Exploring Youth Homelessness

Sponsor: NHADACA

PRESENTATION:  This training will explore the experience of youth homelessness, including its intersection with substance use disorder.  The scope of the problem, both nationally and in New Hampshire, will be discussed, along with an overview of the many definitions of homelessness and how estimates are generated.  A review of the research of youth risk and resiliency factors, as well as best practices for working with youth experiencing homelessness.  Illustrative case studies will be woven throughout to help demonstrate key concepts.  As a result of the training, participants will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the multiple Federal definitions of homelessness and the challenges to accurately gauging the extent of the issue
• Describe risk factors related to youth transitioning to homelessness and youth experiencing homelessness
• Identify the impact of substance use in the trajectories of many youth experiencing homelessness
• Explain three key approaches in working with youth experiencing homelessness

PRESENTER:  Jennifer Chisholm, LICSW, MLADC, is the Behavioral Health and Outreach Coordinator at Health Care for the Homeless (HCH) in Manchester, where she provides case management and therapeutic support to a wide array of people experiencing homelessness, both in clinic and through Street Medicine, which brings integrated primary care to encampments.  Her career has focused on homelessness and substance use, especially among Transitional Aged Youth.  She was a Case Manager at a transitional living program for homeless youth, and an outpatient/IOP clinician for adolescents with substance use disorders.  She served on NH’s Legislative Task Force on Homeless Teenagers, and sits on the Board of Directors for the NH Coalition to End Homelessness.  Jennifer is an Adjunct Professor of Social Work at UNH and provides clinical supervision to the Student Assistant Program (SAP) coordinators in Manchester through Makin’ It Happen.

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