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Staff Members’ Experience of Italian Shelters for LGBTQIA+ Homeless and Runaway People: An Exploratory Study

Author

Listed:
  • Elena Tubertini

    (Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialisation, University of Padua, 35131 Padova, Italy)

  • Agostino Carbone

    (Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
    Department of Health Policy–The London School of Economics and Political Sciences, CPEC–Care Policy and Evaluation Center, St Clement’s Ln, London WC2A 2HD, UK)

  • Massimo Santinello

    (Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialisation, University of Padua, 35131 Padova, Italy)

Abstract

Background: Some LGBTQIA+ people, after coming out, experience marginalization and homelessness due to rejection and discrimination from their family and community. The increase in support requests led to the creation of LGBTQIA+ temporary shelter homes worldwide. This study aims to explore the functioning and effectiveness of shelters, analyzing the experiences of staff members in Italy. Methods: Focus groups were held with a total of 15 staff members (age range: 32–53) working in three shelters for LGBTQIA+ people. Data were analyzed qualitatively through the grounded theory methodology. Results: Data coding showed five final core categories: (1) user characteristics; (2) staff characteristics; (3) community relations; (4) activities carried out by services; (5) criteria for intervention assessment and staff satisfaction. Results revealed some criticalities in the effectiveness of these services, particularly the difficulty in achieving autonomy for users, a weakness attributable to the non-exhaustive training of staff members and the funding discontinuity. Conclusion: To improve the efficacy of shelters, this study emphasizes the necessity to (a) carry out an analysis of the vulnerability of the local LGBTQIA+ community, (b) establish a stable network with local services (NHS system), and (c) implement staff members’ psychological training.

Suggested Citation

  • Elena Tubertini & Agostino Carbone & Massimo Santinello, 2023. "Staff Members’ Experience of Italian Shelters for LGBTQIA+ Homeless and Runaway People: An Exploratory Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(13), pages 1-15, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:13:p:6214-:d:1178033
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Coolhart, Deborah & Brown, Maria T., 2017. "The need for safe spaces: Exploring the experiences of homeless LGBTQ youth in shelters," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 82(C), pages 230-238.
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    3. Maccio, Elaine M. & Ferguson, Kristin M., 2016. "Services to LGBTQ runaway and homeless youth: Gaps and recommendations," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 63(C), pages 47-57.
    4. Fau Rosati & Valentina Coletta & Jessica Pistella & Cristiano Scandurra & Fiorenzo Laghi & Roberto Baiocco, 2021. "Experiences of Life and Intersectionality of Transgender Refugees Living in Italy: A Qualitative Approach," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-15, November.
    5. Alex Abramovich, 2016. "Preventing, Reducing and Ending LGBTQ2S Youth Homelessness: The Need for Targeted Strategies," Social Inclusion, Cogitatio Press, vol. 4(4), pages 86-96.
    6. repec:mpr:mprres:8027 is not listed on IDEAS
    7. April Joy Damian & Delilah Ponce & Angel Ortiz-Siberon & Zeba Kokan & Ryan Curran & Brandon Azevedo & Melanie Gonzalez, 2022. "Understanding the Health and Health-Related Social Needs of Youth Experiencing Homelessness: A Photovoice Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(16), pages 1-16, August.
    8. Cristiano Scandurra & Agostino Carbone & Roberto Baiocco & Selene Mezzalira & Nelson Mauro Maldonato & Vincenzo Bochicchio, 2021. "Gender Identity Milestones, Minority Stress and Mental Health in Three Generational Cohorts of Italian Binary and Nonbinary Transgender People," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-14, August.
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