Social Institutions

The dangerous link between teen homelessness and HIV/AIDS has led activists to develop new forms of community involvement. Service providers are turning directly to youth for help, recruiting them to become messengers of HIV-prevention awareness and mentors of other at-risk young people. This video explores the how-to of designing peer programs by introducing viewers to five models for peer-based outreach groups. It covers the training of peer mentors, the hazards they might encounter, and a wide array of clinical and management issues. The result is a valuable instructional tool for studies in adolescent healthcare, teen counseling, and other areas. (24 minutes)

This compilation of ABC News segments reports on the complex, ongoing challenges facing families and organizations that shelter endangered children. The three segments are Calling All Angels," which explores dangers and frustrations familiar to many foster kids and visits a Kentucky institution for girls who have been in and out of foster homes; "A Call to Action," which examines groundbreaking photography exhibits that have helped connect thousands of foster children with adoptive parents; and "Children on the Brink," which follows a busy social worker as she visits homes affected by drugs and poverty-highlighting success stories as well as painful cases in which children must be removed. (54 minutes)"