Structure Versus Caring: Discrepant Perspectives in a Shelter for Street Kids
Description:
Draws on interview & field observation data from 44 residents (ages 16-21) & 18 staff members at an emergency shelter for street children in Toronto, Ontario, to examine discrepancies in perspectives on the issues of caring & structure. Staff perspectives considered structure as a form & expression of caring, with limits set on behavior representing evidence of caring - the agency's structure sought to evoke a professional rather than a family atmosphere. Resident views were defined by two disparate experiences: (1) The attention received for their immediate needs was considered a higher form of care than what they received from family & other shelters. (2) The enforcement of structure, especially eviction for minor offenses, produced feelings of rejection. Conclusions suggest that the experience of feeling cared for draws & maintains shelter occupancy, but the shelter's unrealistic expectations & short -term goals undermine its effectiveness. 19 References. Adapted from the source document
Type of Resource:
Journal
Publication Date:
1997
Volume:
19
Issue:
4
Pages:
301-321
Location:
New York