Policeman or Friend? Dilemmas in Working with Homeless Young People in the United Kingdom

This qualitative, phenomenological study examined the relationships between residents and staff in hostels for homeless young people in the UK. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 homeless youth (residents) and 10 hostel staff (keyworkers). The interviews focused on how participants perceived and experienced the keyworker relationship. Qualitative data analysis yielded three core themes, or dimensions, describing central features of the relationship: enforcement versus support, emotional involvement versus distance, and resident-centered versus staff-centered practice. The findings highlight some dilemmas and tensions experienced by both residents and staff, and point to effective ways of working with homeless youth. Issues arising in the relationship between keyworkers and homeless young people are considered in the context of other types of helping relationships .