Research I. Week 13

Silberman School of Social Work

Research 1, SSW751: Fall 2019

Professor Melissa Meinhart

Introduction

There are many factors that play a major role in the lives of individuals who have been involved in the criminal justice system throughout history. Many of these individuals who have been involved in the criminal justice system often experience higher recidivism rates because of social disadvantages, such as mental health issues and homelessness, which impacts individuals on a functional level. Individuals who are underserved in our communities are often viewed as victims of frequent systems utilizers, someone . Roman and Harding (2017) define “frequent systems utilizers” as individuals who cycles through the jail and prison systems, homeless shelter facilities, hospitals, and mental health treatment centers due to the gaps of integration between service delivery systems (Roman & Harding, 2017). This study will touch examineon the benefits of the use of homogenizing services between mental health providers, the criminal justice system, and homeless shelter facilities which are often found to be interrelated with recidivism rates in the United States. The purpose of this paper is to take a closer look at how the lack of adequate mental health services in homeless shelter facilities leading to a higher recidivism rate for young adults ages 18-24 in New York City. Comment by Melissa Meinhart: Regarding incarceration or to homeless shelters? Comment by Melissa Meinhart: What is meant by homogenizing? Comment by Melissa Meinhart: This is a great closing sentence! I would suggest to keep this sentence and delete the prior sentence

For our research study, we looked at the types of mental health services young adults have access to within the homeless shelter facilities and how the capacity of a shelter impacts the delay in service delivery. In addition, we also looked at the intervention services that could adhere to the developmental needs of young adults. We focused on this the population of homeless young adults due to increased concern for young adults with mental health issues experiencing recidivism. This study will use a stratified sampling strategy with a probabilistic method that can be used to reduce sampling errors and ensure there are enough cases with different values for comparison to focus on the delivery of mental health services for young adults in homeless shelter facilities. As you read further along we will mention the independent, dependent, and sociodemographic variables we selected for our quantitative component and describe the standardized measurement we selected to best support our research questions. We will also identify our qualitative component interest in our study.  Comment by Melissa Meinhart: Ages X-Y Comment by Melissa Meinhart: Yes! Well done on including your rationale

Population and Data Collected

The paper will explore the availability of mental health services in emergency shelters as a contributing factor in recidivism rates and involvement within the criminal justice system.  The target population focuses on young adults between the ages of 18 through 24 who have utilized supportive services in emergency shelters. Neuroscience has shed significant light on the trajectory of adolescent brain development. Ray (2018) defines young adulthood as the ages of 19 through 25 and notes similarities in brain function between adolescents and young adults. Similarly, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development identifies young adults as individuals below the age of 25. However, young adults within this age group may not always have access to the same youth shelters. Eligibility criteria for New York City youth shelters such as Covenant House and Street Works accept young adults through the age of 21. This, therefore, bodes the question of whether young adults have the same access to mental health and age-appropriate services within the shelter system and this impacts their success in the community. Comment by Melissa Meinhart: This is the first mention of emergency Comment by Melissa Meinhart: Within homeless shelters? Or within the criminal justice system?... or maybe all types of recidivism? Unclear Comment by Melissa Meinhart: This is great! Suggest to also pull this narrative within the above section as it would help the reader (i.e. your classmates and myself) have earlier knowledge of some of this key information Comment by Melissa Meinhart: This is all interesting (very interesting!) However, this detail can be included in the introduction of your final paper. For this section, try to provide a more succinct rationale on your specificity of age

Study participants will include males and females within the stated age group who have resided in a New York City shelter for a minimum of three nights.  This time frame would allow the opportunity for shelter staff to initiate the necessary assessments that would be aligned with treatment planning and implementation of mental health services. This study will not include participants with no identified mental health needs who have accessed shelters that do not require a formalized intake process. Comment by Melissa Meinhart: What about gender non-conforming? Comment by Melissa Meinhart: Is that because those agencies won’t have mental health services?

In consideration of potential access limitations, the proposed sample size is forty participants. Following outreach to the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) and Community Homeless United, we will identify ten New York City agencies servicing homeless and at-risk adults ages 18-24. We will then contact the identified agencies to gauge their interest to participate and request access to the shelter premises to meet with interested participants. Surveys will then be conducted directly with interested participants at the identified shelters.  Comment by Melissa Meinhart: What is the rationale for 40? Comment by Melissa Meinhart: How will you identify these agencies and how will you determine how many surveys will be conducted at each? Comment by Melissa Meinhart: Good! Comment by Melissa Meinhart: See below comment on “directly” – how will you “meet” with potential participants Comment by Melissa Meinhart: What does “directly” mean?

Method

  To conduct this study and to ensure a fair opportunity of seeking information from the target population, theA combination of quantitative and qualitative methods would be the best choicewill be used for the research paper. We will choose to utilize the survey research as well as focus groups to study the mental health services that are offered to the selected participants and the recidivism of the individual who has a mental health illness. Using this method would reveal what treatment is effective and should be utilized for this population in the shelter settings. Utilizing the two different types of research will result in having a better understanding of how young adults in the shelter system are affected when they are not adequately service.  Comment by Melissa Meinhart: This paragraph is difficult for me to understand – suggest to revisit and revise. It looks like you have some good pieces in here. Perhaps it just needs a little bit of a review

Sampling Strategy

  For the direction of the study, we would utilize the stratified sampling strategy with a probabilistic method. Since the study will select male and female individuals from different ages, but investigate them at one point in time, the cross-sectional research design is the method that would suitably fit the research. This sampling method will ensure that there is no sampling error, along with having a fair opportunity of seeking information from the target population. The probabilistic sampling strategy will consist of young adults from the ages of 18 to 24 years old. We will reach out to ten NYC shelter facilities that would be selected. From each facility, four participants, (2) male and (2) female, would be willingly and randomly chosen to participate in the research. Each participant would have the opportunity to participate in the survey questions.  Comment by Melissa Meinhart: How so? Comment by Melissa Meinhart: How so? Comment by Melissa Meinhart: Very clear writing! Comment by Melissa Meinhart: Is gender the strata? Comment by Melissa Meinhart: That seems unlikely. I’ve never heard of a study that can say it has no sampling error – how are you determining this? Comment by Melissa Meinhart: How so? Comment by Melissa Meinhart: How are you contacting (i.e. sampling) them? Comment by Melissa Meinhart: How are you selecting these? Comment by Melissa Meinhart: Seems like quota sampling if you are setting a number like this Comment by Melissa Meinhart: How so?

Procedure Comment by Melissa Meinhart: Good start! Suggest to review the narrative once more – I think some of the writing can be streamlined a bit

For the study, it is essential to base a 40-question survey to determine the participant race, age, and ethnicity. In regards to the survey, it will consist of some open-ended questions that will address the mental health of a male or female, the treatment that they engaged in, the success of the therapy, and other survey questions that are relevant to the group research problem. The survey will be administered in the shelter facility face to face. The same questions would be asked of the male and female participants to have no manipulation with the success of the research. 

Measurement

According to Yegidis, Weinbach, & Myers (2018), “stratified random sampling can be used to reduce the amount of sampling error when using a simple or systematic random sample or to ensure there are enough cases within different value or value label category of a variable for comparison purposes” (p.213).  This measurement was chosen not only because it would reduce sampling error but also because it would provide structure around a population that is typically transient and difficult to assess on an ongoing basis.  Comment by Melissa Meinhart: Which instrument/scale are you using? I’m unable to identify it in the suvey below Comment by Melissa Meinhart: Sampling is not the same thing as measurement

In regards to the dependent variable(s) for this study, the criteria that remained the same throughout the study were single New York City shelter residents ages 18-24 either male or female with mental illness. Some independent variables for the study include the size of the shelters and their capacity. This would impact the sample size. Additionally, depending on the type of shelter, for example, a mica facility which is a shelter that is geared towards helping clients with a mental health illness may have more services on-site versus a non-mica shelter housing mentally ill homeless youth. Another factor to consider are the number of staff members available to meet the demands of shelter residents or are there enough qualified staff members to administer mental health services. Furthermore, race and socio-demographic background may impact the dependent variable. For example, a person's cultural background, religion or education can all play a big role in the validity of the results. One standardized measure we will use for our research is a survey that will ask multiple questions pertaining to mental health services in the shelters. Comment by Melissa Meinhart: unclear

When assessing the qualitative components of this study, we were interested in whether shelter residents had access to adequate mental health services and if they had incentive or interest to participate in the mental health services on an ongoing basis to prevent multiple shelter readmissions. For qualitative research, in-person interviews can oftentimes be conducted after a survey to formulate exclamation or hypothesis that can support research. Some possible feedback to the study by the participant can be the denial of obtaining mental health services at their facilities to regain their independence, as shelter residents oftentimes feel institutionalized or degraded. We theorize that smaller shelters provide more adequate health care because of the smaller population.

Limitations

Only choosing from 10 shelters in the NYC area limits the research with having a fair chance of reaching individuals in different NYC shelter facilities. For instance, the coalition for the homeless (2019) reported in September 2019, there were 62,391 homeless people, including 14,962 homeless families with 22,083 homeless children, sleeping each night in the New York City municipal shelter system. Even though both genders have an equal opportunity at the survey questions, a significant amount of shelter facilities will not have the chance to partake in the service, which gives them the disadvantage of addressing the lack of services they offered to people in the shelter. Along with only interviewing 40 participants. The age range of the population (18-24 years old) set limitations as well. Only focusing on young adults doesn't address the potential mental health issues among adolescents, younger children, and even older adults. Despite the limitations of the research, the study will expose the concerns of the lack of mental health services within the shelter system. Possible treatment (ineffectively and effectively) will be highlighted in the study, which will emphasize the interventions that should take the lead to help individuals with mental health illness. The study will also unveil the shelter facilities that have inconsistent and nonexistent mental health services for individuals and how their mental health illness affects their recidivism. 

Conclusion

The age group that will be studied is unique because while it is identified as a young adult population, access to the same resources can be challenging and limiting depending on the person’s exact age. For instance, individuals between the ages of eighteen and twenty-one may have access to a broader range of services as they will likely be eligible to enter both youth and adult facilities. On the contrary, study participants between the ages of twenty-two and twenty-four will likely have more limited access to enter youth shelters, and therefore would rely more heavily on supportive services through adult shelters. In order to capture these nuances, the comprehensive survey was designed to explore the correlation between service provision, types of service, timeline of service delivery, and ultimately the impact on recidivism rates. The survey further creates a platform for study participants to share their perspectives and recommendations. The study design acknowledges the potential access limitations should shelter refuse to provide necessary authorization. To address this, the number of participating shelters is both conservative but also wide enough to capture a diverse pool of participants. Comment by Melissa Meinhart: Page limit is 5 pages

References

Coalitionforthehomeless.org. (2019). Basic Facts About Homelessness: New York City - Coalition For The Homeless. [online] Available at: https://www.coalitionforthehomeless.org/basic-facts-about-homelessness-new-york-city/ [Accessed 11 Nov. 2019].

Harding, C. S., & Roman, C. G. (2017). Identifying discrete subgroups of chronically homeless frequent utilizers of jail and public mental health services. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 44(4), 511–530. https://doi-org.proxy.wexler.hunter.cuny.edu/10.1177/0093854816680838

Ray, W. J. (2018).  Abnormal psychology, 2nd Edition, New York: Sage Publications.

Yegidis, B. L., Weinbach, R. W., & Myers, L. L. (2018). Research methods for social workers. New York: Pearson. 

Annex

Survey instrument Comment by Melissa Meinhart: Great start with this!

1) How old are you? 

a. 18-19

b. 20-21

c. 22-23 Comment by Melissa Meinhart: What if someone is 23 years old?

d. 23-24

2) What is your gender identity?

a. Female

b. Male

c. Gender Variant/Non-Conforming Comment by Melissa Meinhart: Your narrative indicates an interest only in males and females – what would happen to the surveys where someone is gender non-conforming (or unwilling to share this information)

d. Not Listed: __________

e. Prefer not to answer

3) Please specify your ethnicity:

a. White

b. Hispanic or Latino/a

c. Black or African American

d. Asian/Pacific Islander

e. Other______________

4) What is the highest-grade level you completed?

a. No schooling

b. Elementary school to middle school

c. Some high school/no diploma

d. High school graduate diploma or the equivalent (for example GED)

e. Some college credit no degree

f. Trade/Vocational training

g. Associate Degree 

h. Bachelor’s Degree

i. Master’s Degree

j. Professional Degree or higher

5) Are you currently…

a. Employed  Comment by Melissa Meinhart: Double check these – I don’t think they are mutually exclusive

b. Self-employed

c. Unemployed

d. Out of work but looking for employment

e. Unable to work

f. Unemployed and not looking for employment 

g. A student

h. Enrolled in a job training program

6) Is this your first time in a shelter?

a. Yes

b. No

c. I Don’t Know 

7) If no, how many times have you been in shelter? (Please write in your response)

8) How long have you resided in a shelter?

a. 1-7 days Comment by Melissa Meinhart: What if the answer is 7 days

b. 7 - 30 days 

c. 1 to 3 months  Comment by Melissa Meinhart: duplication

d. 1 to 3 months

e. 3 months or more

9) Have you ever been diagnosed with a mental health need?

a. Yes

b. No

c. I Don’t Know

10) If yes, what is your mental health diagnosis? (Please write in your response)

11) Have you ever been diagnosed with a substance use disorder?

a. Yes

b. No

c. I Don’t Know

12) If you have been diagnosed with a substance use disorder, have you ever been referred for treatment services?

a. Yes, currently receiving treatment 

b. Yes, successfully completed treatment 

c. Yes, unsuccessfully discharged from treatment 

d. No, I have never been referred for substance use treatment services  

13) Was a mental health screening administered at intake upon your arrival to the shelter?

a. Yes

b. No

c. I Don’t Know

14) Would you be willing to participate in mental health services if recommended per your mental health screening?

a. Yes

b. No

c. I Don’t Know

15) Has any member of your immediate family members have been diagnosed with a mental health need? 

a. Yes

b. No

c. I Don’t Know

16) If yes, what is the mental health diagnosis? (Please write in your response)

17) Has any member of your immediate family members have been diagnosed with a substance use disorder? 

a. Yes

b. No

c. I Don’t Know

18) Have you ever received treatment for mental health needs?

a. Yes

b. No

c. I Don’t Know

19) Are you currently receiving mental health services?

a. Yes

b. No

c. I Don’t Know

20) Are you currently receiving any psychotropic medication?

a. Yes

b. No

c. I Don’t Know

21) Are you currently receiving psychotherapy services? (e.g. one on one therapy sessions)

a. Yes

b. No

c. I Don’t Know

22) How many times do you meet with a therapist?

a. 2 times per week or more

b. 1 - 2 times per week

c. 1 time per month 

d. Bi-monthly 

e. Every three months or less

23) Are you currently receiving group counseling sessions?

a. Yes

b. No

c. I Don’t Know

24) How many times do you attend group?

a. 2 times per week or more

b. 1 - 2 times per week

c. 1 time per month 

d. Bi-monthly 

e. Every three months or less

25) How would you rate the quality of these services?

a. Excellent

b. Very Good

c. Satisfactory

d. Poor

e. Very Poor 

26) What mental health services has helped you in the past? (Please write in your response)

27) Do you know you if these services are offered are your current shelter facility?

a. Yes

b. No

c. I Don’t Know

28) How soon after intake into the shelter did you begin receiving treatment?

a. 7 days

b. 7 - 30 days 

c. 1 to 3 months 

d. 1 to 3 months

e. 3 months or more

29) Have you ever been arrested?

a. Yes

b. No

c. I Don’t Know

30) At what age was your first arrest? (Please write in your response)

31) Do you currently have any open cases?

a. Yes

b. No

c. I Don’t Know

32) Have you ever been under probation or parole supervision?

a. Yes, currently under probation or parole supervision

b. Yes, formerly under probation or parole supervision 

c. No, I have never been under probation or parole supervision

33) How long ago was your last arrest?

a. 1 to 7 days

b. 7 to 30 days 

c. 1 to 3 months 

d. 1 to 3 months

e. 3 months or more

34) Have you ever been court-mandated to receive mental health services? 

a. Yes

b. No

c. I Don’t Know

35) What factors do you think led to your criminal justice involvement? (Please write in your response)

36) Do you believe there is a connection between your homeless status and criminal justice involvement?

a. Yes

b. No

c. I Don’t Know

37) Do you believe that your residence in a shelter has impacted your mental health status?

a. Yes

b. No

c. I Don’t Know

38) Since you have entered the shelter system, how much have you been bothered by any of the following:

a. Anxiety Not bothered at all  o   Bothered  a little o  Bothered a lot o

b. Depression Not bothered at all  o   Bothered  a little o  Bothered a lot o

c. Insomnia Not bothered at all  o   Bothered  a little o  Bothered a lot o

d. Other: _______          Not bothered at all o   Bothered a little o  Bothered a lot o

39) Have your mental health needs ever impacted your length of stay or eligibility to remain in a shelter?

a. Yes

b. No

c. I Don’t Know

40) What is your comfortability with reaching out for mental health services in your facility?

a. Not comfortable

b. Comfortable

c. Very comfortable 

Feedback (optional) please provide details or suggestions