The STRIVE program aimed to improve residential stability and the quality of residential life, reduce the number of runaway episodes, as well as reduce HIV-related sexual and substance use risk acts. Family conflict is found to cause runaway episodes for youth. Targeting newly homeless youth, this study developed and implemented a 5-session family-based intervention. STRIVE sessions take place with families while youth are still in shelters and/or being served by community agencies, and as they transition back to the home.

Surveys and Scales Used: 

  1. Acculturation, Habits, and Interests Multicultural Scale for Adolescents (AHIMSA)
  2. AIDS Knowledge and Attitude - Survey
  3. Adult Attachment Scale (AAS)
  4. Educational (Academic) Experience Assessment
  5. Family Interdependence - Scale
  6. Family Functioning - Scale
  7. Family Assessment Measure III - Scale
  8. Employment and Labor Experience Assessment - Survey
  9. University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA)
  10. Teaming African American Parents with Survival Skills (TAAPSS) - Survey
  11. Spiritual Intuition Inventory (Religion) - Survey
  12. Self Harm: Suicide History - Survey
  13. Social Support Microsystem Scale (SOC)
  14. Health Belief Model: Intentions for Safer Sex (HBMI) - Scale
  15. Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST) - Survey
  16. Alcohol/Drug: Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST) - Adolescent Version
  17. Alcohol/Drug: Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST) - Parent Version
  18. Runaway Episodes - Survey
  19. Residential Stability (RS) - Survey
  20. Reasons for Leaving Home (RLH) - Survey
  21. [Download not found]
  22. Proactive Attitude Scale (PAS)
  23. Health Belief Model: Perceived Susceptibility (HMBP) - Scale
  24. Parental Monitoring Assessment (PMA)
  25. Parker Parental Bonding Instrument
  26. Parent Involvement & Supervision - Scale
  27. NSBA Religious Involvement - Survey
  28. Multiple Problem Behavior: Sex Work - Survey
  29. The Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) - Scale
  30. McMaster Family Assessment Device (FAD) - Scale
  31. Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment (IPPA)
  32. House Rules - Scale
  33. Getting Services Assessment - Survey
  34. Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS)
  35. Multiple Problem Behavior - DSM Conduct Problems (DSMC) - Conduct Disorder
  36. Conflict Resolution - Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS)
  37. Autonomy Self Report: Adolescent Autonomy - Scale
  38. AIDS Risk Behavior Assessment (ARBA) - Scale
  39. PTSD Index for DSM IV (Adolescent version) - UCLA
  40. Positive Attitudes Toward Living at Home - Survey

Targeted Risk Group: 

Newly homeless youth in Los Angeles

Intervention model: 

A behavioral family-based intervention model was used to address family conflict and promote positive family-child interactions.

Research Methods: 

This study consisted of two phases Phase 1 was focus groups and key informant interviews to develop research design, measures, an intervention activities. Phase 2 implemented family intervention sessions with baseline and 3, 6, 12, 18, 24 month follow ups.

Local Significance: 

Positive outcomes for reducing HIV risk behaviors and improving mental health.

International Significance: 

N/A