Waikiki Youth Circles: Homeless Youth Learn Goal Setting Skills

Abstract

“I was surprised I did it. I never look in the paper and I never would call anyone, but I just did it, and I saw this cheap studio. So I called and they said to come down and fill out the application. A lot of people were there looking at it when I came. I can’t believe it! I got the place! I’m moving in tomorrow!” Kent, a 20-year-old former foster child, happily explains how he found an apartment during a Waikiki Youth Circle. The Waikiki Youth Circle is a group process for homeless youth to find ways to meet their needs and connect to society. The Circle offers an opportunity for the youth to develop goal-setting skills.

Keywords: Solution-focused brief therapy, restorative justice, homeless youth, disconnected youth, group process, juvenile justice, corrections, resiliency, strength-based