Introduction
Trauma-related victim populations need to be considered with great care since they are quite different from each other, and the issues that concern them cover a broad spectrum of problems. Among these, LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness form a particularly disadvantaged group facing not just the challenges of housing insecurity but also the maze-like layers of social stigma and rejection at home. As a result, their overlapping identities must be viewed through the lens of different biopsychosocial needs and thus require community-based approaches tailored to individuals. Turning to the discourse on this victim population in particular, we find that modern times of crime control demand a reassessment of the balance between federal directives and resources. This discussion aims to address the tangled contradictions involved in providing help to LGBTQ youth suffering from homelessness.
The trauma-related victim population being considered, in this case, LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness, faces problems far beyond lack of stable housing. An article by Forge et al. (2018) points out that LGBTQ-identified youth who have been in the child welfare system are particularly vulnerable. Many of their problems result from family rejection, discrimination, and social stereotypes that are only made worse by the fact that they are homeless (Forge, 2018). Comprehensive support for these youths’ biopsychosocial needs is required. Viewed from a biological standpoint, they may need medical attention and mental health services to deal with the psychological wound of rejection and loss. These three factors, community acceptance, education, and employment opportunities, are most important psychosocially. Societal stigma and discrimination have had a significant impact on their minds. Socially, they need safe places where there is a feeling of belonging.
It is essential to assess whether the existing community assets are meeting the needs of LGBTQ youth. The PR Newswire report (2023) says that homelessness and housing instability among LGBTQ youth is one of the risk factors for suicide. This highlights the importance of acting quickly and comprehensively to meet their needs (PR Newswire, 2022). The issue- federal resources versus mandates-becomes relevant in the era of crime control. Others contend that single victims and locales are best served by federal funding rather than edicts tailored to the community.
Community-based means cooperation between federal resources and local programs. Androff (2012) considers restorative justice interventions based on the community, stressing that the family must have reconciliation (Androff, 2012). This method reflects the concept that LGBTQ youth who are homeless should be addressed in their communities ‘context. Hurley (2009) points out that victim wrap-around programs are critical in institutional settings (Hurley, 2009). With this idea serving as a basis, it becomes that an all-encompassing support system for LGBTQ youth would include healthcare provisions, education services, and housing assistance complemented by mental health care specializing in the needs of such young people. These community-based initiatives mean that federal resources are channeled into developing existing local capacities; there is no imposition of standardized mandates.
Conclusion
The needs of LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness are complex, but the solution must be multi-dimensional and community-based. Although federal resources are critical, local efforts must be given the latitude and expertise to craft a response appropriate for this trauma-afflicted victim group. From the literature on intersectionality, it is clear how crucial an accepting community and combined support services for diverse needs are before you even get to themed workshops or targeted interventions. By collaborating with federal and community resources, we hope to make accessible, safe spaces that allow LGBTQ youth on a pathway toward stability. Federal resources are necessary, but these should not be used as uniform stick rules; instead, they should serve as implementations for strengthening local capacities. Among recent discussions surrounding community-based restorative justice interventions and victim wrap-around programs, this offers a way forward toward strengthening local efforts with tailored solutions to the problems faced by LGBTQ youth. Together, we can dream of cultivating spaces for LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness that are inclusive and safe, where everyone is partaking in the general upliftment. Meanwhile, society itself will become more just and compassionate as a result.
References
Androff, D. K. (2012). Reconciliation in a community-based restorative justice intervention. Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare,39(4), 73–96.
Hurley, M. H. (2009). Restorative Practices in Institutional Settings and at Release: Victim Wrap around Programs. Federal Probation, pp. 73, 16. https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals/fedpro73&div=6&id=&page=
Forge, N., Hartinger-Saunders, R., Wright, E., & Ruel, E. (2018). Out of the System and onto the Streets: LGBTQ-Identified Youth Experiencing Homelessness with Past Child Welfare System Involvement. Child Welfare, 96(2), 47–74. https://www.jstor.org/stable/48624544
PR Newswire. (2022, February 3). New Report Shows Homelessness, Housing Instability Linked to Increased Suicide Risk Among LGBTQ Youth. PR Newswire US. New Report Shows Homelessness, Housing Instability Linked to Increased Suicide Risk Among LGBTQ Youth
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