and become educated and productive members of society. For
unaccompanied adolescents, homelessness has a severe impact on their ability to integrate back
into society and contribute to their family and communities. Homelessness has a negative impact
on the mental health and criminal behavior of young people, as well as their ability to attend school
and get a job. As a result, the cost of caring for these children is increasing for the rest of society.
There is a good chance that if these youngsters are not given assistance, they will join the ranks of
chronically homeless adults. Even though unaccompanied youth in unstable housing have a tough
time, their requirements can be met. While living on the streets as an unaccompanied minor might
be terrifying, it can also lead to substance misuse, mental health issues that worsen and hurdles to
work and housing. More affordable housing and services for unaccompanied minors should be
prioritized by policymakers in order to end the unfair consequences of homelessness.
A variety of media portrayals exist of young individuals who become homeless. At times
they are shown as coming from homes where violence is commonplace. Others portray them as
youthful explorers who leave their families and head for the big metropolis in search of excitement
(Dwomoh et al., 2018). However, they are also viewed as rebellious’ teenagers who leave home on
a whim; as troublemakers who are fed up with doing the dishes, and who prefer to experiment with
the ‘bohemian’ lifestyle than stay in school or work. According to this view, young people
are enticed to seek excitement and liberation by the streets. A choice viewpoint that sees
homelessness as an option has been “denigrated by many researchers and service providers as illinformed,” according to Stewart, who has made a compelling case. (Stewart, 2020). While it is true
that some homeless youth leave their families for trivial reasons, the reality is quite different for
youngest people who become homeless. Street life is not for the faint of heart; the harsh reality of
sexual and physical abuse, hunger, and illness is enough to deter even those who are most daring.
Consequently, the romanticized notion of street youth is insufficient. This demonstrates the
necessity of gaining a deeper understanding of the factors that influence young people to end up on
the streets.
Causes of Homelessness among the Youth in the United States
Physical, Sexual and Emotional Abuse
Physical, sexual, and/or emotional abuse and neglect are more prevalent in the households
of homeless adolescents than in the homes of those who have homes. Street youngsters are five
times as likely than other children to have experienced sexual abuse (Heerde et al., 2019). It’s more
likely that young people who have been abused will have lower self-esteem, have a more difficult
time forming connections with adults, have greater rates of depression and suicide attempts, and are
more likely to run away from home or be expelled.
Abandonment by the Child Welfare System
Research shows a strong correlation between teenage homelessness and previous
involvement in the child protection system. As an example, the Children’s Aid Society provides
foster care and group homes. Although involvement in the child welfare system does not
inevitably lead to homelessness (in fact, many interventions can avoid homelessness), it does
represent the extent to which young people originate from dysfunctional families (Prince et al.,
2019). As they get older or choose not to participate in the child welfare system, many teenagers
may no longer get assistance from that system.
Racial Discrimination
A lack of access to work, education, and health care services for young people who are
racially discriminated against is a major problem in the United States. To make matters worse,
when these variables are added to others (such as problems at home or in the judicial system), they
can lead to homelessness.
Poverty
Young people who lose their homes often come from families that are struggling to make
ends meet. This does not necessarily imply a lack of concern and support on the part of the
families. There is some evidence, however, that a lack of resources has an impact on one’s
educational and health outcomes, as well as one’s capacity to secure employment. It’s possible that
families will have a harder time affording to support their kids when they get older. Many young
people become homeless not because they are evicted from their homes, but because they can no
longer afford to stay there due to their financial situation (Cohen-Cline et al., 2021). As a result,
many young individuals choose to move in with friends or relocate to different cities in search of
better job prospects. But if there are no jobs, they may end up on the streets on their own.
There is little doubt that for the vast majority of young people who find themselves
homeless, their involvement in the street youth lifestyle is not something they voluntarily choose to
do. Another thing to keep in mind is that the circumstances surrounding a young person’s
homelessness may be multifaceted and not easily reduced to a single event or concern (Hsu et al.,
2019). To put it another way, poverty may be linked to discrimination. Addictions in a parent or a
death in the family can also cause problems, as can other life events. This can lead to issues at
school, engagement in crime, or addictions, which can have a negative impact on one’s life at
home. Because of a variety of complex circumstances, young people wind up homeless in the end.
The complexity of youth homelessness necessitates solutions that take into account the programs,
services, and supports that could prevent or minimize youth homelessness in the first place.
Effects of Homelessness among the Youth in the United States
Being homeless has a terrible effect on young people’s capacity to reintegrate into society,
depresses their motivation, and keeps them from being self-sufficient, effective members of their
communities and families. Teenagers who have experienced homelessness are more likely to have
mental health issues, substance abuse and criminal behavior on their hands as well as dangerous
sexual practices (Ringwalt et al., 2008). These issues add to the strain on society because of the
costs associated with finding solutions to care for these children. The number of chronically
homeless adults will grow by the thousands if nothing is done to assist these young people.
The lives of unaccompanied minors are difficult, but they can be improved if their needs
are met. Teens who are unattended by an adult face a variety of difficulties, including sexual
assault, victimization, substance misuse, and declining mental health (Hwang, 2001). Investing in
more affordable homes and supportive services for unaccompanied minors is the only way to
alleviate the unjust consequences of homelessness.
Mental Health Problems
Youth who are unaccompanied endure the crippling impacts of mental health disorders that
are either created by or made worse by homelessness. Mental health issues are present in more than
half of all unaccompanied kids, and these issues are a precursor to long-term homelessness. When
looking into the mental health of these at-risk adolescents, one discovers that they suffer from a
wide range of issues (Cutuli et al., 2018). Anxiety and sadness, along with low self-esteem, are
common among homeless adolescents. There was a significant correlation between runaway
youth’s rates of major depression, conduct disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Suicide
attempts and self-harming activities such as cutting and burning, self-tattooing among others are
widespread among unaccompanied teenagers (Budescu et al., 2021). Among street youth, suicide
is the major cause of mortality (Bender et al., 2010). Unfortunately, despite the high prevalence of
mental health problems among homeless youth, only a small percentage of those youth have
sought out mental health assistance.
Barriers to Education & Employment
A lack of educational opportunities for unaccompanied minors prevents many of them from
completing their secondary education or pursuing further education. Policies on school attendance,
credit accrual, legal guardianship requirements, residence restrictions, adequate records and lack of
transportation are some examples of such obstacles. Youth may be denied enrollment as a result of
these obstacles, and as a result, they may be absent from school for an extended length of time. As
a result, homelessness might interfere with a child’s schooling and natural socialization
processes. A young person’s future independence is jeopardized, and learning and interpersonal
communication issues arise as a result. As a result, young people face difficulties as they try to
integrate into society. Youth experience serious hurdles in supporting themselves emotionally and
financially as a result of these issues, which are compounded by the lack of a college degree.
Unaccompanied youth contribute to the high unemployment rate in the United States since they
lack a college degree. Those who are able to obtain work frequently do not receive pay that allow
them to maintain their standard of living. Unemployed and under-educated young people will
eventually have an impact on society as a whole. There is a shortage of competent, educated, and
experienced professionals to be replaced by young people who are out of school and out of the
workforce.
Criminal Activity & Victimization
As a result of living on the streets, many unaccompanied minors turn to criminal activities.
As a means of surviving, many unaccompanied minors turn to unlawful activity. As an example,
unaccompanied minors may break into an abandoned building in search of a place to sleep, while
those in need of money may prostitute themselves or sell narcotics to raise money. About one-fifth
of all unaccompanied minors admit to committing theft. Forcible entry into a residence has been
reported by more than 10% of all homeless youth. More than half of homeless youth have engaged
in gang activities. However, analysis reveals that homeless children are more likely to be the
victims of crime than the perpetrators, even though they frequently engage in illegal activities.
Unaccompanied youth experience trauma and rape at a rate that is two to three times greater than
the overall youth population. Physical and sexual assault and robbery are common occurrences for
unaccompanied minors. Delinquent unaccompanied kids should be viewed as “young
persons in need of aid, rather than criminals, regardless of their ties to crime. In many cases, police
officers who have no other options for helping minors end up arresting them. However, it is often
detrimental to use the criminal justice system as a means of assisting adolescents. It is all too
common for young people to be further stigmatized and subjected to criminal activity of a more
sophisticated nature. As a result, the juvenile justice system is overburdened and unable to
adequately serve aggressive and persistently offending young people. Furthermore, taxpayers
would have to foot the bill for substantially more money to permanently move a homeless youth
off the streets ($53,665) than to permanently move a homeless youth off the streets ($5,887). A
considerable amount of money and resources have been wasted as a result of government and
society’s poor decisions on how to deal with unaccompanied adolescents, whether they are
delinquent or not.
Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is common among unaccompanied minors because of the stress and
desperation they feel as a result of uncertain living conditions. When a person’s living environment
becomes “more stressful and less stable, they are more likely to use drugs. Alcohol and drug abuse
affects 30 to 40 percent of unaccompanied kids over the course of their lives. Unaccompanied
youth are much more likely than the overall juvenile population to use drugs like marijuana, crack
cocaine, and other dangerous substances (Zhao et al., 2018). Unaccompanied minors are more
likely to use drugs and alcohol, yet the number of unaccompanied minors seeking treatment is
extremely low. Disturbingly high rates of drug and alcoholic abuse among unaccompanied minors
pose a threat to their well-being.
Unsafe Sexual practices
Prostitution is a common option for unaccompanied minors. Sex is exchanged for money,
shelter, food or other essentials known as survival sex. The median age of the first coitus is 13
years for the vast majority of homeless youth (almost 95 percent). More than a third of homeless
youth have admitted to exchanging sex for food, housing, or other necessities. Overwhelmingly,
young people who engage in prostitution/survival sex engage in it for money. One-fifth of those
who engage in sex trade do it for drugs, while the other half do it as a means of obtaining
temporary housing (Begun et al., 2019). When they’re homeless, the majority of homeless youth
report engaging in survival sex.
Pregnancy rates among young people who are homeless are significantly higher than in the
general population, and they appear to rise in correlation with the degree of instability in their
living circumstances. In contrast to the about 33% of shelter residents who have experienced
pregnancy, almost half of the street youth have done so. fewer than 10% of the kids in the
household had had a pregnancy (Kachingwe et al., 2019).” Three times as many homeless kids are
pregnant, have been pregnant, or are already parents as the national average. Prostitution may be
the only means of income for some women, and as a result, they become pregnant (survival sex).
To make matters worse, the majority of homeless youth lack knowledge on sexual health and
safety. “The lack of information and interest in birth control and reproductive health among
homeless teen mothers was striking. More than half of those surveyed didn’t think birth control was
necessary.”
It’s risky to leave unaccompanied kids in the dark about sexual health and safety, given
how frequently they engage in sexual activity. As a result of this, the homeless youth population
has a high risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. As a result of the focus on
school-based adolescents in HIV prevention initiatives, many unaccompanied minors are not
included in these efforts. The US Centers for Disease Control classify young individuals living on
the streets as one of two categories with the highest rates of HIV infection in the country.
Unaccompanied youth have a far higher HIV/AIDS diagnosis and death rate than the general
youth population. Studies show that between 5% and 13% of unaccompanied minors are currently
living with HIV. Some studies have suggested that HIV rates among homeless children are 2 to 10
times greater than in other groups of American teenagers.
Solution for Homelessness Among the Youth in United States
Affordable Housing
Unaccompanied youth should have access to more inexpensive housing, which should be
provided by the government and local communities. Young people and young adults need
affordable housing subsidies. The negative effects of homelessness can be mitigated if young
people are removed from the streets and placed in more stable accommodation. Unaccompanied
children are less likely to become pregnant and engage in drug use when they live in more stable
homes, according to research (Prince et al., 2019). Having a home of one’s own keeps homeless
children off the streets, where their mental health can deteriorate, and gives them the legal status of
permanent residents, making it possible for them to attend public schools. Providing housing for
unaccompanied minors would also prevent many of them from becoming victims on the street.
Programs and Treatment
There should be more government and community support for homeless youth in terms of
educational and treatment opportunities. The effects of homelessness on unaccompanied
adolescents necessitate assistance. Increasing the number of substance addiction and mental health
treatment programs for young people would be good for the community. Unaccompanied minors
might also benefit from safe sex education and aid in registering for other educational programs.
The survival sex and crime rates of unaccompanied kids would be reduced if they had easier
access to basic requirements (food, clothing, etc.).
