Strengths Perspective Theory

Strengths Perspective Theory
Provide some data specific points on the trends associated with the two oppressed/marginalized population (LGBTC Youth and Homeless Youth). B. Indicate the reason behind your interest in the population, and its direct connection to social work practice.
LGBTC youths are overrepresented amongst the homeless population. In spite of the fact that it is challenging to obtain accurate figures, it is approximated that LGBTC youths constitute 20 percent to 40 percent of the entire homeless youth population but make up solely 4 percent to 10 percent of the overall youth population. It is suggested that LGBTC youths are at greater risk of facing homelessness as compared to other youths (Cray et al., 2013). The inference of this is that they are almost 7 times over represented amongst the homeless community. Research indicates that LGBTC youth have a greater likelihood of running away from their homes as compared to other youth populations. Akin to several other homeless youths, LGBTC youth more often than not report abuse, neglect, as well as family conflict as the basis for fleeing from home. Notably, rejection on the basis of their gender identity or sexual orientation is considered to be the foundation for the family conflict. Notably, family conflict is deemed to be the most underlying reason for all youth homelessness. 50 percent of all teenagers experience a negative reaction from their parents and the family as a whole when they choose to come out and more than one in four of these teenagers are forced to leave their homes (Durso and Gates, 2012; Cunningham et al., 2014).
The reason behind my interest in this population, that is LGBTC and homeless youth, and its direct connection to social work practice is because it encounters emotional suffering and anguish, depression, seclusion, internalized homophobia or transphobia, violence and victimization, substance abuse, depression, suicide, pregnancy, conflict with the family, poor performances in the school setting and also sexually transmitted diseases (Morrow, 2004).
Identify, Discuss, compare and contrast the special needs the populations may face , which either constitute to their primary problem or contribute to their development. B. Discuss in general, how and why those special needs tends to develop for the (LGBTC Youth and Homeless Youth) or why they persist. (Consider any biological, psychological, spiritual, fiscal or environmental influences on these needs
LGBTQ youth have a superior susceptibility to a variety of general health, mental health, and social difficulties, for instance, sexually transmitted diseases, eating disorders, difficulties in school, homelessness, forced sexual activities, violence and victimization as well as suicide (Higa et al., 2014). These adverse outcomes are not inescapable because of the sexual minority status, but their incidence might intensify as a result of the marginalization, seclusion and also discrimination that are more often than not linked with being LGBTQ. In spite of the fact that there is a progressively greater acceptance and espousal of LGBTQ individuals in the United States, being a young individual who identifies as a sexual minority can considerably challenging and daunting in a society significantly in favor of towards heterosexuals (Higa et al., 2014).
LGBTQ youth can face problems in manifold contexts or settings. For instance, within the family setting, a number of them have delineated their relationship with guardians or parents to be strained and also withdrawn owing to their sexual orientation. There is also the fear and concern of being victimized by members of the family, together with a lack of approval from members who are socially conventional. Within the school setting, LGBTQ youth have reported facing negative involvements such as victimization and bullying by anti-gay students (D’Augelli, 2006).
Reflect (i.e Identify, compare and Discuss) on at least two theories of social work practice and indicate which theory seems best suited to deal/assist with the special need of those population. B. Briefly discuss the main points of the theory selected but spend more time discussing the connection made between the LGBT Youth and Homeless Youth and the theories' framework
There are different theories of social work practice that can inform the different special needs of the LGBTQ youth and homeless youth population. One of these theories is the psychosocial theory. This theory lays emphasis on the manner in which persons are shaped and respond to their social setting. Developed by Erik Erikson, the theory asserts that people’s sense of self develops and transforms as they encounter different social crises in the course of their lives, with every crisis impelling the person to react and adopt (Bilodeau and Renn, 2005). Sexual minority youth can face different psychosocial concerns as a result of marginalization and discrimination. In the course of adolescence, sexuality develops into a noticeable aspect through social and biological developments. Youth that are not sure and are constantly questioning their gender identity and sexual orientation could face greater stress or worry in particular interrelations as compared to their peers (Poteat et al., 2009). More often than not, LGBTQ youth are not accepted in the society when they come out. Psychosocially, this sequence of rejection results to their experiencing negative outcomes. Without a doubt, when contrasted against other youth, LGBTQ homeless youths have a greater likelihood of experiencing poor mental health, greater likelihood of demonstrating risky sexual mannerisms and partaking in drug abuse. They also have a greater likelihood of utilizing survival sex in addition to tactics involving sex trade for dealing with their circumstances. Notably, most of these youth react negatively to the rejection as they have to cope with stigma, discrimination, and exploitation as a result their sexual orientation or gender identity (Cunningham et al., 2014).
A second theory that can inform the different special needs of the LGBTQ youth and homeless youth population is systems theory. In particular, this theory asserts that behavior of an individual is impacted by a wide range of factors that work in tandem as a unit. That is, an individual’s parents, family, friends, school, societal and financial status or class all have an impact on the way a person thinks and also acts. This theory perceives the difficulties faced by persons and households as the result from the interactions of sociopolitical, cultural, psychological, and biological effects (Sue, Rasheed, & Rasheed, 2016). From a systems theory perspective, there are significant environmental challenges that LGBTQ youth experience, for instance, lack of family support, lack of community support, and failure within the school setting, homelessness, as well as poor physical and mental health care. Consequently, this population ends up facing issues such as suicide, depression, bullying, poverty, and homelessness, as compared to other youth (Foss, 2017).
Discuss how those theories challenge the basic assumptions outlined by the groups when discussing the oppressed population i.e consider any shortcomings or inconsistencies that theory/ theories have when outlining how to best provide support for the populations. Are there any ethical, cultural challenges that should be considered? CHALLENGE THE THEORY!!!!
In challenging the theories, for the most part, emphasis is placed on a single domain, for instance the family setting or the school setting. The downside of this is that this approach might not completely take into account the magnitude or variety of negative factors that impact the well-being of LGBTQ youth. Research conducted by D’Augelli (2003) established that LGBTQ youth who were able to maintain friends subsequent to revealing their gender identity and sexual orientation has greater levels of self-esteem, decreased levels and magnitudes of depressive symptomatology, and lesser thoughts of committing suicide as compared to the ones that ended up losing friends. In addition, research indicated that LGBTQ youth who ended up reporting having friends who come from a sexual minority group faced decreased levels of depression in the course of time and also diminished levels of victimization (D’Augelli, 2003).
Identify and discuss the strength that members of those populations may possess or may have developed as a result of the characteristics outlined above. ( Consider biological, psychological, and environmental sources of strength.)
There are strengths that members of those populations may possess or may have developed as a result of the challenges faced. These individuals have the strength as well as survival skills. It is known that LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness go through victimization. However, what people disregard and are unaware of encompasses the fact that they are smart, bright, creative and strong individuals who are substantially more than their experience of being homeless. In their experiences, these individuals become resilient and tough in the endeavor to successfully go about their days. LGBTQ youth facing homelessness are unbelievably resilient. An epitome of that resilience is through the creation of their own families (True Colors United, 2019).
One of the challenges that this population has to endure is engaging in survival sex. Statistics indicate that approximately 82 percent of homeless youth indicated that the positive aspect of partaking in survival sex is that it facilitated the fulfillment of their everyday basic needs for both food and shelter. Research indicated that it helps them survive and also made them stronger owing to the reason that they end up having the ability to go through and endure tough circumstances whilst being in the streets and having to live with it their whole lives. Furthermore, it indicates the extent to which these individuals are willing and determined to continue living and surviving and not permitting death to take a toll on them (Dank et al., 2015).
Based on the selected theory, discuss some interventions that will be best suited to work with your specific population.
Based on the aforementioned social work theories, there are a number of interventions that will be best suited to work with this specific population. Specifically, when examining challenges faced by homeless youth and LGBTQ youth, the systems theory and psychosocial theory are a pivotal lens for professionals in social work to exploit in comprehending the life experiences of this population and developing solutions (Foss, 2017). It is imperative for human services professionals to have a vivid and comprehensive understanding of the distinctive needs, risk factors as well as challenges that are being faced by homeless youth so as to create and deliver the best conceivable services to their clients. By taking into consideration the manifold of influences that go past personal choice, social workers and aiding professionals can examine and construe proper evidence-based interventions, resources and support services for the LGBTQ youth and homeless youth population. The interventions rendered to this population should be designed to facilitate greater social and communal inclusion, fundamentally within the family setting and subsequently within the community. Imperatively, interventions ought to be intended to decrease discrimination within the school setting and also the community at large by safeguarding LGBTQ youth and homeless youth with policies that are supportive (Foss, 2017).
It is pivotal for social workers to call on and sway the community and generate connections to improve the lives of LGBTQ youth and homeless youth. Peer support ought to be a fundamental element of the resources granted to LGBTQ youth and homeless youth via community and school programs. Professionals in social work must provide assistance in the development of a network of peer support for LGBTQ youth and homeless youth. What is more, interventions designed should also include development trainings for faculty members that facilitate the promotion of education for parents, students and also faculty regarding the needs for LGBTQ youth and homeless youth. There should also be programs that deliberate on topics concerning LGBTQ youth and homeless youth in order to generate a more inclusive program and intervention of care (Ryan and Diaz, 2011; Foss, 2017).
References
Bilodeau, B. L., & Renn, K. A. (2005). Analysis of LGBT identity development models and implications for practice. New directions for student services, 2005(111), 25-39.
Cray, A., Miller, K., & Durso, L. E. (2013). Seeking shelter: The experiences and unmet needs of LGBT homeless youth. Washington, DC: Center for American Progress.
Cunningham, M., Pergamit, M., Astone, N., & Luna, J. (2014). Homeless LGBTQ youth. Washington, DC: Urban Institute.
Dank, M., Yahner, J., Madden, K., Bañuelos, I., Yu, L., Ritchie, A., ... & Conner, B. (2015). Surviving the Streets of New York: Experiences of LGBTQ Youth, YMSM and YWSW Engaged in Survival Sex. Washington, DC: Urban Institute.
D'augelli, A. R. (2006). Developmental and contextual factors and mental health among lesbian, gay, and bisexual youths. American Psychological Association.
Durso, L. E., & Gates, G. J. (2012). Serving our youth: Findings from a national survey of services providers working with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Los Angeles: The Williams Institute with True Colors and the Palatte Fund.
Foss, S. (2017). A Guide to Social Work Advocacy for Transgender Adolescents and Young Adults. Texas State University.
Higa, D., Hoppe, M. J., Lindhorst, T., Mincer, S., Beadnell, B., Morrison, D. M., ... & Mountz, S. (2014). Negative and positive factors associated with the well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. Youth & Society, 46(5), 663-687.
Morrow, D. F. (2004). Social work practice with gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender adolescents. Families in Society, 85(1), 91-99.
Poteat, V. P., Aragon, S. R., Espelage, D. L., & Koenig, B. W. (2009). Psychosocial concerns of sexual minority youth: Complexity and caution in group differences. Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 77(1), 196.
Ryan, C., & Diaz, R. (2011). Family Acceptance project: Intervention guidelines and strategies. San Francisco: Family Acceptance Project.
Sue, D. W., Rasheed, M. N., & Rasheed, J. M. (2016). Multicultural social work practice: A competency-based approach to diversity and social justice. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley & Sons.
True Colors United. (2019). AT THE INTERSECTIONS: A Collaborative Resource on LGBTQ Youth Homelessness. Retrieved from: https://truecolorsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/2019-At-the-Intersections-True-Colors-United.pdf