Understanding service provision and utilization for vulnerable youth: Evidence from multiple informants. (September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Haibin; Liebenberg, Linda; Ungar, Michael
• Is Part Of: Children and youth services review. Volume 56(2015:Sep.)
• Page Start: 18
• Page End: 25
• Publication Date: 2015-09
• Subjects: Service use -- Service quality -- Service satisfaction -- Youth -- Pscychosocial outcomes -- Multiple contextual risks; Social work with children -- Periodicals; Social work with youth -- Periodicals; Adolescent -- Periodicals; Child Welfare -- Periodicals; Social Work -- Periodicals; Service social aux enfants -- Périodiques; Service social à la jeunesse -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 362.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2015.06.012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0190-7409

Abstract

Abstract: Research has demonstrated that the ability of children to cope well with risk exposure can be partly attributed to the social ecology that surrounds them, including their access to resources. Few studies however have explored the interaction of services that many vulnerable children receive in relation to surrounding risks and available resources. This study reviews data of a paired sample of 166 Canadian multiple service using youth (at least using two of five public service systems) and a youth-nominated person most knowledgeable (PMK) focused on the contextual risk factors, service use variables, and pscychosocial outcomes of youth participants. Despite low to moderate correlations between youth and PMK (the person who is most knowledgeable about youth's lives) reports, findings showed that both PMKs and youth perceive service provision as a mediator between risk and pscychosocial outcomes. For youth however, better quality of service provision is key to improved developmental outcomes. Furthermore, the more risk factors youth face at home and at school, the less likely they are to perceive their services as helpful or appropriate to their needs. Youth data also reflects far more complex interactions between risks, service provision and outcomes than PMK data. Greater sensitivity is needed to both an adult and youth's perceptions of risk and related service needs if service access is to be provided optimally. Highlights: Better quality services are related to improved outcomes for youth with complex needs. The more contextual risks youth face the less likely they are to perceive services as appropriate to their needs. There is a discrepancy in how youth and adults think about service provision. Heavy emphasis on referrals from caregivers and professionals may significantly effect impact of service utilization. There are advantages to including perspectives of youth in case management.