EFFECTIVENESS OF INTENSIVE CASE-MANAGEMENT FOR HOMELESS ADOLESCENTS -RESULTS OF A 3-MONTH FOLLOW-UP

This article describes the Seattle Homeless Adolescent Research Projec t (SHARP), a research demonstration program with a goal of implementin g and evaluating an intensive mental health case management program fo r homeless adolescents. This new program, Project Passage, is based on nine primary components: (a) assessment, (b) planning, (c) linkage, ( d) monitoring or tracking, (e) advocacy, (f) counseling or the therape utic relationship, (g) treatment teams, (h) crisis service, and (i) fl exible funds. Case load limited to no more than 12 cases, so that adol escent-centered, individualized services could be delivered. Youths we re randomly assigned to Project Passage or a ''regular'' case manageme nt program. A 3-month follow-up found that both groups demonstrated si gnificant improvements in mental health outcomes and social adjustment ; however, youths in Project Passage evidenced lower levels of aggress ion and greater satisfaction with their quality of life.