A Program Description of Health Care Interventions for Homeless Teenagers

This prospective review was designed to determine the effectiveness of a broad-spectrum health intervention program for homeless and runaway youth. Diagnosis, treatment, and counseling for drug use, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and other health issues were provided all new admissions to a residential care facility during a 2-month enrollment. Education was continued during a 9-month follow-up period based on the program entitled Bright Futures, previously developed and published by the National Center for Education in Maternal and Child Health. Sixty percent of the 106 study residents had STDs on admission and 7% developed new STDs after completing therapy and undergoing counseling. Drug dependence was reduced from 41% to 3%, and 42% achieved full-time or part-time employment. Fifty-nine percent completed hepatitis B immunization with the 3-dose series. This experience suggests that an organized program of interventions in a residential care facility for homeless teenagers can significantly reduce drug dependence and STDs.