A qualitative exploration of suspended youth social connectedness in a community-based intervention program

ABSTRACT

Out-of-school suspension continues to disconnect an overwhelming number of economically disadvantaged ethnic minority (EDEM) youth from school—leading to out-of-school placement. Youth communities and localities may provide alternative spaces for suspended youth and create opportunities for prosocial engagement and support. The present study employed participant observation and interviews to explore suspended youth sense of social connectedness in a community-based intervention program in the United States. Findings illustrate psychosocial assets and youth sense of social connectedness emerged from relational bonds and a structural culture enforcing a nurturing and inclusive environment. A discussion on improving the capacity of community-based organizations to address the needs of suspended youth follows.

KEYWORDS:

• community-based organizations
• social connectedness
• youth development

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Drs. Andrea Emanuel, Lyndsey McGowen, and Felyshia Jenkins for their support in coding the transcripts. A special thank you to Mr. Christopher Goings for playing an important role on the coding team; however, he passed before completing his PhD. A special thank you to Mrs. Tammi Evans and Laura Short for their support and directing the focused on the study.