A family type residence for homeless and troubled youth : a strategic plan for a Salesian youth hostel

Abstract

This dissertation aims at exploring the best use of Osanna Pia Salesian Youth Hostel in the provision of services for male homeless and troubled youth. It analysis the services offered during its first years of existence, to identify what aspects need to be maintained, changed or developed A review of current researchers and theorists who wrote about the main concepts surrounding family-type residences for homeless and troubled youth is provided. The study presents also a broad definition of the homelessness concept and identifies possible stages leading to chronic homelessness. Two different in-depth research methods were utilised to explore the performance, processes and resources of the hostel from various perspectives and through different periods. In-depth one-to-one interviews and participant observation were used to place the researcher and the reader in the reality of the experience. The study confirms the importance of Osanna Pia Hostel in the local service provision for homeless and youth at risk, over the age of sixteen. It shows that the mission of the hostel and the resources possess the potential to prevent further increase in the local homeless population. Guided by the findings emerging from the study and through comparison with Anglo-American literature, the dissertation identifies areas in which Osanna Pia could make further developments.