Social Context of Service Use Among Homeless Youth in Los Angeles, California

Bibliographic Data

ID11215101
AuthorsAnamika Barman-Adhikari, Anamika Barman‐adhikari (0000-0002-3985-9520, University of Denver, corresponding author), Robin Petering (0000-0003-1724-8662, University of Southern California), Rebecca Lengnick‐Hall (University of Southern California), Rebecca Lengnick-Hall (0000-0002-7900-0585), Eric Rice (0000-0002-0732-0184, University of Southern California), Harmony Rhoades (0000-0001-5782-421X, University of Southern California), Sarah McCune (University of Denver)
Year2016
Volume42
Issue4
Pages501-515
Publication date2016-08-07
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Social Service Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0148-8376 • E-ISSN: 1540-7314
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/01488376.2016.1153563
OpenAlexW2308518742
LanguageEN
Citations received11
References cited57

Little is known about rates and correlates of service use or the role that social context plays in service engagement among homeless youth. This study compares two distinct service areas and uses a social network approach to examine how environmental factors (e.g., neighborhood), social factors (e.g., social capital and network engagement) and individual level factors that relate to service use patterns among homeless youth in Los Angeles, California. A sample of 938 youth was recruited from three drop-in centers in two distinct service sites. Individuals were surveyed about their individual and social network attributes. Univariable and multivariable analyses were utilized to understand the influence of social-contextual variables on service use. Service use behaviors varied across site and service type with youth in Hollywood showing greater engagement than youth at the Beach site. Across both sites and several service types, staff emotional support was positively correlated with levels of service use. The site comparisons also point to the fact that even within a single geographic area, like Los Angeles County, client profiles and rates of service use can significantly vary. Future research needs are presented with specific emphasis on understanding the needs of non-service-seeking youth

Business · Context (archaeology · Geography · Political science · Service (business · Social capital · Sociology · Community Health and Development · Homelessness and Social Issues · Marketing · Psychology · Urban, Neighborhood, and Segregation Studies · Social Work

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