Taking the youth perspective: Assessment of program characteristics that promote positive development in homeless and at-risk youth

This study extends research on contextual characteristics associated with positive outcomes within traditional youth settings to examine program characteristics, resources and positive development opportunities that exist within programs for homeless youth and youth at risk for homelessness. One hundred and thirty-three youth (42 boys and young men; 91 girls and young women) from six community agencies completed questionnaires created to assess youth ratings of program dimensions associated with positive development. Relationships were examined among dimension ratings, client characteristics and overall satisfaction. Regression analyses revealed significant main effects for participant age, appropriate structure, empowerment, and positive social norms, and two age by dimension interactions. Older youth who were more satisfied with agency programming produced higher ratings for agency structure, while for younger youth, satisfaction was positively associated with ratings for agency safety. Implications for service delivery and policy are discussed.