Original
Navigating challenges at the frontline: evidence from Youth Outreach Unit (YOU) in marginalized communities
Abstract
Police-led youth programs provide mentorship and support for youth in marginalized communities, yet limited research examines their implementation challenges and adaptive strategies. This qualitative study investigates the Youth Outreach Unit (YOU) in Miami-Dade County, Florida, using virtual semi-structured interviews with program leaders and officers. Findings identify three key implementation challenges: resource constraints, understaffing and limited expertise, and unclear goals and performance metrics. We further identify three pathways for improvement: formal partnerships and community collaboration, strategic use of goal ambiguity, and clearer metrics, protocols, and accountability mechanisms. The study offers policy implications for designing and supporting community-based youth programs.
中文
在基层一线应对挑战：来自边缘化社区青年外展单元（YOU）的证据
摘要
警方主导的青年项目为边缘化社区青年提供指导与支持，但有限研究考察其实施挑战与适应性策略。本定性研究调查了佛罗里达州迈阿密-戴德县的青年外展单元（YOU），采用对项目负责人和警员的虚拟半结构化访谈。研究发现三项关键实施挑战：资源约束、人手不足与专业知识有限，以及目标与绩效指标不明确。我们进一步识别出三条改进路径：正式合作伙伴关系与社区协作、策略性利用目标模糊性，以及更清晰的指标、协议和问责机制。该研究为设计和支持社区型青年项目提供了政策启示。
关键词
青年外展单元、边缘化社区、实施挑战、适应性策略、警务主导青年项目、社区协作、绩效指标、定性研究