Peculiarities of social work practice with young women experiencing homelessness

Abstract

This study explores the specifics of social work practice with young women experiencing homelessness in Lithuania and Portugal. The study using a qualitative approach, conducting semi-structured interviews with social workers actively supporting young women in different institutions in both countries. The findings indicate that young women’s homelessness situation is understood as complex, gendered, and often hidden, frequently linked to domestic and family violence, poverty, unstable family relationships, and challenging transitions from care or institutions. Social workers combine emotional support, relationship-building, advocacy, and case management. However, services are mostly available to the general population and are not aware of the different needs of young people and women. Participants reported significant structural and emotional challenges, yet many aspects of the social work practice already reflect poverty-aware and PARTH principles. The thesis concludes that more sustainable and gender‑ and youth‑sensitive responses are needed, including stronger prevention, better integrated and multilevel support, safer and more suitable housing options for young women, and continuous professional development and support for social workers. By centering social workers’ perspectives, the study contributes to understanding how practice with young women experiencing homelessness is shaped, constrained, and sustained in two European contexts.