SAGE Journal Articles

Explore full-text SAGE journal articles that have been carefully selected to support and expand on the concepts presented in the chapter.

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Article 1:
Ausikaitis, A. E., Wynne, M. E., Persaud, S., Pitt, R., Hosek, A., Reker, K., Turner, C., Flores, S., Flores, S. (2014). Staying in school: The efficacy of the McKinney–Vento act for homeless youth. Youth & Society, 47:5, 707-726.

Summary:
The increasing number of homeless youth in the United States presents many social justice concerns, including issues of educational access, stigma, and self-advocacy. These problems become even more apparent when homelessness and educational attainment intersect. The McKinney–Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987 was enacted to address these concerns. While some schools attempt to implement the law to benefit homeless youth, clear limitations in service delivery remain. This article explores the perspectives of homeless youth who were trying to remain in high school. From a social justice framework using qualitative analyses, three focus groups were conducted at a transitional living program in a large urban area. Focus group transcripts were coded to capture key themes identified by youth. These include knowledge of McKinney–Vento rights, self-disclosure of homelessness, the negative effects of homelessness, and factors that protect youth from dropping out. Finally, the authors explore implications for school-based service providers.

Article 2:
Okech, D., Morreau, W., & Benson, K. (2012). Human trafficking: Improving victim identification and service provision. International Social Work, 55, 488–503.

Summary:
The trafficking of humans is a serious issue. The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) is the main legislative effort in the US that addresses this problem. Based on social work values, the article provides an assessment of the TVPA and suggests that service provision and victim identification need to be strengthened to better serve human trafficking victims. Global trends, efforts, and limitations in reducing trafficking are discussed. Specific interventions by social workers in victim identification and service provision are presented.