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Capstone Abstract
Adolescents experiencing homelessness have numerous unmet needs and a lack the skills required to be successful in adulthood and prevent the cycle of homelessness from occurring. Homeless adolescents are at a high risk of mental health diagnoses, substance abuse, STDs, future incarceration, and future homelessness (Dawson-Rose et al., 2020; Dowdy et al., 2020; Engel-Yeger et al., 2013; Jennings Mayo-Wilson et al., 2020; Koenig & Rudney, 2010; Kraybill & Morrison, n.d.; Thompson et al., 2015). These performance deficits can impact the quality of life and increase the likelihood of future homelessness. The Doctoral Capstone Project was to create an evidence-based life skills program, named Empower Uth. The program was created to empower homeless adolescents with the necessary tools and knowledge to cope with the challenges they may face in their daily lives and reduce performance deficits while maintaining adolescent engagement. The understanding that meaningful occupations promote participant engagement was utilized throughout the development and implementation of the program. The program was implemented twice a week for one hour per session. Participant engagement was recorded through session attendance. Throughout program implementation, participant engagement steadily increased. In conclusion, the DC project promoted participant engagement in the life skills program through engaging occupations.
Publication Date
12-2023
Key Terms
Homeless; adolescents; trauma; engagement; occupations; mental health
Student Contact
Annacarnevale19@gmail.com
Recommended Citation
Whitacre, Anna, "Empower Uth: Empowering Homeless Adolescents Through Engaging Occupations" (2023). Occupational Therapy Capstones. 2.
https://www.exhibit.xavier.edu/ot_capstone/2
