Self-Determination at a Homeless Youth Serving Agency

Author

Matthew F. Halley, Augsburg College

Date of Award

Summer 5-3-1997

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Department

Social Work

First Advisor

Glenda Dewberry Rooney

Second Advisor

Maria Dinis

Third Advisor

Mary Weeks

Abstract

This study explored how staff of a drop-in center for homeless youth interacted with clients. Specifically, it examined the roles of paternalism and self-determination at the agency. In order to determine degrees of paternalism, fifteen subjects were asked to respond to four vignettes. The study results suggest that paternalism may be used as a tool for supporting clients. Classic justifications for paternalistic interventions were applied to the homeless youth population to argue that limiting self -determination was appropriate.

Identifier

SC 11.MSW.1997.Halley.MF

Recommended Citation

Halley, Matthew F., "Self-Determination at a Homeless Youth Serving Agency" (1997). Theses and Graduate Projects. 706.
https://idun.augsburg.edu/etd/706