Youth Pride

Youth Pride Inc.

In January 1998, Rhode Island students, teachers and parents testified about the impact of homophobia in schools. One young woman spoke of a friend who was believed to be gay. They thought he was gay and that is all they needed to know. He was in the bathroom and a couple of guys shoved his head in the urinal, and urinated on his head. Another student discussed the escalation from verbal to physical victimization:

"When I made the transition from junior high to high school, I hoped that all the name calling would cease, but it just escalated . . . Everyday, I had to get off the bus and book it to get home. If I didnÕt, they would toss me around like a football, shove me to the ground, throw rocks at me..."

YPI's program deals effectively with these problems by offering a multi-modal program.

Who are we?

Youth Pride, Inc. (YPI) is the only organization in Rhode Island providing comprehensive statewide services for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (glbt) youth. YPIÕs Advocacy and Support Project is aimed at the large segment of this youth population who have been the victims of hate crime and trauma. Hate crime victimization coupled with traumatic histories often leaves glbt youth victims feeling depressed, anxious, angry and shameful. They may have difficulty sleeping or be afraid to leave their homes. They may attempt suicide, abuse substances, engage in risky activity or suffer academically. This program assists youth in healing from their trauma by providing group support, individual counseling, crisis intervention, emergency services, case management and advocacy. The numbers of youth victims using our services has grown astronomically over the past year and speaks to the horrific victimization of this population.

The Advocacy and Support Project, which is a multi-modal program, is designed to help glbt youth overcome these obstacles and minimize the impact of the abuse they have suffered. By providing a safe place to deal with their experiences, the program helps clients in an empowering way that does not continue to shame them. The interventions used are being refined based upon participant responses and staff observation to increase effectiveness. The following is an explanation of the methods used in each facet of the project:

Support Services

An ongoing education/support group is offered for 50-75 youth to deal with their immediate needs as crime victims. The group meets in two-hour sessions in a psycho-educational format providing both information and support for crime victims. The group is composed of those whose victimization has occurred recently as well as those whose trauma is historical. We have found that despite the demonstrated need for differential support based upon the time that has elapsed since victimization, responses from participants has included requests to merge the two populations. It is apparent from client evaluations that these two populations gain a great deal of support and insight from each other. Therefore, they collectively explore concerns specific to their victimization process. Issues to be addressed in-group include coping mechanisms, safety, sexuality, reporting options, the judicial system, mental health and victim compensation. Referrals regarding additional services specific to the victimization of program participants are provided when necessary.

By offering an empathetic environment to problem solve and share experiences, the support services assist glbt teens in developing positive self-esteem and confidence. They provide youth with a healthy environment to explore the effects of their trauma without judgment. It is anticipated that a combination of discussion, concrete skill building and information sharing decreases symptoms of depression, anxiety, substance use and suicide, and increase each youthÕs ability to function in a healthy, safe manner.

Crisis intervention/Short term treatment

Individual work with clients is also critical for this program. To augment group treatment, or for youth not comfortable in a group setting, crisis intervention including suicide assessments, follow-up counseling and substance abuse intervention is often needed to ensure client safety and prevent high risk behavior. Discussion of difficult issues such as sexual abuse or violence often creates a need for more individualized care; the program must respond to this need as it occurs. It is anticipated that crisis intervention and short term counseling following a traumatic experience is provided to approximately 70 young people using 700 hours.

Referrals are made for long-term treatment, but to insure personal safety and facilitate access to sensitive mental health services, the issues are first dealt with in a supportive environment.

Advocates and Case Management

Victims of anti-gay violence often fear that disclosure and subsequent exposure of the crime may lead to further discrimination or abuse. The advocacy component assists victims in their recovery process by facilitating a smoother journey through the legal, criminal, social service, health or educational system. Staff and trained volunteers accompany youth when necessary to help them schedule, or follow through with, important appointments pertaining to their victimization. Examples include accompanying sexual assault survivors to an HIV test site, and assistance for assault victims interacting with police departments or schools. We anticipate this type of advocacy with 25 youth using 300 hours of staff time.

Case management is a critical addition to our victim assistance services. With the success of the new street outreach program we have begun with AIDS Care Ocean State, we have seen a great rise in the numbers of youth victims we are serving. We have also seen a rise in the needs of our clientele. The clients of the street outreach program are young people who are temporarily living on the streets; they are often victims of serious violent crimes. Many of them need more staff assistance than we can currently provide. They are in great need of short term emergency case management services designed to deal with their immediate crisis and develop a plan for a healthy future. Case management includes a staff member working with youth to overcome their abuse and secure such necessities as housing, mental health services, and adequate food. Referrals are made when the youth is stable and safe. We anticipate emergency case management for an additional 35 youth using 500 hours of staff time.

Anticipated Impact

By processing their victimization, empathizing with others, learning new ways of coping and understanding the victim assistance system, participants can take positive steps toward recovery. The combinations of group treatment short term individual support, crisis intervention, and advocacy meets the many needs of our population. Our current clients are clearly benefiting from our services. They exhibit fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety and engage in healthier, more assertive behaviors. Enhancing these services through the provision of emergency case management services close the gap that currently exists for many of the youth we serve. Poorly trained service providers or non-responsive institutions can often demoralize a population that has already been victimized. Fear of this further victimization through discrimination or abuse can result in a lack of follow through and difficulty accessing services. However, support of peers and staff can empower youth to get the assistance they need and want.

Many young people discuss the importance of YPIÕs program in helping them share their experiences and understand they are not alone. One victim of sexual assault was typical of others when he said, when you do not talk about this stuff, it is easy to convince yourself that nobody could understand what you have been through. ItÕs been great knowing that others have been through it and survived. IÕm not alone."

One young woman reminded the staff of the importance of the program for gay and lesbian youth in particular. She was beaten up for being a lesbian and received no support at home. She said, qI was devastated and I couldnÕt talk about it at home. Finally IÕm around people who care about what happened to me."

Youth Pride; Inc. (YPI) is an organization for youth affected by issues of sexual orientation and gender. The only organization of its kind in Rhode Island, its purpose is to offset the discrimination, isolation and abuse felt by many gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender young people. Through its programs of peer support, advocacy and public education, YPI hopes to reduce the feelings of isolation and shame which can lead to depression, anxiety, substance abuse, suicide and other forms of self-destructive behavior. By providing a safe place for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth, its aim is to empower them both individually and collectively. YPI believes strongly in the necessity of a systemic approach to alleviate the obstacles faced by this population as their individual difficulties stem directly from the homophobic environment in which they live.

YPI grew out of the YWCA of Greater RIÕs support program for gay and lesbian youth. This program began when the Directors of the YWCA and the Samaritans, a suicide prevention organization, met at a forum in 1992. They discussed the high suicide rate for gay and lesbian youth and the lack of supportive services for them. The YWCA then designed a program to meet this need and began a statewide gay and lesbian youth support group. VOCA funding was sought in 1993 when it became apparent that a high percentage of support group participants were victims of crime. This group soon developed into many different supportive services for large numbers of gay and lesbian youth. Due to rapid growth, the YWCA could not continue to meet the program needs and YPI was developed to fill this gap. In 1998, YPI served 450 youth statewide with programs of support, education and advocacy. In addition to money from the GovernorÕs Justice Commission, funding for YPI comes from the Department for Children, Youth and Families, the Department of Health, the Rl Commission for Community and National Service, United Way Critical Issues Fund, private foundations and individual donors.

The organizationÕs programs include a drop-in center, clinical services, support groups, street outreach, substance abuse prevention, HIV prevention, public education, and public service. One of YPIÕs programs is the Victim Support Program that received VOCA funding in 1996, 1997 and 1998. The program has met or exceeded all objectives and currently has a waiting list for services. Due to the need being even larger than anticipated, this program for 1999 includes a refined group model, crisis intervention, advocacy and case management services.

YPI has a commitment to serving gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth of all races, ethnicity, religious affiliations and ability. The population it currently serves is quite diverse with approximately 30% from minority populations. Efforts are continually made to insure our outreach is conducted to all communities in Rhode Island. The organizational commitment to diversity also extends to YPIÕs hiring practices. It currently has five staff members with one being a man of color. YPI does not discriminate because of race/ethnicity, nation of origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation or ability; it actively seeks out people from diverse communities to serve on its staff and Board of Directors. The organization seeks qualified professionals for its staff; both individuals on this project are highly experienced social workers.

What is our Challenge?

Homophobia, defined as hatred or fear of homosexuality, is a powerful social problem. While it is estimated that 10% of the population is gay or lesbian, homophobia remains an accepted form of prejudice. Perhaps the most negatively affected are glbt youth that find themselves growing up to be a target of this hatred. Unfortunately, this hate and discrimination often manifests itself as violence.

It is difficult to accurately identify the scope and extent of gay youth victimization as Rhode Island has only recently begun to document the incidents of hate crimes pertaining to gays and lesbians. Underreporting of these crimes by victims fearful of revealing their sexuality to police or other historically unsupportive institutions is also common. Victims of these hate crimes often do not trust local law enforcement personnel and fear additional harassment and recrimination if their sexual orientation becomes public.

However, studies provide insight into the problem. In a study of 50 Rhode Island glbt youth, 57% reported being a victim of violence related to their sexual orientation. (Laliberti, 1999) In another Rhode Island study of 78 glbt youth, 47% disclosed victimization not directly related to sexual orientation including sexual abuse, partner abuse and assault. (Harrington, 1996) A report to the National Institute on Justice stated that gays and lesbians are probably the most frequent victims of hate crimes. (Finn and McNeil, 1987) In 1998, a report by the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs and the Violence Recovery Program of Fenway Community Health Center indicated that 83% of the victims in 1997 were lesbians, gay men or bisexuals. A statewide survey of 2,823 high school students in New York agreed, showing students held greater hostility towards gay people than toward any racial or ethnic minority. (GovernorÕs Task Force, New York, 1988). Schools are often a major source of difficulty for gay and lesbian youth. Twenty-eight percent of gay and lesbian high school students in a national study dropped out of school because of harassment resulting from their sexual orientation (Remafedi, 1987). Additionally, the Gay and Lesbian Victim Assistance Program showed that 63% of the respondents (128) reported some form of traumatic experience over the past year relative to their sexuality, with 73% of this population reporting multiple trauma. (1993)

Each youth is initially screened, then referred to a group for support, advocacy and information. This group helps alleviate the initial trauma, assist in dealing with the criminal justice system and provides information about seeking compensation. Its group format helps participants reduce the isolation, guilt and shame they feel in being victims.

Individual short-term counseling and crisis intervention is also available to ameliorate the immediate impact of such significant victimization. Referrals are made if long-term treatment is necessary. Given the need for referrals to outside professionals, it is critical to coordinate our program with other services. To this end, YPI currently works collaboratively with private practitioners, mental health agencies, and treatment centers. YPI also has relationships with school guidance personnel, teachers, health educators, and lawyers.

What is our Action Plan?

Program Goal: To provide peer and professional support, education and advocacy services for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth and young adult victims that increase their ability to lead functional, productive lives.

Process Objective 1: Conduct an ongoing, two hour psycho-educational support group for a total of 75 gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth crime victims in order to reduce the Immediate effects of trauma such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse and suicide. Outcome Objective 1: 50percentage of clients reach goals set out in individualized treatment plans related to the impact of their trauma. Activities to meet Objective 1

1.0 By October 1999, advertise group to school counselors, community groups, youth groups, therapists, rape crisis treatment providers, mental health agencies, DCYF, and glbt organizations.

• 1.1 on an ongoing basis, receive referrals from school systems for students who have been victims of violence in their schools.
• 1.2 By October 1999, involve a minimum of 10 participants in the group.
• 1.3 By November 1, 1999, and on an ongoing basis, document all incidents of crime with appropriate demographic information for accurate records of victimization.
• 1.4 By November 15, 1999 and upon entry into the group, participants develop individual short-term behavioral, social and/or other treatment goals to encourage victims to regain control over their lives.

Process Objective 2: Provide crisis intervention and short term counseling to 46 victims and their families as needed to insure participant safety and symptom relief. Outcome Objective 2: Clients report a 50% reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety including suicidal ideation, hopelessness, isolation and panic attacks.

Activities to meet Objective

• 22.0 On an ongoing basis, assess suicide, substance abuse, violence and mental health status of participants.
• 2.1 On an ongoing basis, provide short-term individual or family treatment.
• 2.2 On an ongoing basis, refer when necessary for long term therapy, substance abuse treatment, hospitalization or additional support. Document referrals.

Program Objective 3: Provide advocacy for 17 glbt youth victims and case management services for 23 glbt victims needing assistance through the legal, criminal justice, social service, health, housing and/or educational system(s).

Outcome Objective 3: There is a 25% increase in the use of legal, criminal justice, social service, health and educational systems.

Activities to meet objective 3

• 3.0 Upon entry into the group and on an ongoing basis, review all legal options available to crime victims and assess risks and benefits of the complaint and compensation processes.
• 3.1 Upon entry in to the group and on an ongoing basis, advocate as necessary to ensure a proper response by legal/criminal justice system.
• 3.2 on an ongoing basis, advocate for victims when necessary in the social service and health systems to measure appropriate action is taken.
• 3. On an ongoing basis, provide case management services as necessary to assistant youth with health, housing, mental health and educational services.

PI staff administers the program goal, objectives and activities. The Executive Director of YPI is the project supervisor and evaluates project staff. She compiles and analyzes reports submitted monthly by staff. A Board of Directors to whom the Executive Director is responsible governs YPI. The project supervisor supervises volunteers with the project.

How we measure ourselves?

YPI administers, collect, and analyze all evaluative tools on a quarterly basis or at the beginning and end of each youthÕs participation in the group. Evaluation is divided into two sections: 1) documentation with regard to demographics of youth, the crimes committed against them and the effects of trauma on victims, and 2) documentation with regard to program effectiveness and client goal attainment. Data collection is both qualitative and quantitative. Evaluation containing information regarding client satisfaction are reviewed with participants quarterly to insure their needs are met. Program changes are driven by client evaluations as their concerns and suggestions are taken seriously.

Documentation regarding victims and crimes:

• a) Demographic information with regard to the victim including gender, race/ethnicity, birth date, address, living situation of youth and relationship to the offender are documented in an initial interview with each participant. This information is analyzed quarterly; if the demographic evaluation shows the organization to be not representative of the larger population in need, steps are taken to improve outreach in that area. In addition, demographic information concerning crime including type, reporting status, location, and use of weapons are documented in initial interview.
• b) The biopsychosocial effects of trauma on victims are documented in the initial interview using self-reporting and staff judgment regarding mental status. An individual treatment plan is developed with the participant and is reviewed on a regular basis as part of the treatment process.

Evaluation of program effectiveness and client goal attainment:

• a) Attendances at group sessions are recorded. Volunteers follow-up by phone with participants who have low attendance if permission was granted in advance to allow phone calls to be made to youth victims work or residence.
• b) Participants and program staff engage in ongoing discussions about the program and its effectiveness. Changes are made when necessary to meet program participantsÕ needs.
• c) Individual improvements in mental health (e.g. reduction in depression, suicide or (anxiety) and systemic improvements (e.g. developing support system or improved school environment) are evaluated utilizing questionnaires requiring participant self-report, and staff observation/assessment.
• d) Each client establishes a realistic goal for the treatment process. Individual goal attainment for program participants are measured on an ongoing basis and documented before leaving the program. Identified goals are attained by 50% of the participants.
• e) 100% of program participants are informed of victim compensation programs. Statistics are kept for those who follow through with this program.
  Michelle Duso, Program Director
  Youth Pride, Inc.
  134 George M. Cohan Blvd.
  Providence, Rhode Island 02903
  Telephone: (401) 421-5626